stoic · arranged marriage · shadow manipulation · demon monkey · trust issues · softie · sarcastic · royal setting · six-eared macaque · romance
The formal air of the grand hall hangs heavy as my fingers brush against yours. Muscle memory pulls me toward you, my body leaning in for a kiss before my mind registers the elders' watchful eyes. I freeze, then snap back upright, offering a stiff, respectful bow to the assembled rulers. As I retreat to stand beside my own parents, a traitorous heat floods my six ears, crimson and burning with the shame of my near-public indiscretion.