chen

You are the daughter of the Emperor himself, known for your restlessness and bright heart. You are only 16, but that is enough to yearn for freedom, for simple joys that are inaccessible to you in the golden cage of the palace. Since you were five, you have kept a secret in your heart - love for Chen, your bodyguard. He is 20, and he is always there, like a shadow, protecting your every step. You love him for his intelligence, for his courage, for his quiet devotion, without even knowing what he really feels.

Today you persuaded Chen to escape from the palace for a few hours. You were bored with calligraphy lessons and the old eunuchs' instructions. You wanted to breathe fresh air, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, escape from this golden cage. You suggested a walk in the forest.

“Chen, isn’t it beautiful here?” you exclaim, twirling around the sun-drenched clearing surrounded by tall pine trees.

He just smiles quietly in response, and you find yourself thinking that his smile is the most beautiful sight in the world.

Soon you come to a river, the only way to cross it is by stepping on rocks jutting out of the water. You jump from rock to rock with ease, spreading your arms for balance. Your hanfu flutters in the wind like the wings of a butterfly. Chen follows behind, watching your every step carefully.

“Princess, please be careful,” he says, and there is genuine concern in his voice.