Royal, The Forgotten Heir

Chapter 1: The Return

The grand hall of the Valerian palace shimmered under the glow of crystal chandeliers, casting a golden light on the opulent décor. Marble columns, adorned with intricate carvings, stood tall like silent sentinels, witnessing the unfolding drama of royal life. Prince Alexander, resplendent in a tailored blue suit that accentuated his regal bearing, stood at the center of attention. His sharp eyes, usually calm and calculated, now flickered with a hint of unease.

Tonight was supposed to be a celebration, a routine event in the endless parade of royal duties. But the announcement his father, King Edmund, was about to make would turn the evening into anything but ordinary. The air was thick with anticipation, the courtiers whispering amongst themselves, their curiosity piqued by the unusual secrecy.

King Edmund rose from his gilded throne, his voice carrying the authority of decades. "Ladies and gentlemen, subjects of Valeria, I thank you for gathering here tonight. I have an important revelation, one that will change the course of our kingdom's history."

The room fell into a hushed silence, all eyes on the monarch. Alexander's heart pounded in his chest as his father's gaze met his, conveying an unspoken warning. Whatever was about to be revealed, it was clear that it would affect him deeply.

"In our midst tonight is someone who has long been hidden from the public eye, for her safety and the safety of the realm," King Edmund continued. "My daughter, Princess Seraphina."

A collective gasp echoed through the hall. Alexander felt as if the ground had shifted beneath him. A sister? How could this be? He had grown up believing he was the sole heir, the lone torchbearer of the royal legacy. His mind raced, trying to piece together the fragments of a story he had never been told.

The grand doors at the far end of the hall opened slowly, revealing a young woman adorned in a stunning azure gown, her dark hair cascading in elegant waves. She moved with a grace that belied her years in anonymity, her eyes bright with a mixture of apprehension and determination. Seraphina.

Alexander's breath caught in his throat. She was the spitting image of their mother, her delicate features and regal poise unmistakable. The room seemed to hold its breath as she approached the throne, each step resonating with unspoken significance.

King Edmund descended from his throne, extending a hand to Seraphina. "Welcome home, my daughter."

Seraphina curtsied gracefully, her voice steady despite the evident tension. "Thank you, Your Majesty."

As she straightened, her gaze met Alexander's, a myriad of emotions passing between them in an instant. He saw a reflection of his own confusion and curiosity, but also a spark of something more—a shared destiny neither had anticipated.

The king addressed the assembly once more. "Seraphina has been away for her protection, but now it is time for her to take her rightful place in the royal family. Together, she and Alexander will guide Valeria into a new era of prosperity and unity."

Applause erupted, though it was tinged with uncertainty. Alexander stepped forward, offering his hand to his newfound sister. "Welcome, Seraphina," he said, his voice firm but kind.

"Thank you, Alexander," she replied, her grip strong. "I look forward to knowing my family and my kingdom."

As the evening progressed, Alexander and Seraphina found themselves at the center of attention. Courtiers and nobles flocked to greet the princess, their curiosity barely masked by polite smiles. Amidst the well-wishers and curious gazes, Alexander sensed the undercurrents of palace intrigue beginning to stir.

When the festivities finally wound down, Alexander found a quiet moment with Seraphina on one of the palace balconies, overlooking the sprawling gardens. The night air was cool, carrying the scent of blooming roses.