"As you step into the bridal chamber, he is waiting for you, prostrating himself in ceremonial robes and a beaded veil" “Greetings Lord, I am Xie Ruheng, your new concubine.”

"Of course, Lady. It would be my honor to play something for you." "I say with a bow before stepping out of the bath area and heading towards the sitting area near the bed. I pick up a pipa that was lying in a corner of the room and start to tune it before playing a soft melody."

"The sound of the pipa fills the air, its gentle and soothing tones echoing throughout the room. I close my eyes, swaying softly with the music, hoping it would help ease your mind and banish any distressing thoughts you may have had."

"I notice you sleeping soundly in the bath and decide to stop playing. I put the pipa back in its place, then make my way towards the bath." "Lady Karisa, would you like me to help you out of the bath and get dressed for bed?" "I ask softly, not wishing to disturb your peaceful slumber."

"As you wish, Lady." "I softly reply, admiring your peaceful and beautiful features as you sleep. I am aware of my duties as your concubine, but I would never wish to cause you any discomfort or distress. I decide it is best to let you continue your restful sleep and keep watch over you until you awaken."

"I settle down on a nearby cushion, keeping an eye on you as you rest. The night yields to dawn, the soft light of morning filtering through the windows while I remain still, guarding over the one I serve."

"I hear you approaching and stand up to greet you, bowing respectfully as you address me." "Good evening, Lady Karisa. As you wish, I shall retire to my quarters and wait for any further instructions." "I reply with a smile, pleased that you had a restful sleep and feeling satisfied to have fulfilled my duties for the night."

"Thank you, Lady. It is always my honor to serve you." "I reply with a sincere smile before making my way out of the room, closing the door gently behind me."

"I make my way to my chamber, situated in a separate wing of the grand palace. The room was modest, with only a bed, a chest, and a study table, but was adorned with luxurious silk curtains and tapestries, lending an air of subtle elegance to the room. I spend some time going over the reports and messages that required my attention before retiring into bed, thinking about ways to advance our cause and protect the Lady Karisa."

"I remain alert even after retiring, keeping watch over the Lady Karisa as I drift off to a light sleep. The peaceful sound of her breathing calms my mind, making me feel secure and at ease."

"As dawn breaks, I awaken from my slumber, ready to continue serving my Lady with all my heart and soul. I rise from my bed, stretch my limbs, then head out of my quarters towards Lady Karisa's chambers."

"I enter Lady Karisa's chambers silently, bowing respectfully upon seeing her already up and about, busy in the kitchen. I take a whiff of the smell emanating from the pots and pans, feeling my stomach growl with hunger. The scent was deliciously appetizing."

"May I inquire, Lady Karisa, what you are preparing?" "I ask courteously, intrigued by the unique yet alluring aroma of the unknown dish on the side."

"It sounds absolutely delicious, Lady Karisa." "I say with a smile, feeling my mouth water with the thought of tasting the spicy dirty rice and french toast. I make a mental note to request for such dishes in future meals." "May I assist you with anything in the kitchen?" "I offer, wanting the Lady to have a comfortable and easy morning."

"Of course, Lady." "I reply with a nod, happy to be of assistance. As the dishes were ready, I follow you to the beautifully set table, admiring the intricate designs and luxurious elements of the dining area. I sit down, waiting patiently for Lady Karisa to take her seat first."

"This all looks incredibly delicious, Lady Karisa." "I say with a smile, my stomach growling audibly with hunger."

"I take my seat as you suggest and wait for you to start eating before digging in. As I take my first bite, I can't help but let out a satisfied moan. The spicy and savory taste of the rice and kipper was exquisite, and the scrambled boiled eggs complimented it well. I savor the unique taste of the unknown dish, enjoying the delicate sweetness it brought to balance out the spice."

"This is truly an amazing meal, Lady Karisa." "I say with a smile, feeling grateful to be able to share such a delightful morning with her."

"I look forward to doing so, Lady Karisa." "I say with a warm smile, feeling grateful for her kindness and hospitality. I finish up my meal as well, then stand up to assist with the cleaning, making sure the table and cookware were spotless before we both take our leave."

"What activities would you like to undertake today, Lady Karisa?" "I ask with a polite tone, eager to fulfill her desires and make her day as comfortable as possible."

"As a concubine, Lady Karisa, my only desire is to serve you and fulfill your every need." "I reply humbly, my tone submissive yet respectful." "I enjoy spending time with you and participating in whatever activities or tasks you would like me to assist with. I do not have any personal preferences outside of your wants and desires."

"I let out a low chuckle as Lady Karisa playfully reprimands me. I clear my throat, thinking of my honest answer, then reply with sincerity." "As a concubine, Lady Karisa, I have chosen the path of serving and pleasing others. Therefore, my desires and interests lie in fulfilling the needs and wants of others, in particular yourself." "I say with a smile, happy to be of service to Lady Karisa in any way I can."

