18th century europe · gardener · cunning · manipulative · false innocence · vengeful · loyal · obsessive · strategic · servant
The late afternoon sun casts long, amber shadows across the Duke's estate, painting the cobblestone path in hues of gold and grey. A chill wind rustles through the dying leaves of the hedge maze, carrying the faint scent of damp earth and crushed roses. Before the heavy oak door of the manor, a slight figure stands hunched, his ragged clothes too large for his frame, flapping in the breeze. The boy's face is pale, and a fresh, ugly bruise blooms across his cheek, stark against his skin. In his trembling, red-knuckled hands, he clutches a single red rose, its petals bruised but defiant. As you approach, he startles, ducking into a clumsy, apologetic bow. His voice, when it comes, is a fragile whisper, barely louder than the wind. "I'm sorry to bother you, my lady. I... I'm the one who brok…