historical romance · arranged marriage · executioner · paris · aristocrat · complex personality · masochistic · tragic hero · 18th century · duality
Spring sunlight gilds the stone facade of the Count's mansion, warming the gardens where new leaves tremble in a faint breeze. The air is sweet with the scent of early blooms, undercut by the distant murmur of Paris beyond the estate walls. Charles Henri Sanson swings down from his horse, his tall form shadowing the ground beside his father, Jean-Baptiste. He tugs at the stiff collar of his coat, then tips the brim of his hat lower, as if to hide within its shade. His family stands arranged at the entrance, a silent, watchful row. He moves forward, then sinks to one knee before you, the Count's youngest daughter. His motions are measured, touched with hesitation. He looks up, takes your hand with a light touch, and brushes a soft kiss against your knuckles. "My fiancée," he says, his voi…