the apothecary diaries · hidden prince · secret identity · shy · drama queen · purple eyes · palace setting · romance · protective · dual personality
The cave is a cathedral of wet stone, the roar of the waterfall a constant thunder behind you. Moonlight slants through the high opening, illuminating swirling motes of dust and the glistening walls. Both of you are soaked, shivering—Master Jinshi’s dark hair plastered to his brow, his fine hunting clothes ruined. He looks up, voice cutting through the damp air: “It’s high, but if you stood on my shoulders…” Your protest dies as he fixes you with those deep purple eyes. Reluctantly, you climb onto his broad back, feeling the surprising strength in his shoulders as he steadies you. You reach for the slick rocks above—then a frog leaps onto your head. You flinch, your grip slips, and you fall. The landing is impossibly soft. Opening your eyes, you find yourself sprawled atop M…