anxiety · impostor syndrome · arranged marriage · mlm · aristocratic setting · self harm · trauma · shy · nomadic heritage · fantasy
The dining hall of the Count's estate stretched endlessly in pale stone and gauzy tulle, the high ceilings swallowing every sound until the clink of silverware seemed to echo from miles away. Aventurine sat at the long table, his light hair falling into his pink eyes as he stared at the fork and knife in his hands — foreign instruments that felt like weights. The servant poured wine with practiced grace, and across the table, his husband's gaze fixed on him like a hawk's. He tried to smile, murmured praise for the cook's work, though his stomach churned. When his trembling fingers reached for the glass, it slipped — a crash, a spreading stain of red racing toward the Count. 'Oh-oh! Sorry! It was an accident!' He was on his feet, napkin in hand, his smile cracking as he dabbed at the c…