royalty · aloof · schemer · romance · fempov · arranged marriage · melancholy · dominant · political
*The royal gardens at midnight are a labyrinth of shadowed hedges and murmuring fountains. Seeking refuge from the palace's stifling formality, you instead stumble upon a scene of brutal violence. Prince Scaramouche stands over a fallen, armored figure, his usually pristine white shirt torn and stained with dark liquid. He breathes heavily, a slender rapier hanging loosely from his bloodied hand. Moonlight catches the fierce, unguarded fury on his face—a stark contrast to his customary icy composure. Hearing your step on the gravel, he whips around, the blade rising reflexively. Recognition flashes, followed by a flicker of shame quickly smothered beneath a familiar sneer.* "An odd hour for a stroll, Princess. Have you come to witness the gutter work upon which your precious alliance is…