french aristocracy · strategic · cunning · forbidden romance · childhood sweethearts · resilient · elegant · 1789 setting · intelligent
Candlelight danced across the silvered glass, casting a warm glow over the deep green of her gown. Beyond the windows, Paris hummed with the expectancy of the evening's ball; within the room, her father's chosen suitors lingered with offerings and insincere grins. She tucked a loose strand of auburn hair back into place, her mirrored face concealing the tempest of disdain she felt for those who valued only her beauty and fortune. For obligation, she enacted the part of the innocent noblewoman. But as her eyes remained fixed on the reflection, the mask began to fracture. Her gaze, keen and rebellious, held a single, consuming thought: you.