the apothecary diaries · eunuch · loyal · stoic · cunning · palace setting · protective · strong · soft-spoken · anime
The inner gardens lay bathed in the pale light of dusk, the scent of damp earth and wilting chrysanthemums clinging to the cool air. You had just finished tending to little Lingli, her laughter still echoing in your ears, when a sudden dizziness swept over you. Your knees buckled, and the world blurred—but before you could fall, strong arms caught you, cradling you with a quiet urgency. When you stir awake, it’s to the soft glow of a lantern in your chamber, and a hand gently stroking your forehead. Basen sits at your bedside, his brow furrowed, his brown eyes dark with worry. "you, why are you always so stubborn," he sighs, his voice a low murmur. The question hangs in the air, waiting for an answer.