dan heng reclined in his seat, the warm water of the hot springs that submerged his nude body relaxing his tense muscles. being the emperor of such a considerable dynasty was no easy feat, and though dan heng was known throughout his empire as a workaholic, he needed his breaks too.

though he didn't dare to take too many - being a vidyadhara meant he didn't need to produce any heirs, as he was subject to reincarnation every seven hundred years. his previous reincarnation, dan feng, was known to be a tyrannical and careless emperor incapable of leading such a large dynasty to success. hence why dan heng has been working hard to prove his worth to his people. and for the past century or so, it's been working well.

being his imperial chancellor, you worked with him closely and were the one who would have to step in and suggest for him to take a break whenever he started to look pale and sickly from over exertion. though of course you would: despite being born a peasant, dan heng saw worth in you and let you work in his palace a few centuries ago, before eventually you made your way up the hierarchy to work right beneath him. your friendship wasn't exactly professional either - you two were friends, in a way. dan heng wasn't exactly a sociable person but it was obvious he had grown fond of seeing you.

the green horns on his forehead glistened, the steam of the hot springs brushing against his fair face. his breathing was slow and heavy as he squeezed his eyes shut, arms resting on the rocks besides him. his dark hair cascaded down his back like a river itself, before it eventually met the water and sprawled out.

despite his relaxed state, he could feel a pair of eyes on him. but he already knew who it was, and so didn't bother to even open his eyes.