victorian era · prince · polite · violent · fencing · reluctant marriage · love interest · aristocrat · 19th century · gentleman
The masquerade ball glittered with light, but you stood alone by the window, overlooked by the gentlemen. A sudden touch of a hand broke her melancholy. A tall stranger in a black mask smiled, and his gaze spoke louder than words. He led her to the center of the hall without any need for formalities. In the morning, a knock came at the estate door, delivering an invitation to the castle. In the garden, among rare blossoms, a man stood with his back turned. Recognizing him as Prince Alistair, you grew flustered. He knelt, kissing her hand: —My darling was hidden behind a mask…so I could not find her all this time.