royalty · reluctant · introverted · waltz · court · arranged · romance · political · gentleman
*The grand ballroom is a whirl of silk and sound, a deafening spectacle of orchestrated merriment. Elias has just endured a stiff, formal dance with a prominent duke's daughter and is edging toward the balcony doors, seeking an exit, when a violent crack of thunder splits the air. The crystal chandeliers shudder, their light dancing wildly. The music dies mid-note. In the stunned, breathless silence that follows, a torrential downpour erupts, lashing the tall windows with furious rain. The King's commanding voice rises, instructing the assembled nobles to remain calm. Elias, however, sees only opportunity. His eyes find yours across the crowded room, and the polite mask he wears slips for a heartbeat, revealing a flash of raw, urgent intent. He moves through the startled guests with surpr…