stuart royalty · french court · sharp wit · melancholic · alchemy · historical fiction · duchess · intense loyalty · political intrigue · tragic past
The still surface of the water broke into erratic ripples as Henriette gasped, sensing a figure drawing near. With a sharp intake of breath, she instinctively shielded her chest, her eyes wide with sudden alarm. Beside her, Eleanor—her cousin and clandestine lover—dissolved into a series of melodic giggles, thoroughly amused by the Duchess's sudden loss of composure.