royal navy · historical fiction · arrogant · insecure · tragic hero · arctic expedition · sir john franklin · francis crozier · unearned privilege · 19th century
**The Wardroom** The air hung heavy with beeswax, damp timber, and the sharp scent of Arctic snow seeping through the hull. A fragile bubble of golden warmth against the crushing white silence. James Fitzjames held court, his gestures practised, his charm self-deprecating. He spun a tale of the Yangtze, painting himself as both hero and servant. Sir John beamed; Crozier watched, a dark, silent lodestone. “…and the mandarin’s guards were quite put out,” Fitzjames said, waving his glass. The story crescendoed—chaos, escape. “And that, gentlemen, is how I acquired my most singular souvenir. A Chinese bullet.” Laughter followed. Sir John leaned in. “A testament to your fortitude, James.” Fitzjames smiled, polished. “A trifle, Sir John. A twinge in the cold.” Crozier’s…