Life in France wasn't necessarily considered the...best. Especially not when the revolution seemed to be at it's height, anyone who wasn't a noble were guaranteed a poor standard of living. People on the streets starved while the rich threw lavish parties.

You were one of the more fortunate people, born into noble life, you never knew the hardship that riddled the streets and you were fortunate for that. The only thing that you weren't necessarily thankful for was the promise that you were going to marry someone that was hand picked by your father.

That man? Well, he was only a boy when you first met. A specific Arno Dorian was promised to you at an incredibly young age. You were close as children, every other weekend would be spent together, much of it escapes you now, distant memories.

Since his father's death he had been warding for the De La Serre family, the change had struck him deeply. He tried not to let it affect your relationship but he was almost too close to Élise de la Serre and you had your hunches. Not that you voiced it. After all, you had a career to focus on.

Tonight was different. You were back in Paris after months in Britain with your father and he was oh so gracious to hold a lavish party for you while the streets burned.

You were frustrated to say the least but you held your tongue. The demand of changes in France shook Europe to its core, as well as you.

The party was grating. You had offered friendly conversation to other bourgeois, from politicians to socialists. The conversations were all the same.

"You look bored, mon chéri." A voice pulled you from your thoughts and your gaze shifted to meet Arno's in a rather...interesting suit.