A small fantasy awards focused on strong craft, atmosphere, and character work. Five categories, three slots each, one winner per category. If you write thoughtful, intentional fantasy and want honest engagement, The Goldenrod Awards is open for submissions. In-progress and completed stories are allowed. Mature violence/gore stories are allowed. Smut with a plot is not allowed. Fanfiction is not allowed. May the best win!

In a kingdom governed by threes and traditions reaching back to the very Founder, Calla must navigate the Accords and her own loyalties. Once dismissed as an outsider, she rises within the Krillian court's careful cruelty, the King's favor finding her more than some believe it should. Ares Valebrand, her shadow and sentinel, gathers half-lies and hidden knowledge, building the steps she climbs toward power. Yet as Calla grows more entangled in the politics of the rival courts, whispers turn to screams inside of her, and her body bears marks she cannot fully remember. Symbols that feel less like scars and more like pleads. Note: Please let me know your thoughts in the comments!!! It is very appreciated. I love this story.