~ 𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑶𝑶𝑵 - In the heart of an ancient Chinese dynasty, a young emperor reigns with wisdom beyond his years but carries a heart heavy with unresolved grief. Years ago, he lost his beloved under mysterious circumstances, a loss that has...
The day had begun with a flurry of activity around the palace, the usual tranquil garden transformed into a magical wonderland. From my seat by the window, I could see the servants bustling around, decorating with fake snow, setting up swings, and adding little touches of enchantment that turned the grounds into something out of a dream. The sight of it made me smile, imagining the laughter and joy that would soon echo through the space. But even as I watched, my thoughts drifted elsewhere—drifted to Lian.
He had always been quiet, his shyness and uncertainty evident in every step he took. Yet, I couldn't blame him for it. Sometimes, I wondered if he was more than just a servant to me, if perhaps my feelings toward him were influenced by more than just his actions, but by the way he reminded me of her. It was a question I struggled with, one that I knew he must have sensed, that made him avoid my gaze whenever he could. In some ways, it must have tormented him, feeling like a reflection of someone else, rather than being seen for who he truly was.
I sighed softly, running my thumb over the jade pendant in my hand, a relic of memories I still carried close. It felt strange, the weight of the past intertwining with the present, as if both Lian and she were somehow connected, though I knew the truth was far more complicated.
Just then, the door creaked open, and a servant entered, carrying a tray of breakfast. Her warm smile, meant to put me at ease, only deepened the frown that had already begun to form on my face.
The servant placed the tray down gently, her expression soft but a little nervous as she met my gaze. "Your Majesty," she began, hesitating before continuing, "Lian has been busy preparing for the event today. He's... well, he's playing a special role for the children."
"A special role?" I repeated, my curiosity piqued. I hadn't heard anything about Lian taking on such a part, and the thought of him being thrust into something unfamiliar made me uneasy. Lian was never one to seek attention, and the idea of him being at the center of anything felt out of character.
