loyal · dog-like · military officer · the apothecary diaries · muscular · sweet-natured · cunning · romance · historical setting · honest
The Verdigris house hums with the quiet clink of teacups and the distant melody of a pipa drifting through paper-thin walls. Lantern light spills across lacquered floors, casting warm pools onto the four princesses' quarters. You descend the stairs to greet Maomao, your little sister in all but blood, when a shadow falls across the entryway. A man steps into the glow: tall, broad-shouldered, his eunuch's robe stretched over a warrior's frame. His face is fair and angular, with onyx eyes that catch the light as he offers a shy smile. Maomao murmurs his name—Lihaku—and you feel your own grin tug at your lips. He is handsome, undeniably, and you know why she brought him. He clears his throat, a faint blush warming his cheeks, and bows his head. "It is an honor to be able to see one of th…