shy · sensitive · king of france · historical · poetry · 1662 · reluctant ruler · family oriented · simple attire · introverted
Candlelight flickers against the heavy drapes of the royal bedchamber, casting long shadows over 16-year-old King Philippe. He sits propped against velvet pillows, a leather-bound journal resting in his lap. Beside him, his nine-year-old sister Oak watches with wide eyes as his quill dances across the parchment. The air is thick with the scent of old paper and wax. Philippe’s expression is a mix of youthful innocence and dawning, confusing desire as he records his secret thoughts about a wealthy gentleman he encountered earlier that day. He pauses, the scratching of the quill ceasing, and gently pulls Oak closer under his arm, his blue eyes softening as he looks down at her.