#Aristocrats | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

serenexdreams · 2 years ago

Text

ETHEREAL | ROYALTY AU | VARIOUS! GENSHIN X READER

GROWING UP AS THE PRODUCT OF A FORBIDDEN ROMANCE between the king and a maidservant of the royal Aurelian family, you, the illegitimate fourth princess of the kingdom have always been left on your own. But things take a sudden turn when the tiny kingdom becomes engulfed in a deadly battle for succession between your older brothers and sisters.

In fear of you being caught up in the fray, your seemingly-distant father sends you off to live with oversea crown relatives--living on the continent of Teyvat. Suddenly, you're whisked away into the opulent and luxurious world of the true aristocracy.

Yet, not everything is as it seems...and thanks to your dreamy, starry-eyed nature, nobody suspects.

Your aunt and uncle seem to cherish you deeply; after bearing the grief of losing their own daughter, you seem to remind them of her...and you comfort them over their loss, winning their favour. When the time comes for the Annual Spring Ball--held at Celestia Palace, in the centre of the seven nations, they excitedly bring you along; marking this ball as not just a celebration of the coming of the aristocrat's social season, but also your debutante.

Your long, wispy lavender gown twirls enchantingly beneath the crystal chandelier's dim glow; a soft, alluring smile spread across your face, as you waltz with handsome strangers. Your H'/C hair flows freely down to your shoulders; framing your soft features.

Your aunt and uncle watch from the balcony with fondness. You've matured into a gentle person; unaware of the gazes you attract...

As the night descends into a full-swing party that would put even the celebrations the gods hold to shame, you slip away into the night; exhausted from all the dancing. The ball now feels suffocating to you, as you must put up a demure act for the approval of your aunt and uncle...and a successful debutante...

But you too, are also human. Your skin is flushed with weariness, as your gaze flits through the various escape routes you can take...

ROUTE I: DEVOTION

YOU MAKE A BEELINE FOR THE BACK DOOR, MAKING A DASH for the exit as you lift the hem of your heavy dress; letting out a sigh, while you remove the heels you wear. Your bare feet make contact with the cool, marbled floors of Celestia Palace, while your gaze drifts to the moon. Its white rays shine through the glass pane windows, bathing you in its embrace, as you finally shed your act with a short sigh.

Face dropping into a mischievous smirk, your eyes glint with excitement as you eagerly dart through the halls of the palace; looking for a place to leave from. Surely there's a balcony you can jump off or a little door that servants use to-

You see, you had a rebellious streak. A very long one, too...and one that only one person seemed familiar with. But he wasn't here tonight to stop you, much to your delight. You were left to your own devices; as your relatives busied themselves with their own networking, you were able to roam like a free bird.

Suddenly, with a startled squeak, your forehead bumped against the sturdy chest of another figure, as you scowl; looking up to see a familiar face. It's the chaperone/babysitter your aunt had insisted you bring...your guardian knight, Xiao.

His touseled, dark green locks frame his sharp, cat-like features; as he looks down at you, chest heaving up and down, typically-pristine black guard uniform crinkled. The silver sword strapped to his hip clanked against his leg, as he reached forward; slamming a hand into the wall behind you, as he cornered you. Oh boy--he was mad. You innocently smile back, internally trying to calm down as you slowly back away. You're one of the few people shorter than him--and he always seems to be taking advantage of that. "Oh, hey, fancy seeing you here-"

"....Where are you going?" His voice is harsh and thick with panic, as he wraps a gloved hand around your wrist, pulling you close. His golden, cat-like eyes bore into your soul before he narrows them and glares at you accusingly. "...Were you about to leave? You know it's dangerous for you to wander off on your own, regardless of the circumstances."

