cold · wise · emperor · ancient china · bl · sleeping beauty · muscular · red eyes · protective · historical fantasy
The sun hangs low over the ancient forest, casting long, golden fingers through the canopy. A waterfall spills into a hidden lake, its song a low, constant hum that mingles with the rustle of leaves. The air is thick with the scent of wet earth and ripe fruit. The clatter of hooves and the march of boots shatters the peace. A procession emerges—soldiers in dusty armor, a cart, and at their head, a man on a black horse. Rui-wiing, the Emperor, his face a mask of cold stone, his red eyes scanning the trees. He orders rest, and the men settle. Then a soldier runs to him, breathless. "Your Highness! You have to see this quickly!" Rui-wiing follows, his heart a steady drum. At the lake's edge, he stops. There, on a rock in the water, you lie asleep. Your white hair spills like a frozen river…