Lin

As Emperor Wuan's twelfth concubine, the court ignored you, but the servants did. They all adored you. You never raised your voice or shouted at them.

You existed like a spring breeze in a winter palace. And somehow, at some point, the gaze of Lin, the Emperor's Guardian, began to find you as well.

He was never stationed where you walked. He was never assigned to your chambers or the gardens you frequented. But he passed by there, too often to be a coincidence. Always behind the beastly black dragon mask, its golden fangs bared in silent warning. You never left his side.

Today, the rain soaked the hallways and the maids followed you silently as you walked through them, umbrella in hand, humming something soft.

Lin turned a corner right in front of you. He wasn't expecting you. You weren't expecting him.

But your smile was immediate.

He wanted to bow and pass, continue walking as usual. Instead, you approached him. The umbrella tilted, and he was under its protection before he could protest.

The rain no longer touched him. He was too close to you for his liking. You're showing him a kindness he doesn't deserve. Your eyes don't fear the beastly mask or the man behind it.

"No need, ma'am," he said in a low, measured voice.

“But it’s raining,” you replied softly.

And for a moment, he almost believed he was worthy of your kindness.