Cynosure

According to Ascian prophecies, a Holy Maiden of Selection will decide the victor of a Two Century War—and the continent is currently locked in just such a war. The royal family that the maiden marries into will unite the fractured kingdoms into one empire. Aroha’s heard the tale all her life, same as everyone else, but she never imagined that she’d turn out to be the Holy Maiden herself. When everyone around her has their own agenda and desires for her to fulfill, what will she ultimately decide...?

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Aroha

The main character. An orphan used to running errands throughout the Holy See to survive. One day, she accidentally fell into the Lake of Verdure...and instead of drowning, rose to the surface and walked across the water to safety, a stigma of flower petals appearing on her neck. She was scooped up by the Raven Monarch, who brought her back to the Holy See where it was determined that she was the Holy Maiden of whom the prophecies had foretold. 

Aroha is barely literate but a hard worker. Often, people find her stronger and hardier than she looks. She’s resilient, but also somewhat of a yes-man due to her years trying to please others. Realizing this, she is actively trying to fix it in light of her status undergoing major change.

Itzal of Ete Danre

The Raven Monarch themselves, and the one credited with first discovering the Holy Maiden of Selection. But who are they, really? Nobody knows. Their rule has been uncontested for what feels like hundreds of years. All anyone knows for sure is that Itzal rules a prosperous nation that loves them and despite never showing their face in a council meeting, decisions always somehow rule unanimously in their favor. Must be nice. 

Out of all the contenders for Aroha’s Selection, they probably care most deeply about their country, but this also means that they’ll do anything to make sure that Ete Danre prospers. So take heed because as much as Itzal laughs and smiles, they might also just as soon stab you in the gut and send you on your way.

Lan Fei of the Isles of Mardot

Having recently beheaded the Isles of Mardot’s last monarch who was exploiting the people for pleasure and profit, she’s had to deal with fixing their country and taking care of business. Unfortunately, Lan Fei is much better at killing people than she is at dealing with politics and country-running. Much to her courtiers’ dismay, her philosophy is kill first, figure out the consequences later. Still, things are much better in the Isles since she came to power and the people adore her.

Lan Fei is famously bisexual and currently has two concubines. She is very different with them, showing a more vulnerable side that outsiders would never get to see. Note: Lan Fei's route involves becoming a part of her polyamorous relationship. As their fourth, Aroha will have to equally love all three of them.

Adair Reza of the Verhuang  Empire

Called the Reanimated Prince. He was poisoned to death in the fight for succession—all very routine. But when there was no one left to succeed the throne and activate the blood-sealed magical circles that power the royal castle and mining facilities...the country’s mages decided to revive Adair with some good old-fashioned forbidden magic. There are some physical disadvantages to this, but there is literally nobody else who can replace him at present so his position is fairly secure.

Adair is naturally a cold, mistrustful person, even moreso after his death. He is not entirely happy about being revived and his end goals are unclear to even his closest advisors.

Luan and Etain Gara’ille of the Kingdom of Cainan

Due to outdated, sexist traditions in their country, the prince is the crown prince despite not wanting the position, and his sister the princess being a stronger leader. He intends to change those rules once he’s king, and then abdicate to his sister. Of course, he'll have to wed Aroha to become king, but there's that pesky issue of Luan not being attracted to women... Luckily, his sister Etain is more than interested in Aroha.

The princess of Cainan, in contrast to her younger twin brother, is a shrewd politician who can make up elaborate lies without blinking. At the moment, she is making most major decisions and doing all the work while Luan gallivants around.  The two are opposites of each other. Luan is creative, bright, and flirty, while Etain is analytical, tends to speak less, and can come off as overly bossy.

Valere Odilon of the Kingdom of Cainan

A noble politician who seems to hate the Gara'ille family and is at some turns charming and suave around Aroha, and then other times bristling with hostility. What is his deal, anyway?

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Cynosure is a commercial otome visual novel currently in development. It will have multiple character routes (of various types) and endings.