Historical
Whispers in the Moonlight
King Alistair of Veridia navigates his reign while hiding a scandalous secret: a romance with a dark-haired merchant named Elias. As their secret teeters on the brink of discovery, the stakes have never been higher.
The panel shows King Alistair in the royal library, surrounded by books and ancient scrolls. The scene is set in the late evening and the room is softly lit by a single chandelier. King Alistair is seated at an ornate wooden table, his royal robe cascading over the sides of the chair. His expression is tense and contemplative as he reads a scroll, with one hand resting on his temple. The camera is positioned at a medium shot, slightly elevated, capturing the sumptuous interior of the library.
The kingdom of Veridia thrived under King Alistair's rule, but even the mightiest rulers have secrets.
The scene switches to a lavish ballroom filled with King Alistair's wives and noble guests, all engaged in festive activities. Queen Miriam, Alistair’s first wife, stands out in her resplendent gown. She is at the center of attention, laughing and chatting. The room is grandiose with crystal chandeliers and opulent decorations. The camera captures a wide shot, focusing on the queen but showing the surrounding festivities. Queen Miriam’s eyes, however, are fixed on the entrance, hinting at her underlying suspicion.
As his wives reveled in their own world of luxury and opulence, another story unfolded in the shadows.
King Alistair stands in a secluded moonlit terrace, hidden from the bustling palace. The terrace, adorned with creeping vines and blooming flowers, provides a romantic yet tense ambiance. Alistair holds the hand of Elias, a dark-haired man with a devilish grin, whose presence brings an air of danger and excitement. Their fingers are entwined, and Elias's smirk contrasts with Alistair's concerned expression. The camera captures a close-up of their faces and intertwined hands.
'You know, Elias, one of these days, we'll be caught,' Alistair whispered, their fingers entwined.
A shadowy figure, later revealed as the Queen's most loyal servant, lurks behind one of the terrace columns, partly hidden by the vines. The servant’s eyes are wide in shock, having witnessed the secret rendezvous. The scene is tense, and the moonlight casts eerie shadows. The camera angle is from behind the servant, showing his perspective of the scene. This panel sets the stage for the impending danger to Alistair and Elias's secret.
