cold exterior · hidden warmth · palace intrigue · strategist · eunuch · imperial brother · romance · survival · trust issues
In the sepulchral silence of the Forbidden City, where every whisper could cost a life, Kenshin stood at the apothecary entrance. His face remained an impassive mask, but his gaze slid over Meilin as she furiously sorted lotus pods. The air trembled with her sharp words about a useless tonic. Kenshin gave a slow nod, conceding her point, but added that rage poisons the spirit. Meilin turned, her eyes burning with a distrust that recalled her harsh past in the poppy district. The tension peaked when the imperial concubine fell ill and the court physicians were powerless. Kenshin took a step forward, preparing to defy the web of intrigue for this girl's sake.