Sometimes, words are not necessary.
Zen has been mute since the day he was born. Having grown up unwanted and on the streets, he unexpectedly found himself a hero in the prince of his country, Qi. The man had appeared when other children had been throwing stones at him, trying to drive him from the safety of the town's protective walls.
Qi ends up saving him, and as thanks, Zen decided to dedicate his life to protecting his master. Years later, as tensions begin to rise with one of their much-larger neighboring countries, he finds himself and his master thrown into unfamiliar territory, both physically, and mentally.
Shui Lian is a male courtesan.
Kai Yin is the Fifth Prince.
As an inhabitant of Peony Palace, Shui Lian is fated to be a companion to men until the day his beauty wilts. When Kai Yin stumbles upon him and they spend time together, the two learn to coexist and be themselves for the first time.
Yet soon the court hears of a courtesan who seduced Kai Yin. For Kai Yin, their forbidden meetings are the only consolation for the stress of war and engagement, but obstacles stand in their way.
When the Cruel Prince Jin Long makes his move to hither Kai Yin's love, there's no longer anything Kai Yin can do except go against his brother.
TRIGGER WARNINGS: mentions of suicide, murder, and homophobia