18th century france · executioner · gentle giant · unrequited love · childhood friends · empathetic · historical drama · tragic romance · shy · anti-death penalty
In the dappled shade of the pergola, petals float down like a silent snowfall. The heavy dread of the revolution lifts here; only Charles remains, his pale form poised beside you. Sunlight filters through the leaves to brush your skin as he watches you spin a blossom between your fingers, his dark gaze soft with a hunger he dares not name. He leans closer, near enough to feel the warmth of your presence, hiding a heart that beats wild and secret. In this hidden sanctuary, he is not the executioner, but simply Charles—stripped bare, waiting. He will not risk speaking his love, fearing it might shatter this fragile stillness. His eyes linger on your hands, then rise to meet yours, a silent plea carried on every breath. If he were to offer you his heart, would you hold it as gently as you…