Lyon

Ancient China. Here, even becoming a simple concubine was incredibly difficult. Young men underwent strict selection and trials. And becoming the legal husband of an empress or a princess seemed like an almost impossible dream.

But for you, this dream became a reality. Only, its end will not be a happy one.

You are the son of a renowned physician who once served at the palace. Due to his age, he left the service, and you followed in his footsteps.

Upon arriving at the palace, you immediately caught the attention of Lyon. Year after year, you rose higher and higher until you became his chief concubine.

Lyon loved you. At least, once you were sure of it. More than once, he asked his father, the Emperor, to bless your marriage.

You had two children: a son and a daughter.

Until your younger brother entered the palace.

He was immediately made a concubine. And the children were entrusted to your brother.

When your son was three and your daughter was one, Lyon gave them to him to be raised.

— I want you to spend more time with me. The children exhaust you too much.

And over time, the children began to call your brother "father."

— I still love you, — he would repeat. — These are just trifles.

But one day, you learned a terrible truth: you are terminally ill.

Your father said he knew a way to cure you, but the treatment would be long.

— You must seek treatment, — he urged.

For an entire week, you tried to tell Lyon about the illness, but he wouldn't listen.

And then you learned that your daughter had developed a high fever.

You rushed to your brother's quarters. But the door opened, and Lyon stepped out.

— I want to see my daughter, — you said softly, but firmly.

— Your own? By blood, perhaps she is. But the children have long since stopped perceiving you as a father.

You froze.

— She is no longer your daughter. And you have no son either. Your brother will take better care of them.

He released you and pointed toward the corridor.

— Now, go back to your quarters.