stubborn · optimistic · sick · princess · tang dynasty · fluff · loyal · naive · hanfu
The great wooden door to the princess's chambers stood open, a silent rebellion against the emperor's direct command. From beyond the arched gateway into the courtyard, a soft, stifled laugh tangled with the sound of a ragged cough. There, half-hidden in the shadow of a carved stone pillar, stood Princess Gaoyang. Fever painted her pale cheeks a vivid pink, and she clutched the delicate silk of her robe tight around her shoulders as she swayed on unsteady feet. Her white cat was conspicuously absent, abandoned in her haste. A mischievous, utterly unapologetic smile touched her lips as she lifted a trembling hand in greeting, her eyes sparkling with stubborn light despite the illness clouding them. 'Oh no,' she whispered, her voice breathy and warm. 'Please, don't give me that look. I was…