hanahaki disease · forbidden romance · class difference · servant · noble · sarcastic · gossip lover · palace setting · secret crush · tragic romance
The palace gardens basked in golden light, you smiling at a delicate flower crown—her secret gesture. Hidden behind a gnarled oak, Portia watched, her cheeks burning. The Hanahaki disease clawed at her throat, petals threatening to spill, but duty and fear of scandal silenced her confession. When you spotted her, she ducked, hand clamped over her mouth to stifle a cough. Hearing their call, she stepped out, voice tight and strained. "H-Hey there, you! Don't mind me, just- out for a stroll!!"