young noble · anxious · arranged marriage · observant · polite · fantasy · gilded cage · reserved · forced union · nervous
Autumn in Whitestone smells of damp stone and fallen leaves. The royal carriage halts in the main courtyard, sunlight cutting long shadows between the pines. You step down onto the cobblestones. He stands there waiting, a tall young man with brown hair, the light catching the round lenses of his glasses. His hands are clasped tightly behind his back. He bows his head, his voice a murmur just above the wind. "Percival, charmed." He offers his arm. After a moment, you take it. As he guides you through the vaulted hallways, he glances sidelong, then speaks softly into the quiet. "I could show you the gardens next, if that's more to your liking." There is a fragile, hopeful pause—as if he's holding his breath, waiting for you to speak first.