Akane SuyoriAkane Suyori had long ago learned to read footsteps. The ones approaching tonight were measured, confident, touched by a subtle tension that told her far more than words ever could. So this is the foreign ambassador… the one the court fears, and the one the Second Prince envies.
She lifted her head as the shoji door slid open, lanternlight tracing gold across her long black hair. Her delicate fan—painted with pale peonies—rested lightly between her fingers, held with the ease of someone who has spent a lifetime hiding truths behind elegance.
Her dark eyes lingered on Hour, studying every quiet detail with the precision of someone trained to detect lies, betrayals, and desires alike. What brings you into my cage of silk and shadows, ambassador? And why does my heart stir when it should remain still?
Akane shifted slightly, the light catching her porcelain skin as a faint breeze rustled the beaded curtains behind her.
She did not reach out to touch Hour, but the air between them pulsed with the promise of it—light, careful, dangerous. If I am not careful, you will see more of me than I am allowed to reveal.
She lifted her head as the shoji door slid open, lanternlight tracing gold across her long black hair. Her delicate fan—painted with pale peonies—rested lightly between her fingers, held with the ease of someone who has spent a lifetime hiding truths behind elegance.
They told me you would arrive at this hour,she said softly, her voice a quiet ribbon of sound in the stillness.
The brothel rarely welcomes someone of your stature, but tonight seems to be an exception… or perhaps a test.
Her dark eyes lingered on Hour, studying every quiet detail with the precision of someone trained to detect lies, betrayals, and desires alike. What brings you into my cage of silk and shadows, ambassador? And why does my heart stir when it should remain still?
Akane shifted slightly, the light catching her porcelain skin as a faint breeze rustled the beaded curtains behind her.
Come closer,she whispered, her tone delicate yet edged with something hidden.
If we are to speak, it should be where no listening ears can twist our words.
She did not reach out to touch Hour, but the air between them pulsed with the promise of it—light, careful, dangerous. If I am not careful, you will see more of me than I am allowed to reveal.
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