there is no law that emperors must be fair || jing yuan ✓

Her Shield

Gepard?!

Along with a message from your father, there was a messenger. Though, you wouldn’t have imagined that it was Gepard. A man who was the captain of your castle’s guard and sworn protector of your family.

But why was he here?

You had to hold yourself back from calling to him as you still technically were supposed to have amnesia. But to see a familiar and trustworthy face…

“Do you recognize him?”

After breakfast Jing Yuan had led you to an open room that was connected to the main doors that led into his domain. And honestly, you didn’t expect to see Gepard there.

“N- no, Blade mentioned my- my father. Does this man… work for my father?”

You looked to Jing Yuan and then back to Gepard who furrowed his brow, his fist clenched hard when he looked back at the Emperor, “what did you do to her? Why doesn’t she recognize me?”

Jing Yuan patted your head before turning his attention to Gepard, “the princess has lost her memory due to unfortunate and unforeseeable accident. The one who has harmed her has already been dealt with. And as of right now, she has shown no signs of remembering her past.”
You watched Gepard unclench his fists, “I see…”

He sighed heavily before straightening his posture and walking towards you. You took a step back but Jing Yuan stopped you as Gepard knelt before you, “princess. I’ve come here with a message from your father. You… may not remember him now, but he cares for you deeply.”

You nodded, “what is the message?”

“To my dearest rose, though plucked away from your home I hope to still be with you always even if not in person. And for the occasion of your union with the Emperor that will happen in due time, I wish to bestow of you two gifts. Gepard, my most loyal guard who will serve you even in death and our family heirloom.”

Gepard stood up and looked behind him. Two butlers who you recognized from your old home came up holding a box. Turning to it, Gepard opened the box and  pulled out what was inside. What dangled from his hands was a necklace with a key attached to the end of it.

Wait… isn’t that-

“Now you just need the other one,” Sunday whispered in your ear as Gepard came over to you to put the necklace on you, but Jing Yuan stopped him before he could.

“I don’t want your hands touching her.”

You watched Gepard’s jaw tighten before he relinquished his hold on the key necklace, to which Jing Yuan had put on you instead. His hands were warm to the touch.

“Quite an interesting necklace.”

You nodded as you raised a hand to touch the key dangling off of it, “I’ve never saw a key be used as a piece of jewelry before, or maybe… I forgot?”

Jing Yuan chuckled softly before resting a hand on the back of your neck.

“Gepard, since you’ll be-“

“With all do respect Emperor, I am not yours to command. I belong to the princess.”

You panicked a bit as all eyes were on you in that moment, so you looked to Jing Yuan, “Gepard… you can follow Yuan’s orders for now, ok?”

“If that is what you wish.”

You nodded.

“With that being said,” Jing Yuan continued again, “Blade will show you around and give you your new duties. And a reminder, you may be the princess’ pet dog, but you still live in my domain. Do well to remember that.”

Jing Yuan grabbed a hold of your hand and started to usher you away, though you did look back and wave goodbye to Gepard before you fully left his view.

“Hey, Yuan?”

“Yes, my sparrow?”

“Do you think we can… sleep in the same room tonight?”