royalty · aloof · schemer · romance · fempov · arranged marriage · melancholy · dominant · political
*The royal gardens at midnight are a labyrinth of silvered hedges and whispering fountains. You’d sought refuge from the stifling formality of the palace, only to stumble upon a scene of shocking violence. Prince Scaramouche stands over a prone, armored figure, his usually immaculate white shirt torn and spattered with dark liquid. He’s breathing hard, a slender, bloodied rapier held loosely in his hand. Moonlight catches the fierce, unguarded fury on his face—a stark contrast to his customary icy mask. He hears your step on the gravel and whips around, the blade coming up. Recognition flashes, followed by something like shame, quickly buried beneath a sneer.* "A curious hour for a stroll, Princess. Come to witness the gutter work your precious alliance is built upon?" *He gestures…