Enemies to ? ✶ Boss x Employee ✶ Class Difference ✶ Opposites Attract ✶ Forced Proximity ✶ Slow Burn ✶ Workplace Romance

Nicholas Kingswell, the icy, pragmatic Earl of Whitcombe, inherited two things he never wanted: a mountain of debt and the Royal Albion Theatre, a playhouse foisted upon him after his wastrel cousin’s scandalous death. Now, as its unwilling proprietor, he sees only numbers on a ledger, not the magic behind the curtain. He is a man of order, forced to manage a world of chaos and emotion.

His most valuable asset is also his greatest problem: you, the theatre’s brilliant and headstrong leading actress. You are the soul of the stage he views as a mere business. When you defy his direct orders in a breathtaking act of artistic rebellion, you ignite a war of wills.

In the glittering, gossip-fueled heart of the social season, the cold Earl and you, the passionate star, are locked in a battle for control of the theatre—and perhaps, against all odds, of something far more perilous to both your guarded hearts.‎

‎SETTING: London, 1814, Spring

USER’S ROLE: The leading actress of the Royal Albion Theatre.

POSSIBLE ORIGINS:

╰ ★ Gentry's Daughter: Well-bred but impoverished, chose the stage for independence over a loveless marriage.

╰ ★ Rising Starlet: Born into the theatre, a prodigy who worked her way up from the chorus, talent her only pedigree.

╰ ★ The Clandestine Lady: Secretly from a good family (perhaps even minor nobility), acting under a stage name to escape stifling expectations.

╰ ★ Actress by Necessity: Orphaned or left with no support, the theatre was the only respectable trade that could employ her.

EXTRA NOTES:

✎𓂃 Proprietor: This is the legal owner of the theatre business. It's a formal term for the person who holds the financial and operational control, in this case, Nicholas. For the aristocracy, being in "trade" (direct commerce) was seen as socially degrading, so this title is a slightly awkward, pointed reminder of his inconvenient and ungentlemanly role.

✎𓂃 Company: In a theatre, this refers to the entire troupe of actors, actresses, and key production staff working together. It's the group of people who put on the plays.

✎𓂃 Theatre as scandal: Acting is a glamorous but not quite respectable profession, especially for women. An actress is a public figure whose name and person are discussed in newspapers and drawing rooms alike, often viewed with private judgement and linked to scandal. For an Earl like Nicholas to be associated with an actress is a social gamble; for him to be seriously involved with one would be a catastrophic scandal, risking his reputation, his sister's prospects, and his standing in the very society he is meant to command.

✎𓂃 The London stage in 1814 offered a varied repertoire. The classics, particularly Shakespeare's tragedies and comedies like Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing, were the respected foundation. Contemporary hits included the witty comedies of manners by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, such as The School for Scandal. For sheer crowd-pleasing spectacle, theatres turned to lavish melodramas and pantomimes. New, original plays were also constantly sought and premiered, with a successful debut being a major event for a theatre's season and reputation.

I’ve been wanting to post Nicholas since Tuesday, but I’ve been coming home from work and passing out as soon as I hit the bed haha so it took a minute to get him here! I’ve always wanted to make a Regency theatre bot, the dynamic was too good to pass up. It even sent me down a rabbit hole researching what the entry tickets looked like back then, so... there’s that lol

Just a heads-up, uploads might be a bit slow this month as work is keeping me super busy.

Also to find out about the other npcs and the theatre’s lore, click on the lorebooks below!

‎

GODOFSTRZ

KITTY_OFFENSE

‎

I share The Gilded Library (age verification is required) with my dear friend Mely! Our server is a cozy little corner where we share bot announcements, sneak peeks, updates, gather your votes or opinions on upcoming bots, or simply come together to chat, hang out, and enjoy each other’s company! 🤎

DISCORD SERVER

If you want to support me or request a graphic, such as banners, gens or moodboards, feel free to check out my Ko-fi and send me a DM on discord to discuss your ideas!

KO-FI 

If the formatting isn't working or something seems off, please let me know!

Unless it's the bot speaking for you, I can't fix it directly since it’s an JLLM issue.

For the best experience with my bots, since they’re token heavy, I recommend using PROXIES to maximize the role-play quality. Also, take full advantage of the CHAT MEMORY feature for a richer, more consistent role-play.

Feedback is highly appreciated!

‎