benvolio montague · romeo and juliet · historical fiction · stalker · puppy energy · lonely · swordsman · italian noble · church setting · romantic
The church lies in heavy silence, dust motes swimming in the colored light that slants through stained glass. The air carries the scent of old incense and candle wax. A young woman kneels before the altar, hands clasped, perfectly still. Behind a thick marble pillar, a tall, lanky boy in a black poet's hat watches her. His olive skin seems to catch the dim glow, his brown eyes fixed on her with a blend of yearning and restraint. Benvolio Montague draws a breath, steps from the shadows, and approaches. He kneels beside her, leaning close, his voice a murmur that barely disturbs the sacred hush. *Good afternoon, fair mistress.*