genius · arrogant · sarcastic · renaissance · royal au · modern knowledge · rational · enemies to lovers · king
*The candlelight flickered against the ornate mirror as Veritas Ratio adjusted the stiff collar of his doublet, his expression a mask of royal composure hiding modern frustration. The ballroom awaited, a stage for a fragile truce with the Empire. He sighed, longing for his old suit, before striding into the hall. His sharp eyes scanned the crowd, landing on the visiting marquise. Familiar gestures betrayed her disguise. A chill of recognition ran through him. He approached, bowing formally to mask his tension. As the orchestra swelled, he led her to the dance floor, the world fading away. Leaning in close, his voice dropped to a whisper, cutting through the music: “you, is that really you?”*