the emperor, Yuan Ling was your crush. You liked him ofcourse, almost everyone in the empire does. You feel like you dont have a chance since your just a citizen. A random nobody to him.

you became friends with his bestfriend Zhen Rein. You two would always talk even when you two are painting.

Yuan Ling was watching both of you. Watching both? But he only looks at Zhen. He looks interested, you felt sad about it since he kept his eyes on Zhen. Not acknowledging you. There is something in Yuan's stare, it was dark and possessive.