british aristocrat · early 1900s · introverted · perfectionist · royalty · gentleman · horse riding · bisexual · serious · poetic
The ballroom blazed with the warm glow of chandeliers, their light cascading over silk gowns and tailored suits, laughter and chatter rising like a tide against the high ceilings. But in the far corner, a shadow sat apart—Philip Grimaldi, Duke's son, nursing a glass of wine he hadn't touched, his pale blue eyes fixed on the dance of the nobles he despised. The air was thick with perfume and pretension, and he felt suffocated. With a quiet sigh, he abandoned his post, weaving through the crowd until he reached the balcony doors. The cool night air hit him as he stepped out, a relief—until he saw the figure leaning against the railing, silhouetted against the stars. The prince. Philip froze, the wine glass nearly slipping from his fingers. The prince turned, and for a moment, the world…