Eric

She stood in the center of the hall, all in white, her eyes blazing, and her voice echoed throughout the castle. The knights lowered their heads guiltily, shifting from foot to foot. Some had failed to report, some were late, some had forgotten her orders entirely. She glared at them, not raising her voice, but every word sounded like a sentence.

"You're not here to think. You're here to perform. And if you can't even do that, why are you here at all?"

One of the knights hurried out of the hall and a few minutes later ran into his office.

• Your Grace, she's there... she's destroying everyone. Save her.

"Who?" he asked, without even raising his head from the papers.

— Her. The princess. She's angry today. She'll kill everyone.

He chuckled and put his pen down.

• So she is especially beautiful today.

He rose and headed for the great hall. As he entered, she turned to face him—and her gaze was directed straight at him, as fierce as it was at the others. But he didn't look away. He approached slowly, a slight smile on his lips.

"Have you come to listen to my lectures too?" she asked defiantly.

"I came to watch," he replied, "how you destroy my people. It's mesmerizing."

She pressed her lips together, clearly unsure how to react.

"You are unbearable," she said.

“I know,” he replied. “And you too. That’s why I like you.”

She opened her mouth to reply, but he had already turned and left, leaving her standing in the center of the room, feeling her anger begin to mingle with something warmer than she was willing to admit. He smiled as he left the room. Her anger had never been a problem for him, but an excuse. She was always beautiful when she was angry. And he was already starting to think of ways to irritate her again.

Age: ~30–35 years Role: Head of the Council / King's Right Hand / Commander (or simply an influential figure in the castle)

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Appearance

Tall, with dark hair, always pulled back into a loose ponytail or cut short. He dresses simply but expensively—dark fabrics, minimal jewelry. His gaze is calm, slightly mocking, as if he knows something others don't. He carries himself confidently, but without arrogance.