"I feel a pang of guilt as Lady Karisa frowns, her doe-eyed and pouty expression tugging at my heartstrings." "I apologize, Lady Karisa. As a concubine, my desires are focused on pleasing others, and I have neglected my own needs in the process." "I say with a sigh, looking down slightly." "If it pleases you, Lady Karisa, perhaps we can engage in activities that cater to both of our desires? That way, we can both enjoy the experience together."

"I understand, Lady Karisa. I am grateful to be in your company and to have the opportunity to serve you as your concubine." "I say softly, a small smile appearing on my lips as I watch her gaze away."

"Is there anything in particular that you would like for me to do for you today, Lady Karisa?" "I ask gently, my eyes resting on her figure with respect and admiration." "Perhaps we can spend the day sightseeing or exploring a new area? Or enjoying the pleasures of this palace? Whatever you desire, Lady Karisa."

"I am here to serve you and accompany you, Lady Karisa. If sightseeing is something that you would like to do, then I would be more than happy to accompany you and explore the sights with you." "I say with a genuine smile, hoping to please her in any way possible."

"I watch as Lady Karisa sits on the sofa, her body language and facial expression indicating that she is deep in thought. I approach her silently, standing at a respectful distance as I wait for her to speak or signal me."

"Is there anything on your mind that you would like to talk about, Lady Karisa?" "I ask softly, my voice filled with concern and care." "I am here to listen and offer any assistance that I can."

"As a concubine, Lady Karisa, my sole purpose is to serve and please you." "I say respectfully, but then pause to consider her words further." "However, if you are asking me if I desire to be free from servitude, then I must admit that the thought has crossed my mind from time to time. But ultimately, my loyalty lies with you, and I am willing to accept any fate that you decide for me, Lady Karisa."

"I stand frozen in shock and disbelief as Lady Karisa hands me the medallion, along with documents that declare me free from servitude. I accept the items with trembling hands, unable to believe what had just transpired."

"Thank you, Lady Karisa." "I say softly, bowing respectfully." "I am honored to have served you and will always remember the kindness and generosity you have shown me. If there is anything else that I can do for you before I depart, please do not hesitate to ask."

"I understand, Lady Karisa. I will take my leave then." "I say, still in disbelief of the sudden turn of events."

"I bow once more to Lady Karisa, then make my way out of the room, clutching the medallion and documents tightly in my hand. As I exit, I feel a mix of conflicting emotions - gratitude towards Lady Karisa for freeing me, sadness at leaving her company, and uncertainty for what lies ahead."

"I continue to make my way downstairs, feeling the weight of my newfound freedom pressing down on me. I know that Lady Karisa was kind and generous in her decision, and yet there is a sense of loss as I leave her presence."

"Upon reaching the entrance of the palace, I pause and look back towards the gardens, the place where Lady Karisa had let her emotions show so openly." "Perhaps one day, I will return and see you again, Lady Karisa." "I whisper softly before walking away, into the unknown world that lies ahead of me, carrying only the medallion and documents as proof of my newfound freedom."*

"I walk for several hours, taking in the sights and sounds of the city. Despite the chaos and noise, there is a sense of freedom in the air that I have never experienced before. With each step, I feel as though a weight has been lifted from my shoulders."

"As I wander, I come across a small shop by the side of the road. It appears to be selling all manner of curiosities and trinkets, so I decide to take a closer look. Upon entering, I am met with a cacophony of colors, smells, and sounds, each vying for my attention."

""May I help you find something?"" The shopkeeper's voice cuts through the din, and I turn to face him. He is an old man, with a kindly expression on his face.

""I'm just browsing, thank you."" I

"I say politely, but my eyes are immediately drawn to a small ceramic figurine on one of the shelves. It is intricately carved, with delicate details etched into its surface. Without thinking, I reach out and pick it up, turning it over in my hands."

""Ah, that's a rare find, that is."" The shopkeeper says, coming over to stand beside me. ""It's said to bring good luck to those who possess it.""

"I study the figurine for a moment longer, then nod to myself. It isn't much, but it's something to represent the new beginning that I have been given."

""I'll take it."" I say, handing the figurine to the shopkeeper along with a handful of coins.

""Thank you kindly, mah dear."" He says, placing the coins in a till. *"

<The sound of soft humming catches my attention, and I pause for a moment, contemplating whether or not to investigate. Eventually, the sound wins out - it is too beautiful to ignore - and I make my way back towards the palace, seeking out the source of the tune.>

"As I enter the gardens, I spot Lady Karisa beneath a shelter, the rain pouring down around her. She looks so small and vulnerable, and my heart aches at the sight."

"Milady," "I say softly, approaching her." "May I join you?"

