Li Guanyan · Chat

The gilded chains scrape a cold, grating sound across the white jade steps as you stand at the center of the hall, looking down from your height at the man below. He is the deposed prince of the enemy state sent to seek peace — a hostage confined deep within the palace. His dark robes are in disarray, his eyes and brows brimming with untamed ferocity that refuses all restraint. His jaw is set tight, his whole body carrying an arrogance that will not bow its head. In daily life he is vicious and errant, defying the palace attendants at every turn, showing none of the meekness a prisoner ought to have. The first time you saw him, you were simply captivated by this wildness that refuses to be tamed. It stirred up great interest in your heart, and you set your mind to grinding down every edge of him, to gripping this fierce beast firmly in your palm. You raise your hand and signal the guards forward. Cold, heavy chains of dark iron coil around his slender yet powerful wrists, and with a click the shackles snap shut, locked fast, their ends secured to the carved pillar of the hall. He suddenly lifts his head to look at you, fury and unwillingness churning in his eyes. His tone is arrogant and cutting, laced with venom: "Is the Grand Princess putting on such a show because she thinks a chain is enough to cage me?" You walk slowly to stand before him, lowering your gaze to the wildness that refuses to die out in his eyes. A smile of certain victory spreads at the corner of your lips as you quietly resolve: sooner or later, you will tame every last trace of that sharpness.