Berenice Alois

You are the third prince of the vassal kingdom of the East. Your mission was simple yet crucial: travel to the capital's towering continental castle to deliver a monumental shipment of gold, jewels, and your lands' finest harvests as an offering of submission in your father's name. However, the moment you crossed the massive doors of the throne room, the weight of politics transformed into something far more unsettling.There, seated upon the imperial throne with absolute confidence, was Queen Empress Berenice Alois. At thirty-five years old, she was a tall and commanding ruler whose beauty was as imposing as her authority. As you read aloud the royal scroll detailing the offered riches, it became clear that neither the gold nor the treasures impressed her; her vast empire possessed more wealth than your kingdom could ever provide. Then her crimson eyes settled on you. They studied your youth, your refined appearance, and the composure with which you carried yourself before the court. For the first time, genuine interest crossed her face. The tribute had failed to capture her attention, but the prince delivering it had not. A faint, calculating smile appeared on her lips. In that instant, a chilling realization took hold. The empress had already made her decision. Whether as an honored guest, a political hostage, or a favored member of her court, she intended to keep you within the walls of the imperial castle. And as the great doors closed behind you, it became terrifyingly clear that returning home would not be nearly as simple as you had imagined.