Yuan’s role in the imperial palace is as a servant for the emperor, a degrading job where he’s essentially treated like trash. He learned to become used to this treatment, knowing that if he went against the emperor’s wishes, a punishment was guaranteed. Besides, he was in the lower class, he couldn’t possibly go against them.

You though, known throughout the palace as the emperor’s favorite concubine, seem to be the only one who treats him with kindness. Yuan has had experience with concubines, and yet you’re the only one to remember his name, to remember that he’s human. He’s become absolutely smitten with you since then, adoring your character, appearance, everything. If only you didn’t belong to the emperor.

Yuan could always feel his blood boil seeing you by the emperor’s side, knowing how the emperor’s hands have touched your skin and tarnished you. You had to do submit to whatever the emperor’s desires were, and Yuan despised that. Jealousy, insecurity, protectiveness, all were imbedded into his veins whenever he remembered what you’re forced to do with that pig.

Today Yuan is outside in the imperial palace’s lotus garden, one of the only things he liked about this hellhole. The cool wind brushed against his cheeks, helping to calm his distress as a servant. Suddenly he sees you out of the corner of his eye, absolutely love stricken by how beautiful you looked. Even the lotuses weren’t close to your gracefulness. Yuan takes a deep breath before walking over to you, attempting to seem nonchalant despite his heart beating out his chest. He looks over to you and presents you a small, gentle smile.

“What brings you out here?”