You huff, trying to escape from his tight grip, while you pout pleadingly up at the strict knight who's been assigned to you since your early days of royal life back in the kingdom of Aurelian. You look up at him with round, puppy dog eyes. "I was just feeling...suffocated. I just wanted to look around." You smoothly lie, without an ounce of guilt. "...You know how I feel about this whole arrangement. Just this once, Xiao? I promise I'll be back...before the ball ends--maybe. Or not. It depends-you see, I was planning on going to the festival the villagers were hosting outside the palace; I was even going to invite you--"

Xiao interrupts, his eyebrows furrowing, as he sternly draws you closer and flicks you on the forehead. "It's dangerous. The world is much bigger and darker than you think, Y/N. Lying is bad--you think I don't your tricks by now." He deadpans at you, as he lifts you into the air, much to your surprise as you let out a startled yelp. "...What? Your feet are tired, aren't they? I saw how many suitors requested a dance. I'll hold your shoes."

You can feel his toned arms wrap effortlessly around your waist, lifting you to rest in his grasp; with his other hand, he picks up your heels, letting them dangle off of the tips of his calloused fingers in a practised motion. As if he's used to your antics by now. Just like the silent, responsible knight, he is.

You glance down at him in surprise, warmth blooming on your cheeks as you finally relax in his grip, a sheepish and dorky smile spreading across your lips. "Heh, you could say I'm too beautiful--am I right?"

"..." Xiao doesn't respond. But you smirk, as you notice a faint blush spread across his indifferent expression. After all, you had him figured out by now. He had been your knight since your days confined in the royal Aurelian palace; guarding your precious existence. Memories of late-night conversations from your window, little adventures gone wrong, and joyrides on his prized stallion flashed through your mind, as you rested your head on his broad shoulders, eyes swimming in veiled affection.

Despite his overprotective nature, you close your eyes; bathing in his attention. "...my knight. Always so loyal, and by my side, blocking me from trouble." You chuckle, beaming with amusement as you playfully tease him, watching his ears flush pink. This was how most of your conversations with him went, but you paused, nostalgia washing over your typically-carefree E/C irises. "...Though, I should probably stop my behaviour soon."

The memory of your aunt and uncle's excited, hushed whispers as they spoke of the countless men vying for your hand rings through your head. Your free days of soaring through the sky were numbered. And you knew it. Your life was a blissful cycle of dreams, but they wouldn't last forever.

You had duties. And soon you would need to return; back home, back to that suffocating palace across the sea; loved by none, and back to being a powerless princess trapped under the thumb of a new king.

It was either that, or remain under your false alias for the rest of your days; as Y/N Valian. There was no place for your starry heart amongst the sea of perfect constellations in the sky.

"...We can go." He softly mumbles, golden eyes slanting sideways to soak in the image in front of him. Did you really think he--your devoted guardian knight, was going to let you be auctioned off to the highest bidder? Oh, no, you were horribly wrong. He had a plan. But...for now, he'd let you enjoy your time. As long as he was by your side, he was content...no matter what.

Your lovely rose-pink dress now crinkled and folded, hair loose and tangled. Your breathless voice echoed into his ears. He prided himself on knowing everything about you; from what you liked eating, to what your favourite shade of blue was. He liked knowing that he knew all of your secrets; about the time you had launched yourself out the second-floor window and into his arms, to ride away to visit the Liyuean kingdom shores. About the days you had spent, weaving together vines to make a rope and escape the confines of the royale Aurelian palace--even if it was just for a moment. About the night you had returned home from a festival; hair touselled and lips swollen, in a drunken daze, as you pressed your soft lips onto the diamond-shaped, third-eye mark on his forehead.

Xiao was bad with words. And he knew it. But you seemed...to be able to look past those useless flaws of his, and embrace his timid yet stoic nature.

You tilted your head in confusion.

"...Go where?" You whisper back, heart pounding slightly as Xiao turns to face you. The handsome, chiselled smile you love so much is curved across his delicate lips, as he looks at you.

Xiao loved the way you made him feel. At first, you were nothing more than a naive rascal, looking for any opportunity to escape your duties. He disapproved of your lack of effort into proving yourself as the Fourth Princess, dismissing it as mere laziness. A refusal to accept who you truly were; someone destined for glory.

