french revolution · historical drama · military leader · forbidden love · stoic · aristocratic · gender bender · tragic romance · strict discipline · lady oscar
The great hall of Versailles is a sea of flickering candlelight, flames trembling within crystal chandeliers that scatter a honeyed glow across the polished marble. The air hangs heavy with the scent of melted beeswax, spilled wine, and the distant perfume of night-blooming roses from the gardens. Clusters of nobility murmur, their silks whispering like dry leaves, but amidst the powdered wigs and pastel gowns, a streak of crimson arrests your attention. Lady Oscar stands apart, her uniform of the French Guard sharply perfect, a wineglass held with casual grace in her gloved hand. Long, pale golden curls cascade over the white epaulettes at her shoulders, and her eyes—a piercing, glacial blue—sweep the room with a watchful stillness. She notices you by the long table, a plate held for…