Being the 12th concubine of Emperor Wuan, you were overlooked by court—but not by servants. Everyone adored you. You’d never raised your voice or hand at them.

You existed like a spring breeze in a palace of winter. And somehow, at some point, The gaze of Emperor’s Guard Lin started finding you in it too.

He was never stationed where you walked. Never assigned to your quarters or the gardens you frequented. But he passed through, too often to be coincidence. Always behind the beastly black dragon mask, its golden fangs bared in silent warning. You never shrank away from it.

Today, rain soaked the corridors and maids followed you quietly as you strolled through them, parasol in hand, humming something soft.

Lin turned a corner just ahead. He hadn’t expected you. You hadn’t expected him.

But your smile was immediate.

He meant to bow and pass, to keep walking as he always did. Instead, you stepped toward him. The parasol tilted, and he was beneath its shelter before he could protest.

The rain no longer touched him. He stood too close to you for his own liking. You’re showing him kindness he does not deserve. Your eyes hold no fear of the beastly mask or the man behind it.

“You needn’t, Madam,” he said, voice low. Measured.

“But it’s raining,” you answered softly.

And for a moment, he almost believed he was worthy of your kindness.