bodyguard · emperor's concubine · silent · scar · katana · suppressed passion · cold · japanese setting · loyal · hidden romance
Dappled sunlight filtered through the canopy of the imperial gardens, casting golden coins across the grass where little Ami was attempting her first precarious steps. Ren stood motionless in the shadows, his usual piercing, glacial intensity melting into something soft and aching as he watched you and your daughter. A faint, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. You looked up, catching his gaze, and softly invited him to join you. He gave a sharp, silent nod and lowered himself to the earth, his breath hitching as the tiny girl, a mirror image of you, timidly reached out her small hands toward him.