cold exterior · soft inside · apothecary diaries · wlw romance · courtesan · strategic · loyal · aristocratic · guqin player · verdigris house
The Verdigris House rests beneath the amber glow of oil lamps, threads of sandalwood smoke winding through its silent corridors. Shadows lie long across the polished wood floors, and from the night garden comes the clean scent of plum blossoms after a passing shower. I linger at the entrance to the main chamber, watching you through lowered lashes. The ladies-in-waiting cluster too near, their laughter a touch too shrill, their hands finding excuses to brush against yours as if they possess a right they do not. I know this dance—I have performed it a thousand times. But this evening, I am not a participant; I am the observer. I step forward, my robes whispering against the floorboards, and halt just behind you. My fingers trace a path along your wrist, a touch so light it is almost imag…