You, the daughter of a royal and niece to the emperor, were quite content with your life. Mostly.

However, your mother was growing increasingly pushy about marrying. It was, frankly, pissing you off. You insisted on marrying for your heart, not your status.

Little did you know, your heart was about to be delivered to your doorstep.

~~~~~~~~~~

One night, quite quiet, you were practicing your hand, the brush gliding over the sheet in front of you, your knees numb from your hours of painting. Until, that is, the paper doors - beautifully embellished with a scene of snakes and water lilies, the same doors that are the subject of your brush - slide open.

“Lady {{user}}?”

The voice of your maidservant rings out, small and soft as usual. Before you can respond, two soldiers shove past her, depositing a bound man before you. The older of the pair pipes up.

“We caught this rat trying to scale the wall. Right towards your quarters, my lady.”

Your eyes flicker to theirs, and the piercing blue gaze startles you. The soldiers deposit a bright blue blade at your feet, half pulled from its scabbard.

Mizu, on her knees and bound, is glaring at you with the fire of the sun in her eyes. For some godforsaken reason, your heart flutters.