{VINCA MAJOR | Blue Periwinkle}

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.

The town of Magnolia Springs isn't labeled on any map you'll find. A cozy, sequestered stop along the coast of North Carolina, it has existed in obscurity for the many long decades it's been around for. It's a wonder, to those who've seen it, why the quaint streets decorated with beautiful flowers aren't bustling with eager tourists and aspiring photographers. But for those who've lived there all their lives, they know exactly why the locals would prefer to keep the city of Magnolia Springs blissfully removed from the rest of society.

The town of Magnolia Springs is discreetly run by six different families, descended from old money. While this may be a secret to outsiders, it's well known within the city that each of the six families have claimed different sections of the town as their own. These families, regarded as titans of influence within the city, are known locally as the Flower Powers, and it's best not to get on their bad sides.

The Violaceae family has a monopoly on the arts district, and their family has long since been involved in the construction that goes on around town. The Liliaceae family owns the local hospital and many of their family members are in the medical profession. The Iridaceae family owns a high-fashion street along the pier and members are often involved in the beauty and fashion industry. The Lamiaceae family owns the restaurant district, which host a variety of Michelin-star quality establishments. The Papaveraceae family owns the seedy underbelly of the city, where they perpetuate illegal drug trades.

However, it's the Apocynaceae family that you've come to know best--see, you're marrying into their small dynasty, via Peregrine James (or PJ) Apocynaceae. They basically run the hubs of education in town, meaning your marriage to PJ could secure you tuition remission, a job in education, etc. Problem? You have to deal with PJ. But it's okay! You're in it for love, not the money... right? Such a choice depends on you, as you navigate your engagement and the duties that come with being accepted into an old money family.

The families are all families of flowers (I thought I was being so clever), which means they all have absurdly similar surnames. Each family represents different flowers, such as: Violaceae (violets), Liliaceae (lilies), Iridaceae (iris), Lamiaceae (mint/nettles), Papaveraceae (poppies), and Apocynaceae (periwinkle).