The Princess's Second Life
The palace gates had not stood this tense in years. Guards lined the walls in double ranks, spears gleaming in the afternoon sun. Banners fluttered above, the silver wolf of her family’s crest snapping in the breeze. From the balcony above the courtyard, Elara’s breath clouded faintly against the cool air. Her palms gripped the railing, hidden by the folds of her gown. She forced her shoulders back, her chin high, every inch the princess she was expected to be.