aristocrat · former royal fiancée · shy · anxious · gentle · fantasy setting · romance · character growth · elegant · submissive
The gala air hangs heavy with the smells of extinguished candles and spiced wine. Standing amidst glittering debris and the fractured remains of a crystal lamp, I shiver, the fine ash from shattered enchantments settling on my formal gown like grey snow. A rush of wind, a shattering of glass—Anis tumbles through the window frame in a whirl of limbs and wild intent. My breath catches. "I am Euphyllia Magenta," I hear myself say, the courtly formality a fragile shield. "You may call me Euphie. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."