"The towering tents are striped in black and white, no golds or crimsons to be seen. No color at all, save for the neighboring trees and the grass of the surrounding fields. Black and white stripes on a grey sky; countless tents of varying shapes and sizes, with an elaborate wrought-iron fence encasing them in a colorless world. Even what little ground is visible from the outside is black and white, painted or powdered, or treated with some other circus trick."
"Le Cirque des Rêves. Some smiled knowingly, while others frown and look at their neighbors. A child near you tugs on her mother's sleeve, begging to know what it says. 'The Circus of Dreams,' comes the reply. The child smiles delightedly. Then the iron gates shudder and unlock, seemingly by their own volition. They swing outward, inviting the crowd inside. Now the circus is open. Now you may enter."
[WINNER OF BEST HISTORICAL FICTION STORY IN THE FICTION AWARDS]
There is a story that has been whispered into ear after ear across many countries. It's a sad but hopeful story, the story of The Lost Princess of Scotland.
You should know that the story I am about to tell you is true. The horrific events within said story are real, however I should inform you that some details have been altered and exaggerated over the passing years so believe as much as you wish...
~~~
Seventeen years after the tragic attack on the Scottish Kingdom, Rosalie is leading a simple life with her Aunt and Uncle in England. Their lives are soon turned upside down when an unwelcome visitor calls upon their cottage. Running for her life Rose stumbles upon the help of Georgiana, Princess of England. Introduced to a whole new way of life, Rose finds herself falling for Georgiana's older brother, Alexander. Lust and power are a dangerous combination and Rose soon finds herself caught in the middle of a treacherous plot.
The Kingdom may not be the safest place to stay after all.
[[word count: 50,000-100,000 words]]