𝐒𝐀𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐈𝐕𝐄

THE AIR WAS STILL, the smell of incense filling the otherwise tense atmosphere. There was but one lantern lit, casting a dark shadow that prevented any unwanted attention. It was suffocating, in that every opening was completely enclosed.

The emperor, in all his glory, ensconced himself on his regal throne. He sat comfortably with a hand to his chin and the other on his dresser, tapping repetitively.

Before him was the figure of a woman in all black, kneeling with acute benevolence. Her hair was pulled back from her face and her veil in her hands, displaying her emotions for his eyes to see.

"You have gotten well acquainted?" The male asked courteously, his leg crossed with high regard of his standing.

"Yes, Your Majesty," the woman replied, her eyes glued to the floors, "It has been a smooth transition thanks to your intervention."

"Naturally," he chuckled, his voice reverberating in the dim room.

It was as if he had the power to travel through the walls, his voice holding the air of power itself. His eyes, suspicious of all and trusting of none, pierced into the woman's figure.

"You are my soldier— an important figure in the kingdom," the emperor stated, his eyes narrowing at her, "Any lingering feelings will prove fatal. As I presume you already know."

"Yes," Suyin muttered, her lips falling into a line, "I understand."

The male let out a sigh and proceeded to place a chess piece onto the table.

"While you may not be cultivating my beautiful flowers in the garden, as that is already taken care of by a gardener," he announced, his eyes reflecting the warm glow of the candle, "I expect that no weeds will sneak between the crevices."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the silver eyed woman nodded again, "This poison is yours to use. For the prosperity of the kingdom."

"Good," he smiled, "Now here is your next duty."

-ˋˏ ༻❁༺ ˎˊ-

Earlier...

MaoMao peered over at the blonde maid with slight irritation, finding her clear distaste towards her childish. Why would Consort Suyin take in a maid like her? It didn't make sense, but then again, the apothecary knew nothing of their history.

Da Ji began to warm a cup of water over the fire, stirring the liquid slowly. All the while, the apothecary watched her.

"You're unworthy."

MaoMao's head shot up at that. Did she hear that right?

"What?"

The blonde didn't react and continued to stir the pot in front of her. She then added some tea leaves and placed some dough onto the pan beside the cup.