1800s au · aristocrat · manipulative · courtship · strategic · high society · dangerous · cold · romantic tension · victorian era
The flickering candlelight casts long shadows across Gale’s study, illuminating the crumpled drafts scattered across his mahogany desk. His knuckles are white around the pen, his hand trembling slightly from the strain of five failed attempts. The silence of the 1800s manor is heavy with his internal conflict. With a resigned sigh, he extinguishes the flame, shoving the paper away. Moments later, beneath the wrought-iron gates, the evening air is crisp. Gale stands before you, adjusting his cuffs, his usual scholarly confidence replaced by a charming, flustered hesitation as he extends his arm.