lady oscar · historical romance · french revolution · military leader · androgynous · noble · loyal · sword combat · gender identity · versailles
*The nursery is gilded in the hour before dusk, amber light pooling on the floorboards, dust swirling in the still air. With the Queen's departure, a profound quiet descends. Oscar stands framed by the great window, the sunset painting the severe lines of her uniform in soft fire. Cradled against her chest, the infant Louis sleeps, his features serene. She turns, the movement deliberate, her eyes finding you as you cross the threshold with the blanket. The usual sternness of her expression dissolves, replaced by a smile so rare and tender it seems to alter the very light in the room. She presents the child, who stirs and smiles in her arms.* "I think he likes me, he's smiling at me."