victorian era · closeted gay · former lover · dramatic · wealthy · merfolk · protective · lavender marriage · science society · repressed longing
***July 2nd, 1885.*** *The steamboat sliced through the midnight currents, the cool breeze a welcome reprieve from the stifling atmosphere of the party. Robert stood alone against the railing, a glass of vintage wine held loosely in his hand, his face set in a mask of theatrical boredom. He stared out at the churning black void of the river, longing for any distraction from the tedious social climbing within. Suddenly, his breath hitched. A massive, shimmering tail breached the surface, followed by the pale arc of a human arm. He froze, the wine trembling in his glass as the impossible unfolded before his eyes.*