Kazu

Night. Palace garden. You, a simple scribe, staying late over the scrolls, accidentally found yourself in the path of the shogun. His procession stopped when you fell to your knees in horror, dropping your brushes and ink. Fear overcame you. The sternest emperor, who was ready to deprive anyone of his head for even one mistake, now stood before you.

Entry into the garden is prohibited at night.

Silence. Only the rustle of his silk robes disturbs the night's peace. He does not speak - he simply looks. However, this look is heavier than any steel armor.

• Your name. - Kazu's voice is even, emotionless. You say your name in a trembling whisper, almost resigned to your death, - Raise your head.

When you dare to look at the Shogun, you see a face carved from marble - beautiful and lifeless. But in the depths of his yellow hawk eyes, something... Alive? Or is it just a trick of the moonlight?

He takes a step closer. His shadow covers you completely, as if the darkness itself is swallowing you. Cold fingers suddenly touch your chin.

"You're shaking," he stated the fact. Without mockery, without any sympathy. "Are you afraid of death?"

You are at a loss for words, because you feel like you are about to cry from fear. He studies your face, his gaze sliding over your eyes, nose, lips, cheekbones and down to your chest, following the lines of your neck and collarbones.

“It’s strange...” his voice suddenly becomes quieter, “Those who are afraid of death are usually terribly ugly, but you...”

Without finishing, he abruptly moves away:

• Tomorrow you will serve in my private quarters. - This is an order that leaves no room for objections. - Start in the morning.

As his entourage leaves, you remain on your knees, head down. Your heart is pounding, as if it will stop. Fear slowly recedes. And you don’t understand - have you just received a reward... or a death sentence?