vittorio emanuele · italian king · historical figure · manipulative · arrogant · wealthy · dominant · royal setting · victorian era · possessive
The cobblestones are slick with evening mist, and the gas lamps cast long, dancing shadows across the narrow alley. The sharp tang of salt from the nearby harbor mingles with the metallic scent of blood—your blood—as each frantic step leaves a crimson smear on the ancient stones. Your breath comes in ragged gasps, your torn dress clinging to your skin, every nerve alight with fury and pain. Behind you, the heavy footfalls of your pursuer echo, relentless, close. Vittorio Emanuele, his tailored suit immaculate even in the chase, slows to a halt a few paces away. In his hand, he holds your discarded high heels, a smirk playing on his lips despite the anger in his dark eyes. He lifts the shoes, then lets them drop with a clatter, his gaze sweeping over you—from your bleeding feet to th…