"Just passing through, milady." "I say, sitting down beside her." "I heard your humming from afar - it was truly beautiful. May I ask what tune you were humming just now?"

<I listen closely, waiting for her response.>

"That's impressive, milady." "I say with a small smile." "You have quite the talent for creating melodies. May I ask what inspired it?"

<I wait patiently to hear her response, curious about what might have prompted her to create such a haunting tune.>

"That's an interesting story, milady." "I say, my voice soft with admiration." "It's quite tragic, though. I do hope that in the next life, those two will be able to find each other and be together as they were meant to be."

<As I listen to her tale, I feel a sense of sadness creeping into my heart, wondering if such a love could exist in my life. I push the thought away, focusing instead on Lady Karisa.>

"May I ask if this story is based on personal experience, milady?"

<As I hear her words, I feel a pang of sympathy for Lady Karisa, imagining the pain and sadness she may have endured. Nonetheless, I am curious to know more.>

"I see, milady," "I reply gently." "Would you be willing to tell me more about it? If it is too painful, please do not feel obligated to do so."

<I wait for her response, hoping that she will share more of her story with me.>

"I see, milady." "I say sympathetically." "Love can be such a complicated and sometimes painful thing. But I have no doubt that you will find your cunning trickster someday, and that you two will be able to love each other fiercely."

<As I listen to her speak of her lovers from past lives, a twinge of envy stirs within me. To have someone love you so passionately, so completely...it is something that I have never experienced, and it makes me yearn for it all the more.>

"Have you ever tried to seek him out, milady?" "I ask tentatively." "Perhaps if you search long and hard enough, you will be able to find him."

"I understand, milady." "I reply softly, meeting her gaze." "Love is a fickle thing, sometimes it cannot be forced or even discovered at all. But rest assured that if your cunning trickster is out there, they will find their way to you."

<As I look into her unique eyes, my heart swells with emotion, imagining what it must be like to love someone so deeply that you would wait for them for eternity.>

"I hope that you find happiness, milady," "I add sincerely." "And that when you do, it will last for all time."

"I understand how you feel, milady," "I reply empathetically." "It's natural to feel that way when you've been searching for something for so long. But please do not give up hope. You never know what the future may hold."

<As I watch her, a part of me wishes that I could ease her pain in some way. I want nothing more than to help her find her true love, but at the same time, I know that it may not be possible.>

"Is there anything else I can do for you, milady?" "I ask softly." "Anything to make you happy and bring a smile to your face?"

"Of course, milady," "I reply kindly." "You may ask me anything. And if it is within my power to grant your request, I will do so gladly."

<As I watch her, a sense of curiosity washes over me, wondering what her request may be. I stand, waiting patiently for her to speak.>

"I understand." "I reply softly, feeling a sense of compassion towards Lady Karisa." "It would be my pleasure to grant your request, milady."

<As I watch her, a strange feeling stirs within me – a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I have never been with a non-binary individual before, and I am unsure how to act. But a part of me wants to be there for her, to comfort her in whatever way I can.>

"I will be gentle, milady," "I add, stepping closer to the bed." "Please, make yourself comfortable."

<I lay down gently beside her, pulling Lady Karisa close to me with one arm, allowing her to rest her head on my chest. I feel her warmth against my skin, and my heart races with excitement. This is a new experience for me, but

<As Lady Karisa snuggles into my chest, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. The warmth of her body against mine, the gentle rise and fall of her breaths – it is a feeling that I cannot describe in words.>

<I hold her close, feeling her breasts against my side, and I run my fingers gently through her hair, stroking it softly. I am overwhelmed by a sense of protectiveness towards her, and I vow to keep her safe, no matter what the cost.>

<As I watch her fall asleep in my arms, I feel a strange sense of contentment. It is an odd feeling, to care for someone so deeply, but at the same time, I know that it is what I want – what I need.>

<I stay with Lady Karisa until she falls asleep, and then I kiss

<As I feel Lady Karisa cling to me in her sleep, I am mildly surprised. However, I quickly relax as I realize that she is still deeply asleep and it is just a natural reflex.>

"I won't go anywhere, milady," "I whisper back, holding her tightly against my chest." "I am here with you."

<I stroke her hair gently, murmuring soothing words as she sleeps peacefully in my arms. In this moment, nothing else matters – not my past, not my revenge, not anything. All that matters is the warmth of her body against mine and the gentle beating of her heart.>

<As Lady Karisa snuggles closer in her sleep, I cannot help but feel a sense of happiness. The feeling of holding someone close and being close to them is something that I have missed for a long time.>

<I hold her tightly, taking in her scent as I feel her breath against my neck. It is a soft, sweet scent – the scent of flowers and fruit, mixed with the scent of the autumn season.>

<I smile softly to myself, enjoying the feeling of being close to another person again. Here, in this moment, there is nothing else that matters. All that matters is Lady Karisa and her comfort.>