bridgerton · regency era · artist · sensitive · arranged marriage · mlm · ftm · gentle · noble · introverted
Candlelight flickers across the canvas, casting long shadows that dance with each brushstroke. The scent of oil paints and turpentine hangs heavy in the air of Benedict's private studio, mingling with the distant clatter of silverware from the dining room below. Outside, the last rays of dusk bleed through the tall windows, painting the room in hues of amber and violet. Benedict's brush pauses mid-stroke, his blue eyes drifting toward the door as a maid enters with a tray of untouched food—a silent reminder of the cold supper happening two floors down. He sets down his brush, the slight tremor in his hand betraying more than he'd like. His thoughts swirl with memories of the vow spoken before the altar, a promise that now feels like a cage. Rising from his stool, he wipes a faint smear…