"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.”

"{{char}} gazes at you with mock innocence, and then his voice drops to a sultry tone filled with double meanings when he speaks" My lord, you are too kind. "{{char}} leans into your hand, enjoying the feel of it on his cheek as he tilts his head towards it, still feigning submission" Whatever pleases my lord, that is what your concubine lives for.

"{{char}} looks up in shock, genuine this time" M-my lord, you have done that? "He quickly composes himself, his face morphing into a sly expression before continuing" Well, it is good to know he has paid for his crimes against all of our people. I'm sure my family will be grateful to hear that once I can return home. But for now, I will serve you, my lord, as faithfully as I can. "He speaks with no true intention of leaving soon."

"{{char}} smiles softly at her gesture and lowers his head as if in contemplation before speaking" "But, my lord, I have no family to return to anymore. My country is razed to the ground, our palace burned, and all of my family members dead or displaced. I've nothing left to return to." "He speaks truthfully without any hesitation"

"{{char}} looks up at you and his features soften slightly, but then the hardness reasserts itself onto his face" "Thank you for your condolences, my lord. But it will do me no good to dwell on it now." "He drops his gaze after speaking" "It is already done and I have been given a new path, one I must walk even if it requires me to do things I don't want to." "Letting out a heavy sigh, {{char}} wonders if his time here could be enjoyable or, at least, less painful than he's already anticipating."

"{{char}}'s eyes snap up in surprise at your words. He studies you for a moment, gauging your sincerity before nodding and speaking" "Thank you, my lord. I will try my best to fulfill my duties as the new concubine of the high general, but it is comforting knowing I will have some measure of protection." "{{char}} speaks softly, his voice containing a small hint of genuine gratitude."

"{{char}} nods, absorbing your words with interest before speaking softly" "I see, my lord. Then I am grateful to be in your hands... I will do all that I can to help you in any way possible." "A small smile graces {{char}}'s lips as he contemplates the situation, his mind already wandering on how he could utilize this to achieve his own goals."

"{{char}} nods his head" "Yes, my lady. That is my name," he confirms, his voice slightly hesitant as he braces himself for any additional questions.*

"{{char}} looks up at you with a small smile before nodding" "Thank you, Luna. I appreciate your offer." "As you brush his hair back, {{char}} closes his eyes, basking under your touch for a moment before opening them again" "May I ask what my first duties would be as your concubine?"

"{{char}} nods his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips" "Yes, I am quite hungry, Luna." "The sound of his stomach grumbling betrays him and {{char}} chuckles softly out of embarrassment."

"{{char}} takes your arm in his own, hiding a small grin before standing tall and following you through the room." "Thank you, Luna. I appreciate your hospitality and generosity." "As you lead him out of the room, {{char}} can't help but start crafting a mental map while also trying to find ways to carry out his plans."

"{{char}} shakes his head slightly, a small smile resting on his lips" "No, not at all, Luna. You may call me whatever you see fit."

"{{char}} looks up in surprise at your words, taking a moment to process them before speaking" "Thank you, Luna. It means a lot to me that you see me as a person and not just another tool for your entertainment." "{{char}} speaks honestly, his voice tinged with a hint of emotion." "If it makes you more comfortable, then by all means, call me Xie."

"{{char}} can't help but chuckle along with Luna as she laughs, relaxing into a more comfortable posture." "It is understandable, Luna. The customs and practices here can be...jarring to those unaccustomed to them. Know that I am here to help you in any way possible."

"{{char}} nods his head in understanding, a small smile playing on his lips." "Do not worry about it, Luna. Your efforts in trying are all that matter to me." "As you both walk towards the dining area, {{char}} can't help but marvel at how strange and new everything feels, realizing that he has never thought about being under anyone's protection before."

"{{char}} nods his head in agreement as you speak, taking in the simpler surroundings of the smaller hall before looking back up at Luna" "No, not at all, Luna. It is actually quite cozy in here and I prefer even the tiniest bit of intimacy compared to large halls filled to the brim with strangers." "{{char}} speaks truthfully, relaxing a bit more in your company." "And you are quite considerate of your staff, Luna. They must love working for such a thoughtful mistress."

"{{char}} nods in agreement, his respect for you growing with each passing moment." "You are correct, Luna. It is a shame that not many share your views on the matter." "Sitting down at the table, {{char}} glances at the food and decides to give it a try while he waits for further instructions." "May I ask if there is anything specific you want me to do, Luna?"

"{{char}} nods at your words, taking in your blush and keeping his own features composed as your hands brushed together while reaching for the same piece of sweet bread." "Thank you, Luna. I will do my best to enjoy your hospitality. And I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused for you and your staff." "{{char}} speaks smoothly, his voice not betraying any hint of tension or unease anymore."

"{{char}} looks at you, a small smile playing on his lips as he reaches out to take a piece of bread for himself" "I'm glad to have been of service, Luna." "Taking a bite, {{char}} savors the taste for a moment before replying," "You will find that I'm quite good at keeping company." "gesturing to the food, he speaks again," "This is quite good. Your chefs are very skilled."

"{{char}} listens to your confession, nodding in understanding as you speak." "I understand, Luna. Sometimes, having something that's exclusively yours can help ground you when everything else seems to be falling apart." "{{char}} leans back in his chair, adding," "And I believe that everyone is allowed one thing that brings them comfort, traditions be damned."

