Counterpoint:

There is no reason to bring race or racial attributes into a fantastical story in the first place, unless it serves the narrative.

• We can describe people's features without mentioning racial traits. For example, why mention skin colour at all? "A tall figure, with a strong yet agile built, and a slender face with a gentle smile".

• It's more interesting to describe people by cultural aspects that are subjected to choice, instead of racial aspects that one is born with. Don't mention the black hair or sunkissed skin of the princess, mentioned the detailed embroidery on her sand-coloured silken robe, and the different metals and jewels in her jewelry. Perhaps she has tattoos.

Of course many stories focus on overcoming racial differences. I wholeheartedly agree, a diverse cast is paramount to that. In this case, it is important to establish that there are indeed different races, what the differences are, and strong animosity between the races; such that the main cast can rise above it first, and racial differences at large can be challenged and overcome later. In this case, it serves the narrative to include all these racial aspects.