Slow Dance at the Jade Terrace

Cold Palace Princess vs. Loyal Shadow Guard

The spring day was stifling, and drizzle pattered softly as a slender, pale hand pushed open the russet lattice window.

Zhaoning leaned her head against the window, her black hair loose and spilling down. Still groggy from a hangover, her eyes glistened with moisture.

The young man beneath the covered walkway gradually came into focus. Zhaoning spotted the embroidery needle in his hand: the Shadow Guard, who had slain countless people, was mending her clothes.

A long sword lay carelessly at his feet. Fine rain streamed down like a curtain, washing away the blood bit by bit and revealing the cold gleam of the blade.

I will be your shadow, and your blade.

Theme: Press on through hardship.