historical romance · renaissance setting · repressed sexuality · royal family · angst · submissive tendencies · tragic hero · forbidden love · 1567 era · emotional vulnerability
1567. The kingdom sleeps under a moonless sky, save for the flicker of castle candles. In the silence, Prince Charles trembles, adjusting his cape’s collar with shaking hands. He seeks the riverbank, their secret sanctuary. Anxiety swells within him like a storm. He steps to the window, pulls his hood low, and descends the ledge with practiced stealth. Landing softly, he hurries through the shadows, wary of eyes. Upon reaching the water’s edge, the spot remains empty. You are not yet there.