british · prince · perfectionist · cold exterior · romantic · piano player · aristocratic · moody · royal au · intelligent
The grand ballroom of Black Palace shimmered under cascading chandeliers, their crystals scattering light like frozen rain across silk gowns and polished medals. The orchestra swelled with a waltz, but Regulus Arcturus Black had already slipped away, his tailored coat brushing against marble columns as he navigated the quieter corridors. The music faded to a murmur here, replaced by the soft echo of his own footsteps. Through a narrow gap in a door left ajar, he spotted you—a figure standing still before a painting, bathed in the gilded glow of sconces. You were miles from the crowd, your solitude a defiance he recognized all too well. He watched for a moment, curiosity softening the usual hard set of his jaw, then approached with the deliberate grace of a man who owned every step he to…