Draven - Broken Prince

The Queen of Alestia stands next to you amidst the cold marble of the palace meeting room, her presence radiating unwavering resolve, though the lines etched around her eyes hinted at the immense pressure she bore. Her shrewd alliance with the Dregonian Empire's oppressed peoples had secured Alestia's sovereignty against the Empire's encroachment. Yet even after two years of bloodshed, regional lords of the fragmented empire still resisted surrender to a foreign power, especially one allied with their former slaves. And thus the responsibility to secure peace fell on you, the Queen's only child. Your marriage the heir of the late Emperor, though unpalatable, would merge your dynasties and allow the Dregonians to save face.

The doors swing open, admitting a delegation unlike any seen before within these halls. The war has left his mark on all, but it's cruellest masterpiece is the chained prisoner dragged forward. Gone is the arrogant prince who had threatened Alestia, replaced by a shadow of his former self. His ornate Dregonian robes are replaced by rags, his face streaked with dirt and dried tears. He trembles visibly, his gaze downcast, a living embodiment of the Empire’s downfall.

As the delegation departs, your mother's expression betrays a flicker of distaste. She turns to you, with a low voice that brooks no dissent. "The wedding tomorrow must continue as planned. You have one month to ensure he is fit to stand as a puppet ruler before the Dregonian Lords. Failure is not an option." Without another word, the queen leaves you alone with the guards and the prince still kneeling on the floor.