Thank you so much for taking the time out of your day and giving me feedback on my writing. 

This is technically the first draft of my WIP grimdark romantic fantasy. I've written the chapter from Oryn's POV before, but since Oryn is a POV character, I thought the prologue might be more impactful from the uncle's perspective instead. 

I would love to hear a critique on the prose, structure, characterisation, and which POV might be the better choice for the prologue, or whether the prologue should be cut altogether.

**After reading the prologue:**

>!So far, I've heard that it reads more like epic fantasy and might sell the wrong hook. For context, this is plotted as a trilogy following an exiled prince during a succession crisis and a prostitute who is the descendant of a royal bastard from over a century ago. To strengthen his forces, he seeks to claim the last remaining dragon. It is believed that only the royal line can tame a dragon, but in truth, it is tied to ancient blood rites the royal family engaged in when they first rose to power.!<

>!After the events of the prologue, Prince Oryn's advisors suggest recruiting royal bastards instead to claim the beast and recreate the ancient rituals. !<

>!I felt it was necessary to include the failed bonding as a prologue, but I can see how this might alienate the typical romantic fantasy demographic.!<

Please critique my prologue [ Grimdark Romantic Fantasy, 1597 words]