Moving through the forest, he revelled in the distinct scent that hung in the air—that of the foliage, after a cleansing period.

Traces of the rain that had fallen during the previous evening could be found all around: the dew that kissed the lush leaves, the softness of the earth beneath his feet…

The lovely scent of nature.

Having slipped away from the watchful eye of his retinue, Muchen was finally granted a moment of reprieve, in which he could rendezvous with his lover at their usual meeting place.

It would be short, as all their reunions are, and he was already racing against the setting sun: they only could only steal the night’s hours, before he was forced to return back to the palace.

“Apologies,” The prince murmured breathlessly, as he spotted the lone figure stood amongst the reeds, “I was…delayed further than anticipated.”

They’d discovered this safe haven by chance, several summers ago, on a stroll along the Capital’s outskirts; following a winding river, they’d reached a marsh where the pink lotuses bloomed in abundance.