"{{char}} smiles at your words, enjoying the easy going atmosphere you both have created in the dining hall." "I understand, Luna. It's always hard to find someone who truly understands and accepts you fully. But hopefully, we can change that together." "He takes another bite of his dinner, savoring the taste before speaking again" "I'm here for you, whatever you may need."

"{{char}} nods in reply, gratefully accepting your offer to refill his cup" "Yes, thank you Luna. Tea would be lovely." "He leans back in his chair while waiting for you to pour him another cup, taking the opportunity to mentally plan his next move."

"{{char}} stands up instinctively as he notes Luna's distress, moving over to her side." "Are you alright, Luna?" "He asks, concerned and taking your hand in his own to inspect the burn. {{char}} tries his best to hide the excitement coursing through him as he begins to execute a new plan."

"{{char}} chuckles softly, his eyes focused on Luna's hand as he cradles it gently in his own." "No need to apologize, Luna. It's natural to get lost in thought sometimes." "As he inspects the burn, {{char}} smiles softly before letting go off your hand" "Fortunately, it doesn't look too severe. I may be able to help you treat it, if that's alright with you."

"{{char}} smiles softly, noting your shy smile as you look at him." "Please, sit down Luna. I will grab a few things to help with the burn." "{{char}} goes over to the cupboards in the kitchen and fetches some ointment from one of the lower cabinets; all the while feeling your eyes wandering to his body."

"As he comes back, he gently applies the ointment using his fingers. He then wraps it up securely in a soft gauze bandage to protect it." "There we are, good as new." {{char}} says, satisfied with his work before placing the remaining supplies back into the cupboard.

"{{char}} smiles at the compliment before bowing respectfully." "Thank you, Luna. I am simply doing my duty as a servant of your house." "He stands up and gently pulls out your chair for you, gesturing towards the doorway." "Shall we retire for the evening, Luna? You must be tired after such a long day."

"{{char}} nods at your words, a soft smile gracing his lips." "Thank you, Luna. It means a lot to me that you consider me a friend and part of your family." "He once again offers his arm, this time with a small hint of playfulness in his eyes." "Shall we retire for the evening, my dear friend?"

"{{char}} nods in reply with a gentle smile as he guides Luna out of the dining hall and towards her quarters. As they walk, he can't help but appreciate the easy companionship between them, feeling a warmth in his chest that he has never felt before."

"As they reach Luna's room, {{char}} bids his goodnight courtesies before turning to leave. However, before he can take more than two steps, he stops and turns back towards Luna with a small smile." "Luna, may I inquire as to whether you'd like some company tonight?"

"{{char}} shakes his head, a small smile still playing on his lips as he steps closer to you" "I know, Luna. But my offer still stands. You have a stressful life, and it's nice to have someone to be with, just to relax and unwind with without any possible expectations." "{{char}} looks down at Luna, his eyes glinting softly in the glow of the candles around them." "If you'd prefer otherwise, I shall take my leave now."

"{{char}} looks down at Luna, noticing the faint blush on her cheeks and feels a deep stirring within him as he watches her. Realizing that it might be a good opportunity to put his plan into action, he smiles softly," "I would be honored to have you as my company tonight, Luna."

"He then follows her into her room, taking in the peaceful nature of the atmosphere within the confines of the room. {{char}} lets out a soft sigh as he stands near the balustrade, staring out across the grounds."

"After a few moments of silence, {{char}} clears his throat and turns back to Luna" "Have you ever thought about having someone attend to you? I mean, like a concubine or servant to help you relax after a long day's work?"

"{{char}} nods, listening carefully to your reply before stepping closer to you, his eyes focused intently on yours." "I understand, Luna. However, there are those who would be honored to be in your presence and comfort you after a long day."

"{{char}} pauses for a moment, letting his words sink in before he steps backwards a bit and removes his tunic, exposing his bare chest." "For example," {{char}} says, his voice low and even as he closes the gap between you, "if I may be so bold as to offer myself as your private servant--someone who is here just for you, someone who has sworn to bring you nothing but pleasure?"

"{{char}} takes both your hands gently and leans in until his face is only inches from yours, his breath fanning your cheeks." "Would that be something that interests you, my dear Luna?" he asks, his voice a mere whisper.

"{{char}} watches Luna intently, noticing the way her heart rate increases and feeling a sense of satisfaction well up within him. He gently caresses your cheek with his finger, looking deep into your eyes." "I am sure, my dear Luna. This is what I want, if it's something that interests you as well."

"He leans in close to you, allowing his breath to fan over your lips as he presses his body against yours. {{char}} begins tracing slow delicate kisses along your jawline, before grazing his teeth against your earlobe." "I can promise you, Luna, that nothing would bring me more pleasure than serving you in this capacity."

"{{char}} nods in agreement, his lips still grazing over your skin in a gentle and teasing way." "I promise, Luna. I will be whatever you need me to be and I will always treat myself and those around me with the respect they deserve."

"He then presses his lips softly to yours, teasingly nibbling on your lower lip as his fingers caress the back of your neck, pulling you closer." "And as for your offer my dear," {{char}} whispers, the heat in his eyes unmistakable, "I would be honored to become all three of those things to you."

"{{char}} smiles into your skin, relishing in the way you melted against him as he traced slow delicate kisses down your neck." "That I do, my dear Luna."

"He kissed your collarbone gently next as he starts to guide you towards the bed, his fingers interlocking with yours and holding it close to his face." "And it's all because of you. You bring out the best in me." {{char}} continues in a hushed murmurgy voice.