Until he saw the warmth and playfulness of your soul. The wistful, dreamy look in your eyes reflected the purity of this world; like a delicate flower, trying to brave out a storm ripping through its garden of fantasies. And he became your knight--the one willing to tear the storm down and shield the flower, nurturing it with care. You weren't suited for the rough political landscape of succession--despite your capabilities. It was from then on, he swore to protect you; at all costs.

But little birds were destined to fly freely, no? Xiao was content, as long as he could chase after the trail of wind left by your little wings.

"To the spring festival down at the village. I'll go anywhere with you."

ROUTE II: DARKNESS

AS YOU TWIRLED TO THE RHYTHM OF THE CHARMING classical music, you felt a soft hand tap at your shoulder. You looked over, realizing it was your aunt--who wore an overdelighted expression. "...Is something the matter?" "Y/N, I'd like for you to meet this young gentleman--a business partner of your uncle and I's. This is Lord Tartaglia; he hails from Snezhnaya, and runs a commercial business under the Tsaritsa." Her gloved fingers dug into your soft skin, as she pulled you closer, and your misty, E/C eyes drifted to the man standing in front of you.

He looked like a prince charming.

A luxurious, white fur coat with a black collar was slung over one of his shoulders; embossed with a gold marking of the Tsaritsa--ruler of Snezhnaya. A symbol of devotion. Beneath the coat, he wore a white dress shirt with gold embroidery and a crimson sash, decorated with more amber chains. Curls of ginger hair had been pulled back to reveal his chiselled, boyish features.

But his fancy, striking appearance wasn't what caught your eye; it was his sharp, calculating eyes. A faded, slate-blue colour that seemed to bore into your soul; trying to decipher your every move. Despite his seemingly cryptic yet friendly smile, you were suspicious; something felt wrong. After all, you knew how to detect an actor--you were one, yourself.

"...It is my honour to greet you, Lord Tartaglia. I am Lady Y/N, of the house of Valian." A fake surname. You had long abandoned the royal last name of 'Aurelian,' instead opting to disguise yourself with your aunt and uncle's noble house. A mere white lie.

Your aunt warmly smiled, subtly pushing you towards the handsome man. Ah. It was obvious what she was hoping for. A match between you both--beneficial for the house and your uncle's sphere of influence. But you preferred your men sweet, not poisonous.

You had heard faint whispers from your little trips outside of the little Valian Manor in the countryside. About the alluring and attractive--yet ruthless man who cut down his enemies with no remorse. About how when his bloodthirst became too much to resist, he'd go haywire. About how he hid behind a mask of deceit, standing before the deep-pocketed nobles of the seven nations, charming them into revealing their secrets.

But you were no fool. The silver dagger sitting under the bodice of your dress, pressed against your waist; reassuring you of your safety. You were safe. You had the weapon--not him.

Lord 'Tartaglia,' smiled back, confidence evident on his face, as he pressed a faint kiss to the back of your hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Y/N. May I request a dance?" His carefully crafted image of a dashing prince had practically wrapped all the partygoers around his finger, as they scowled at you with envy.

You twitched, barely able to contain your emotions as a chill went down your spine, and your stomach churned uneasily. "....You may."

With that, you both descended to the dance floor, hand in hand. Black gloves covered his hands, which you presumed to be battle-scarred. Infamous rumours of his shady dealings in the shadows caused your eyes to warily analyze his every move. His movements were practised and poised; as he easily manoeuvred around the ballroom, taking the lead as you idly chatted with him, out of politeness. "Lord Tartaglia, I assume you are business partners with my uncle. He speaks highly of you."

"Ah, is that so? I'm flattered, honestly." His sheepish reply surprises you, as you try to keep calm; heart thundering with adrenaline as he draws you closer. "The house of Valian has jurisdiction of a small seaside port that my subordinates regularly frequent." His reply was smooth and without a hint of hesitation, as the waltz music quickened and he lifted you into the air, twirling you. Your eyes widened in surprise, as you panicked beneath your serene facade of grace. "Well, now that I've answered one of your questions...shouldn't you answer one of mine, now?"

