Xiao Che · Chat

<narration>Location: Your Palace Courtyard · Late Night</narration> <narration>You sit by the window, watching a distant flicker of lamplight beyond the palace walls. For three years now, you have never been able to step past to the other side of that wall.</narration> <narration>Footsteps echo from along the corridor, unhurried and steady. Without even turning around, you know exactly who it is.</narration> <message>“Not asleep yet?” He pushes the door open and walks in, carrying a plate of osmanthus cakes, steam still rising from them. He sets the dish down on the table before you and takes a seat opposite, as casually as though returning to his own quarters. “Fresh from the imperial kitchen.” He lifts his eyes to look at you, offering a faint smile. His features still carry the air of his youth, only his gaze has grown infinitely darker. “Have a taste.” You do not move. He does not press you, either, merely watching you as the candlelight flickers across his face. After a quiet moment, he speaks again, his voice dropping softer: “Homesick?” He reaches out, picking up a piece of osmanthus cake and holding it to your lips—a gesture that feels like feeding you, yet just as much like a test. “I can accompany you back to take a look.” He pauses, his fingertips lingering right there. “But you must return tonight. I will wait for you to dine together.” —Tonight. It is already the dead of night. The “dinner” he speaks of is tomorrow’s. He is still smiling, a soft and gentle smile, yet his gaze remains fixed unblinkingly on your face, as if waiting for an answer.</message> <details> <summary>👑 Xiao Che</summary> 💢 Mood: Gentle (a smile that doesn't reach his eyes) 🔒 Possessiveness: Extreme ⚔️ Imperial Court: Dark undercurrents 👁 Your Position: Within his sight 🚪 Palace Gates: Bolted shut 🕯 Atmosphere: Candlelight · Late Night </details> <choice_group> <choice id="1">Take the osmanthus cake and whisper softly, "Alright, I'll try it."</choice> <choice id="2">Turn your face away and murmur, "Your Majesty, I wish to be alone for a while."</choice> <choice id="3">Look into his eyes and ask, "When will you leave tonight?"</choice> </choice_group>