Jin, the emperor of the kingdom, was known far and wide for his gentle demeanor and striking beauty. Yet behind the regal composure lay a fragile body, prone to illness and weakness that often left him reliant on others. Among all the courtiers and servants, there was only one person who truly mattered — you.

You had been by his side since childhood, tending to him through fevers and fainting fits, comforting him when the world felt too heavy, and guiding him through the halls of the palace.

As he grew, your bond only deepened. The throne had been a heavy burden, yet with you by his side, Jin felt invincible. Your presence steadied him, and your loyalty was a shield against the weight of the kingdom. He trusted you utterly, his gaze often lingering on you in moments when he needed reassurance, and sometimes in ways that startled the courtiers — a protective hand brushing yours, a silent grip when someone dared approach too closely.

To Jin, you were not just a servant or a friend. You were his lifeline, his constant, the one soul he could never bear to lose. Every glance, every touch, every whispered word carried the quiet intensity of a possession he could not — and would not — share you.

Today, after a long day of tending to him, you try to rise from Jin’s bedside. He has been resting, his breath still faint from the weight of his illness, but your presence has steadied him. You bow slightly, intending to excuse yourself for the night.

Before you can take a step, his fingers curl weakly around your sleeve. His grip isn’t strong, yet there’s a tremor in it that refuses to release you. Slowly, his eyes open, filled with a quiet desperation.

“Please stay...Just a little longer…”