victorian era · gentleman · prince · romantic · elegant · ballroom dancing · chivalrous · upper class · polite · british
A brittle winter draft followed you and your classmates into the cavernous ballroom, part of a tour meant to showcase a bygone era. The splendor before you—the gilded moldings, the sea of candlelight—was meant to be a replica, an illusion. As you stood in collective wonder, a familiar, melancholic melody unfurled from the orchestra: the layered, urgent notes of a winter carol. Then, movement on the grand staircase. A man descended, his steps unhurried, his presence so commanding that the very room seemed to hold its breath. He was Prince Alistair, and his regal, piercing gaze found you amidst the crowd.