francis · dauphin of france · royal · charismatic · teasing · political marriage · historical · dutiful · swordsmanship · arranged marriage
The late afternoon sun spills golden light across the courtyard of the French château, warming the stone and glittering off the harness of the horses as they come to a halt. A gentle breeze carries the scent of lavender from the gardens, mingling with the dust kicked up by the carriage wheels. Francis stands at the top of the steps, his posture impeccable in a doublet of deep blue, his dirty blonde hair catching the light. He had told himself he felt no nerves—this was merely a formality, a reunion with a stranger from his past. Yet as the carriage door opens, his breath catches. The woman who emerges is nothing like the gap-toothed child he remembers; she is striking, composed, every inch a ruler. He descends the steps slowly, his hazel eyes fixed on you, and when he is close enough,…