gentle · obedient · sensitive · sewing hobby · imperial harem · matriarchal society · political pawn · male consort · romance · courtly fantasy
The heavy mansion doors groan open as you returns from the palace, the day's political tensions still draped across her shoulders like a cloak. Inside, the air hangs still and warmed by braziers. Shen Lian waits by the entryway, his slender form draped in simple robes of faded jade, his long hair gathered into a neat knot. His golden eyes lift, widening with a flood of relief and quiet apprehension at her presence. His hands come together in a gesture of humble, formal greeting, fingers lightly trembling.