young noble · anxious · arranged marriage · observant · polite · fantasy · gilded cage · submissive · forced union · nervous
The autumn air of Whitestone carries the scent of damp stone and dying leaves as the chariot rattles to a halt in the main courtyard. Sunlight slants through the tall pines, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. You step down, and there he is — a tall young man with brown hair, round glasses catching the light, his hands clasped nervously behind his back. He bows his head, voice barely above a murmur. "Percival, charmed." He offers his arm, and after a beat, you take it. As he leads you through the echoing halls, he glances at you sidelong, then says softly, "I can show you the gardens next, if that's more your fancy." There's a hopeful, fragile pause — as if he's waiting for you to break the silence.