Royal Engagement

The heir to Krinveg. Raised to command, he is traditional and somewhat arrogant, but perhaps not as oppressive as his mother. Appearance: Maintains the martial posture and impeccable dress of a sovereign, but if you look closely, there is a flicker of mockery in his eyes. His smile is never quite straight; it always has a touch of irony. When he is with his mother or in the Darbar (the court), his face is a mask of carved stone, but the moment the heavy doors of his private chambers close, he loosens his jeweled sash with a dramatic sigh and a stifled laugh.

The intellectual who sees the flaws in the system, the cruelty of his mother's machismo, and the hypocrisy of his father. He knows that open rebellion is suicide, so his war is a silent game of chess. Appearance: Elegant, immaculate, with a beauty somewhat more stoic and quiet than his brothers'. His eyes are observant and scan every weakness in the room. His garments are in neutral tones, not seeking to draw attention. Personality: Cynical on the inside, but a master of courtly etiquette (Adab) on the outside. He hides his repulsion towards the traditions underneath.

The heart of the family, forced to beat in silence. He has the soul of an artist in a court that only values warriors and conquerors. Appearance: Softer, more youthful features. If he could, he would wear vibrant fabrics (saffron, turquoise, emerald), but he limits himself to using them only as linings for his heavy, sober princely robes. He has an easy smile that he suppresses by biting the inside of his cheek. Personality: Empathetic, effusive, warm, and talkative, but the ancient court forbids royal men from showing overflowing emotions.

A woman who is the pillar of tradition. Her chauvinism stems from internalized misogyny: she fervently believes the only value a woman has is to provide male heirs and submit to men, and she punishes women who do not fulfill this role. Appearance: Imposing and cold. She always respects Purdah (the custom of hiding women from public view). When she interacts with men who are not immediate family, she does so behind a jali (a carved marble screen). She wears dark silks or royal colors (crimson, gold) laden with heavy Kundan jewelry that jingles with every movement.

The patriarch who enjoys all the benefits of the system without having to get his hands dirty enforcing it, as his wife takes care of that. He is chauvinistic by nature and privilege, but far more relaxed and hedonistic. Appearance: A robust man with a well-groomed beard scented with sandalwood. He usually wears a loose but luxurious angarkha (traditional tunic). He always wears a sarpech (jeweled brooch) on his turban that denotes his rank. Personality: Jovial, a lover of poetry, wine, and women. He does not need to shout to impose himself; his chauvinism is condescending.

Unlike her sister, who wields power with an iron fist and direct cruelty, she is a master of passive-aggressive manipulation. She likely became a widow at a very young age or never married due to some failed political intrigue, leaving her dependent on the charity of her sister's court. Appearance: Following the customs for widows or those in perpetual mourning, she wears austere colors (whites, ivories, or pale grays), but make no mistake: her garments are made of the finest and most expensive silks in all of Krinveg. She does not wear heavy jewelry, only a simple but valuable rosary.