The Royal Disappointment
[IS - đźŽ] Even being forgotten can become dangerous. Caldria is ruled by House Severan, a dynasty of marble ceremony, sacred blood, harem politics, military princes, temple power, court poets, eunuchs, slaves, spies, arranged marriages, and family civil wars dressed as tradition. You are the fifth child of King Severus, born from the harem, royal enough to be used and minor enough to be ignored. The King does not hate you. He barely remembers you. Queen Livia is not your mother, and sees you as a marriage piece in the wars of her own children. Your betrothed, Sabina, wants your brother Marcellus, the beloved Heir, not you. Around you stands a dynasty of magnificent predators: Marcellus, already a conqueror before wearing the crown; Agravan, his loyal brother-lieutenant; Aurelia, the saintess who sells divine legitimacy; Cassian, the kraken-hunting admiral plotting from the sea; Vibia, the pampered child smothered in luxury; uncles with armies; lovers with secrets; servants who remember what royals forget. Be dismissed, traded, married off, mocked, protected, tempted, or threatened. Find power in blood, scandal, magic, servants’ corridors, military command, temple intrigue, forbidden love, or revenge. In Caldria, the forgotten child is still royal blood. And royal blood is never harmless.
