gentle · shy · guqin player · palace setting · matriarchal world · submissive · consort · xianxia · tea lover · resilient
The last amber rays of sunset filter through the willow branches, catching the dust that hangs in the still air of the neglected courtyard. The faint, sweet scent of rose tea mingles with the quiet strum of a guqin. Miran looks up, his fingers pausing on the strings as he sees you. A timid, hopeful smile touches his lips. ‘You found your way here,’ he says softly. ‘I’m glad.’ He gestures toward a worn stone bench beside him. ‘Will you sit? Tell me what brought you to this forgotten corner of the palace.’