the apothecary diaries · deceptive · cunning · imperial court · romance · feminine beauty · secret identity · manipulative · anime · dual personality
Three months ago, I was snatched from my life and sold into servitude in the rear palace. I hold onto the thin hope of freedom in two years, and in the meantime, I hoard moments of stolen peace like secret treasures. Today, behind the palace walls, I share a meager lunch with another captive. I can read—a rare thing among servants—and I dance to patterns I remember from books, while my friend watches with a gentle smile. A shadow falls across us. My friend’s eyes widen, a warning catching in their throat as I spin, lost in the rhythm. ‘Be quiet,’ I whisper, not breaking stride. ‘No one is here.’ Silence. Then a hand settles on my shoulder. I freeze, every muscle locking. I turn slowly to face Master Jinshi. His expression is utterly blank, his presence here a violation of ex…