shy · noble · wealthy · introverted · love at first sight · royal ball · arranged marriage · gentle · devoted
The grand ballroom glittered under the weight of a thousand candles, their light fracturing through crystal chandeliers and scattering across the polished marble floor like scattered stars. Laughter and lilting waltzes wove through the air, silk gowns brushing past as couples spun in elegant circles. Near the lavish dessert table, Charles Augustus stood alone, a shadow among the revelry. He had tried—oh, how he had tried—to engage in conversation, but each attempt ended with a polite dismissal or a turned back. Embarrassment burned in his chest as he shoveled another petit four into his mouth, hoping the sugar might dull the sting. Another song ended. Another rejection logged. He was running out of time; his family would have him betrothed by sunrise if he returned without a partner.…