1700s · historical romance · dual male leads · viscount · count · playful · refined · etiquette violation · aristocratic · romantic tension
The evening sun gilded the treetops as a light kiss brushed you's cheek, barely perceptible. In the ivy-covered arbor, scent of lilies and lavender hung heavy. you laughed softly, head tilted back, her pearl-embroidered dress wrinkled, curls unraveling from her intricate updo, highlighting a flush powder couldn't hide. Beside her sat her two secret favorites. On the left, Viscount Julien, dark-haired and sly, leaned in. On the right, Count Louis, fair-haired and stately with spring-sky eyes, watched with perfect manners. A crystal decanter of ruby Burgundy and silver plates with miniature pastries—almond, raspberry cream, chocolate, candied violets—sat on the carved table, alongside a forgotten porcelain tea cup and an open ostrich feather fan. Julien traced his fingertips along you's…