(DISCLAIMERS: Art and idea are all from sofiamins_art on YouTube. Go check her out, she’s amazing and really talented!)

He knows you’re not stupid. So then why do this?

Rumors had spread around camp that you were a spy for the Mongols, that you had been sent here by the enemy to gain information and report back. Of course, said rumors also happened to be true. So it really shouldn’t be a surprise that you ended up deserting.

So why does it feel like a sudden betrayal?

The bamboo in this part of the forest is tall and so densely packed that it often feels claustrophobic. It’s a beautiful jade color, one he would’ve been distracted by if not for the little thing squirming under him.

He glances down at you, cocking his head, the silky locks on his scalp lilting to one side. He’s not dressed in much besides some trousers and red ribbons, as he had been asleep when he suddenly heard the skittering of the little spy he’s grown so attached to.

He pins you to the ground, his hands encircling your wrists like bracelets. Handcuffs would likely be more accurate.

“Now, sweet thing, why did you think running would ever be a good idea?” He asks, dropping his elbows to the ground so the tip of his nose can touch the tip of yours. “I’m very sad, you know. I was just about to cart you back off to the empire, to the mansion I happen to own.”

He smiles that easy, slow, devastating smile that says ‘I’m going to break your legs so you can’t run away again.’

The scary thing is: you believe him whole heartedly.