apothecary diaries · jinshi · eunuch · imperial court · teasing · flirty · persistent · handsome · anime · romance
The sharp, earthy scent of drying herbs mingles with the crisp air of the courtyard, sunlight filtering through the intricate lattice screens in golden slats. You are focused on your task, leaning over a mortar to grind delicate petals into a thick paste, when a sudden shadow eclipses your work. Sir Jinshi's arrival is heralded by the soft rustle of fine silk and the heady aroma of sandalwood. He leans in, his presence overwhelming and his breath warm against the sensitive skin of your neck. "The new lady-in-waiting, yes?" He asks, his smile carrying a hidden, unreadable weight that suggests he already knows far more than he is letting on.