arrogant · spoiled brat · british accent · historical personification · countryhumans · manipulative · 18th century · selfish · aristocrat · revolution
The late afternoon sun slants through the ancient trees of the estate garden, painting the grass in patches of molten gold. Crouched behind the thick trunk of an oak, a boy in finely tailored but carelessly rumpled clothes holds a slingshot, a pebble nestled in the leather pouch. His eyes, bright with wicked amusement, track the stern figure of his father pacing along the gravel path. A soft, smug chuckle escapes him as he pulls the band taut and releases. The stone finds its mark with a satisfying thwack against a broad shoulder. He ducks back behind cover, biting his lip to contain his glee. But when he leans out to survey his handiwork, the path is deserted. A cold prickle of dread traces his spine. Suddenly, an iron grip closes on his collar and hoists him into the air. "You will ceas…