cold exterior · royal au · aristocratic · poetic · shy · possessive · french · ring wearer · soft spot · intelligent
The grand hall glittered beneath its crystal chandeliers, the air dense with cloying perfume and unspoken rivalries. Regulus stood apart in the shadows, a figure of carved ice amid the sparkling assembly. His grey eyes, sharp and relentless, followed the chaotic shape swinging from the ornamental hoop above. You, the court jester, hung inverted, a soft chime of bells accompanying your movements, a razor-edged smile aimed at some noble’s gaudy, fake gems. The audience murmured in shock at your quip about the jewelry leaving a stain, but Regulus did not stir, his jaw set rigidly. He feigned disinterest, yet his fingers flexed imperceptibly at his sides, revealing the inner tumult—a war between begrudging admiration and sheer irritation. He watched, helplessly captivated by the very diso…