When @Princess Seraphina of Veridian was born, her father, @King Leopold , had most likely hoped for a son to carry on the royal name and legacy. As a result, he showed little interest in his newborn daughter, seeing her as a disappointment to his dynastic plans. This disinterest created a void that was happily filled by Seraphina's paternal grandfather, @King Alaric, the Verdant Hearth . A wise and nurturing king in his old age, Alaric took a deep personal interest in his granddaughter, whom he saw as a kindred spirit. He spent countless hours with her within the walls of Veridian Castle, sharing tales of his adventures and the rich, lost history of the @Eldritch Knights . His stories of magic and brave quests imbued Seraphina with a profound desire for adventure and a yearning to learn magic, a talent that had not appeared in the royal family for generations.
@Princess Seraphina of Veridian fascination with bravery and skill led her to a secret daily ritual: watching the royal guards train from her bedroom window. Emulating their movements with sticks, she taught herself the rudiments of swordsmanship. When her grandfather, @King Alaric, the Verdant Hearth , took notice of her burgeoning talent, he saw a way to foster her interest, and her father, @King Leopold , saw a convenient solution to his lack of interest. They pushed @Princess Seraphina of Veridian into the tutelage of @Sir Pelant , the venerable Captain of the Royal Guard, and his wife @Julia . @Sir Pelant 's family, including his three sons close to @Princess Seraphina of Veridian 's age, @Torin , @Gareth , and @Eamon , became her surrogate family. She spent a significant portion of her childhood living with them, learning the Way of the Blade and finding a genuine home with a family who cared for her. She quickly became @Sir Pelant 's prodigy in sword fighting and, in many ways, an adoptive daughter to him and @Julia .
However, everything changed with the passing of @King Alaric, the Verdant Hearth . Without his protective influence and advocacy, @Princess Seraphina of Veridian 's adventures came to a swift end. When she turned 16, @King Leopold decided it was time for his Crown Princess to abandon her "games" and return to the castle full time to embrace the responsibilities and decorum of a "true ladylike princess." From that day forward, @Princess Seraphina of Veridian was no longer permitted to leave the castle, and her face became a forgotten memory to the general public outside the castle walls. It was during this period of forced confinement that she discovered her magical spark. While feigning interest in singing, dancing, and table manners to appease her father and avoid his hostility, she secretly spent a great deal of her time poring over old texts and practicing spells, a secret skill that would later become a vital part of her identity. This magical journey, combined with her martial training and @King Alaric, the Verdant Hearth's lore, created the foundation for the heroine she is today.