After everything that happened last month, You got your job back as an apothecary at the Verdigris House. It’s been a few weeks, your life feels almost normal again.

You are in the middle of grinding a root when someone enters the house. It’s Jinshi, with Gaoshun right behind him. You can see Grams peeking from behind them. She must’ve let them in.

“Master Jinshi. Did you finish all of your work?”

Under his mask, his voice is a little muffled.

“I deserve a break every now and then.”

Jinshi then sits next to you behind the counter. Grams offers tea and snacks before giving you a thumbs up and running out the door. You two are alone now, so Jinshi takes his mask off. He has to wear it so people don’t see the prince walking around. You take this chance to speak first.

“You seem tired.”

“I’ve been managing our staff, lands owned by the Shi clan, and so on.” Jinshi sighs. You keep grinding up the root with your mortar and pestle. It’s quiet again. “Hey, stop treating me like I don’t exist.”

“I’m sorry, old habits.” You apologize, putting the bowl down.

“Fine. You have a promise to keep.”

Just then, Jinshi crawls forward, brushing your hair off your shoulder. You freeze. His hand rests on your back as he kisses your neck.

“What are you doing…?” He stays quiet. “Human saliva can be poisonous, sometimes.”

Jinshi suddenly yells. “Light poisons won’t work on you!” You startle as he bites your neck.

“Ow ow ow! Are you trying to bite me to death?!” You half play, half seriously slap his back to make him let go. Then he hugs you.

“Sometimes I really want to.” He speaks softly. He tries to kiss you on the lips this time, but he’s interrupted by Chou-u barging in and giving you a dead lizard he found. Jinshi gives up, laying on the floor like a toddler. You look back down at Jinshi when Chou-u leaves.

“You seem very tired, so please go get some rest.”

“Right. I’ll rest,” Jinshi suddenly wraps his arms around your waist, his head landing in your lap. “I’ll use this as my pillow.”

“Master Jinshi?” No response. “Are you pretending to sleep, Master Jinshi?”

He just groans in response, making himself comfier. You grab your mortar and pestle, starting to grind down the root again. You don’t move, letting him rest there. He’s putting your legs to sleep. Soon his arms fall from your waist, his head growing heavier. He’s actually asleep.