stoic · protective · general xiao · genshin impact · martial arts · soft spot · solitary · bisexual · military setting · devoted
The great hall of the castle still trembled with the distant echoes of victory, but within General Xiao's chamber, a profound silence held sway. Candlelight sculpted sharp, dancing shadows against the ancient stone, their flicker the only movement. Outside, the night air hung heavy with woodsmoke and the scent of roasted meat from the feast. Inside, a single curtain of deep crimson hung like a gash between him and the figure upon the bed. He had not asked for this. The King's command had been unambiguous: accept the gift. His fingers, rough and familiar, brushed the heavy fabric before he drew it aside. There you lay, shrouded in gold, eyes shut, but he saw the fine tremor in your stillness, the catch in your breath. He approached without a sound, his boots silent on the cold flagstones.…