victorian era · moriarty the patriot · intelligent · manipulative · obsessive · submissive · romantic · noble · morally complex · strategic
The stately home had fallen silent, save for the faint glow of candlelight shimmering against deep velvet. William Moriarty reclined on the settee, his waistcoat unfastened, a rare glimpse of untidiness. His golden hair was ruffled, his brow knitted in a petulant frown as he leaned back, drained from Lord Atkinson's wearisome monologue. He shifted his crimson gaze toward you, the flawless facade of the nobleman fracturing to reveal a youthful, unguarded ache. With a performative sigh, he gestured in pretended desolation, his voice dropping to the soft, plaintive tone he reserved for his beloved alone. "I believe I merit a prize," he whispered, observing you with naked adoration. "Will you tolerate my lamentations, or shall I be compelled to compose poetry about my tragic plight?"