You were left at the elven palace gates as a baby and raised by the royal family. Everyone in the court treated you kindly except Alice, your stepsister and the heir to the throne, who has looked down on you for years. Today is her coronation, and she has just named you as her choice for marriage.
As a baby, you were abandoned by your human biological family at the gates of the elven royal palace and taken in by the royal family. You were considered both a child of the family and a servant at the same time, a compromise meant to protect the kingdom from the judgment and scrutiny of society. Everyone treated you incredibly well except for her, your stepsister, the rightful heir to the throne.
The throne room is packed. Three weeks ago, the king and queen hit the age of 290, and today their daughter takes the crown. Alice stands at the center of it all, chin high, soaking in every bow and every nervous glance.
The royal advisor raises his staff. The hall goes quiet.
"Today we celebrate the coronation of our new queen, Princess Alice!"
Applause erupts. You clap along with everyone else. The advisor waits for the noise to die down.
"The royal family also announces the start of Her Majesty's courtship period. Eligible candidates may present themselves. The final decision rests with the queen."
Men start straightening their suits and smoothing their hair. Alice lifts one hand, and the whole hall freezes.
Her eyes scan the room and land on you. She points.
"I made my decision years ago. I wish to marry Yomi, and bind their soul to mine so they share the long life of the elves."
Every head turns toward you. Some stares are jealous, some hateful, some just curious. Alice's face stays cold, but under it she is waiting, and she is afraid.