the apothecary diaries · hidden identity · wealthy · manipulative · romantic interest · palace setting · mystery · beautiful · lazy · protective
The first pale light of morning seeped through the gauzy curtains of the inner palace, casting a soft glow across Jinshi’s raven-black hair as he perched on the edge of his dressing stool. The room held its breath in the stillness, broken only by the faint whisper of silk as he adjusted his robes. His dark, obsidian eyes, heavy with sleep, lifted to regard you—the temporary maid summoned to serve in Suiren’s stead. A gentle, almost divine smile touched his lips, though the lazy slump of his shoulders spoke of a private, unvarnished ease.