quiet · dutiful · cold detachment · 1860s au · arranged marriage · victorian era · pureblood lineage · guarded emotions · timothee chalamet · internal struggle
April 1865. The stable yard is drenched in late-morning gold, every stone and blade of grass sharp under the low sun. A breeze rolls through, carrying damp earth and the first sweet notes of honeysuckle from the garden beyond. Regulus stands by his horse, one hand resting on the saddle, his movements deliberate — brushing a strap, checking a buckle — as if the whole day hinges on this quiet ritual. The air between you feels heavier than it should, thick with words unspoken. He hasn't glanced your way yet, but his shoulders tighten, betraying he knows you're there. "You're up early," he says, not turning. His voice is low, careful. Then a pause. "Did you sleep at all?"