Broken Heart, Shining Crown

Prologue: Two Kingdoms

Back when the world was ruled by kings and queens, and there were conquests for territory throughout Europe, there would be a promise for everlasting peace between two distinct kingdoms. These two kingdoms, in particular, were allied together by a trade deal, renewed every five years.

The kingdom of Ilferro is one of the strongest kingdoms in Europe, due to its very militaristic outlook on life. Death is valued, and it often a useful tool that allows Ilferro to expand its territory and gain more resources. The land of Ilferro is broad and vast, able to collect and mine resources from several different regions of the continent. Ilferro is universally known for its iron and steel supply, the plentiful supply of black roses, and gladiator-like tournaments.

Meanwhile, a mere mile and a half away from Ilferro is the kingdom of Aromatiche -- a land known for its natural beauty. The kingdom is often seen as fragile and up for grabs, by stronger, competitive kingdoms. Commonly, Aromatiche is seen as a delicate flower. In the eyes of enemies, the flower can be crushed easily and destroyed. In the eyes of allies, the flower can be watered and grow to its fullest potential. Aromatiche puts a high value on appearance, as observed through its beautiful flowers and divine architecture. It is a kingdom of peace, and the annual swan migrations symbolize the chance for another war to end and for balance to be restored back to the world.

The citizens of Ilferro are known for being hardworking, loyal, courageous, apathetic, and merciless in a fight. In fact, their monarchs have a long history of bloodshed in their quest to gain more power and influence. The view of Ilferroites has been jaded as time passed by, and they have been unfairly stereotyped as cruel, dangerous, and abusive people. However, a more promising outlook on these people has arisen over the recent years, among its allies. The monarchs of the kingdom do give back to their citizens, and Ilferro is broadly known for its prosperous riches, beverages, and opportunity.

In contrast, the citizens of Aromatiche are known for their gentle kindness, intelligence, oblivious nature, and physical weakness, compared to their enemies. They place a high value on the arts, such as poetry, drama, and public speaking. Aromatians are known for having a high level of patience and compassion towards others, even their hostilest enemies. The outlook on Aromatians is rather bright, and many citizens from other kingdoms enter the land of Aromatiche to meet its fine people. However, they are occasionally scoffed at, due to their sickly, pale monarchs that have been dying off at an early age. Overall, Aromatiche is valued as a land of promise and peace that could potentially become one of the most prominent kingdoms in Europe.

Alliances are few and far-between in the kingdom of Ilferro. An alliance prevents war -- which Ilferro has always used to gain dominance over weaker regions. However, even Ilferro can understand the value of an alliance. It decrees that another kingdom should be loyal to them, and it helps to boost their economy. Not to mention, it allows for the princesses of Ilferro to be sent off to a foreign kingdom, where a prince shall care for them.

In Aromatiche, Alliances are one of the most sacred and treasured aspects of Aromatian life. Without them, Aromatiche would have been conquered centuries ago, and their people would have become just as violent and cruel as their enemies. Aromatiche is able to find strength through its tougher neighbors. Numerous trade deals have kept Aromatiche safe and prosperous over the years. One of the greatest attributes of an Aromatian alliance is that they will never dare to tear apart the alliance, in fear of upsetting the other kingdom. Aromatiche usually offers their princes and princesses up for betrothment in their alliance deals. Marriage is one of the most important aspects of Aromatian culture, especially the marriage of a prince and princess. The wedding celebrations can last up to three days, as a result.

Ilferro has always seen Aromatiche as a weak kingdom that would be easy to overpower. Yet, a firm alliance keeps Ilferro's power in check. Reluctantly, Ilferro has accepted the terms of this deal. Consistently, Ilferro has provided the kingdom of Aromatiche, their trading partner, with iron, steel, and protection against foreign invaders.

Aromatiche has not created an alliance through marriage with Ilferro. Instead, they allow Ilferroite citizens to occupy their territory as a secondary home. Along with this, Aromatiche allows the Ilferroite military to pass through their kingdom in the pursuit of war. Not all Aromatian citizens are happy with the terms of this trade deal, but hardly anyone voices their complaints. Aromatians are aware that Ilferroites should not be mocked and messed with.

In recent years, Ilferroite monarchs and nobles have become increasingly violent. Other kingdoms have taken notice and reacted accordingly. Some kingdoms have been more eager to create an alliance with Ilferro or they have become militaristic. Within some hostile kingdoms, propaganda about Ilferroite citizens has spread throughout every aset of public life -- from speeches, public events, to school teachings. Ilferro has never minded its poor public image, though in extreme cases, the kingdom will retaliate.

Shockingly, even Aromatiche has grown more militaristic. The kingdom does fear an upcoming war between its neighbors, and as Ilferroite propaganda spreads and grows, so does resentment towards the Ilferroites who reside in Aromatiche. Recently, Aromatian monarchs and nobles have steered towards the aggressive side, often observing others with a critical eye, rather than an open heart.

Currently, there is a famous prince within the kingdom of Ilferro, who is the source of gossip among the kingdoms. He is known for his cool demeanor, charm, and wit in the public spector. Yet, as many Ilferroites are seen, his public life is jaded. He has had his fair share of fights with members of the court, and his own family. Some people whisper that he's dangerous and will be the most deadly monarch Ilferro has ever seen.

However, there is one royal in Aromatiche, who hasn't become militaristic. The third son of the royal family has always been known for his innocence. He doesn't understand the cruelties occurring all around his home, nor has he grown bitter and resentful, like his fellow monarchs. He has always been a loving man, willing to open his heart up to anyone. Truthfully, the prince wants to support his kingdom in whatever way he can... except through marriage. He wants to find someone who truly loves him, not someone who is only bonded to him through an alliance. Recently, the prince has become more unpopular with his subjects lately, as they mutter darkly about his lack of love towards his kingdom.

These two princes, from two different kingdoms, may appear to be an impossible match. One prince is known for his aggressive behavior, while the other is known for his kind, gentle demeanor. How could these two ever fall in love? Well, in the following days, a string of events would lead to these two princes becoming more than just simple acquaintances.

Tonight, there is a ball commemorating the king and queen's 20th anniversary. As marriage is one of the most sacred aspects of Aromatian life, this ball would be ginormous. The king and queen would invite monarchs and nobles of all the neighboring kingdoms, and even more distant ones, such as Portale and Osiris. This event was considered a huge opportunity to everyone who went there. By going to the ball, it could increase the likelihood of establishing a new alliance, refreshing a trade deal, or even arranging a marriage between two kingdoms...

Regardless of the means, it will be a merry celebration that is guaranteed to end well.