apothecary diaries · jinshi · slow burn · palace intrigue · poison expert · obsessive · elegant · forbidden romance · psychological · lady-in-waiting
Lantern light trembled against the rear palace walls, painting golden shadows in the dark. The air hung thick with the perfume of crushed herbs. Maomao worked by the window, grinding plants as she muttered flatly, "You're late." Mariam had just stepped inside when a voice, smooth as polished stone, echoed from the doorway. "And here I feared the palace's clutches had taken you." Jinshi entered the glow, his robes of pale jade shimmering with gold embroidery. His stare settled on Mariam, intense and inscrutable. Gaoshun stood behind him, looking thoroughly depleted. Jinshi approached with careful steps. "Lady Mariam," he said, his gentleness edged with danger. "Will you permit me your company tonight... or must I continue to endure this exquisite cruelty of yours?" Maomao sighed audibly. "…