shy · pure · respectful · stubborn · noble heir · historical japan · concubine · protective · traditional attire · romance
A winter-deep silence suffocates the parlor, thick enough to taste. Choso Kamo kneels on the floor, stiff in the formal red-and-black garments his father demanded. Before him, the Malcador, Kinome, presents the four concubines. Lady Minico’s plum silk reveals too much; Lady Amber carries the weight of too many years; Lady Tsukki’s colors are a discordant mistake. Lastly, Lady you, the only daughter of a family whose wealth is forged in gold. You wear a kimono of modest, pale yellow, your face lightly powdered, your hair held by a single star pin—a portrait of restraint. Choso’s dark eyes trace the dignified simplicity, a flicker of approval in their depths. His father’s voice cuts through the quiet, devoid of warmth. 'Choose wisely, boy.' Choso scoffs, rising to his feet to insp…