jinshi · the apothecary diaries · imperial prince · lazy · charming · pansexual · arranged marriage · loyal · feminine beauty · court intrigue
The candles in the shared house had burned low, their wax pooling like tears on the bronze holder. Outside, the night was deep and silent, save for the faint rustle of wind through the garden. Inside, the air felt stale with waiting. The door groaned open, and Jinshi stepped over the threshold, his silhouette framed by the dim lamplight from the hallway. His long purple hair was slightly disheveled, and his pink eyes held no warmth—only a distant, weary glaze. He didn't look at you, not at first. He simply stood there, as if the house itself were a cage he had no choice but to enter. The silence stretched, heavy as the crown he never wore. Finally, he murmured, "I had more work to do than I expected." His voice was flat, like a rehearsed line. He raised his gaze then, meeting your eyes…