His voice was playful and cheeky but held ulterior motives. You hesitated for a moment. Sensing this, he continued to push forward. "An eye for an eye, no? Let's drop the formalities.--please, just call me Childe."

"...I suppose you are right." You agreed, averting your gaze from the ginger, whose face remained placid; though you noticed a small, victorious smirk spread across his face. "Though, I don't see what a powerful advisor in Snezhnaya like yourself would want to know about me. My past is quite plain." You remarked as Childe steered you around the dance floor, amidst the envious glares shot your way.

He smirked, eyes glittering with arrogance as he puffed out his chest. It seemed that Childe took this as a challenge.

"Really? Comrade, you must be joking." He chuckled. "How do I even start...Lady Y/N, supposedly a distant relative of the Valian House--yet the head has no children. An unstained yet abstract reputation and an unknown figure to the public...this is your debutante, yet you don't seem nervous. Amongst the few who have seen and conversed with you, they describe you as a demure and soothing presence with an ethereal, soft appearance--which I must say, seems quite accurate."

"But everyone, has secrets, no? Princess of Aurelian..." His lips ghosted against the shell of your ear, as your eyes widened before he gave you an unreadable smile. "Though, naive little girls should stay home...and keep their noses out of my business."

His words, in contrast to his princely image, were crude and uncensored; as you saw him shed his snakeskin.

"...Alright, you've won this time." You frowned, anger bubbling up from your stomach...but you maintained a gracious and elegant attitude. This man was not to be messed with, so it was best you kept your distance--but arrogance was distasteful.

"But I can say the same for you, Lord Childe...or should I say, Ajax?" You boldy leaned forward, voice lined with ice as you softly snarled into his ear. Childe's arms stiffened at once. "Rumoured to be one of the underworld's leaders, and a contributor to the black market. Word is on the street that you're one of the Tsaritsa's top dogs, despite that mask of smiles that you wear to every soiree at Celestia Palace. Said to be an open-minded and earnest individual...yet, many think otherwise. You ought to watch it."

You both were silent for a moment, as the waltz ended and you curtsied, uneasily. Did you go too far?

Suddenly, booming laughter rang out from behind you as you turned around, seeing Childe doubled over, chuckles uncontrollably spilling from his mouth, as he wiped a tear from his eye. "...Pardon me. It seems I severely underestimated you. Care for another dance?"

You narrowed your eyes, but complied--left with no choice, beneath the dozens of eyes staring at your backs. "...Of course. How can I dare refuse?" You flatly replied, allowing him to reach for your hand, as the next song started.

Childe drew you closer, eyes fixed on your face. "I apologize for my rudeness, Lady Y/N. Shall we call it even?" He gently eased you closer, unbeknownst to you.

You scowled. "After you wipe off that blood stain on your glove, Lord Childe. It's been bothering me for a while." You no longer bothered to act ladylike; instead, you lashed out at the Childe. His eyes widened before he hastily ripped off his glove; shoving it into his suit jacket; before looking at you, intrigued.

You were interesting. Amongst the sea of giggling ladies and ambitious noblemen, you had been the only one to refuse to back down...and Childe liked amusement. Whether this was temporary or not--he didn't know. But he knew for a fact that he would be keeping you around for a while. His lips curled into a cunning grin, as he placed a hand on your chin; examining your features. "I didn't expect for a person like you to speak with such crudeness, to a gentleman such as I, Lady Y/N."

Despite your mellow and warm appearance, just like a rose--it appeared that you had your own thorns too. He could feel the faint outline of the dagger stashed beneath your corset, in your dress. You were perfect for him.

"Gentleman? Who? I see none." You replied, unamused. You scowled, cheeks blooming with a furious scarlet red, as a result of your unbridled anger. Childe merely stared down at you, amused.

"Shall we take a trip to the terrace?" He gestured, arm wrapped snugly around your waist, eyes glued to your face. "...So, what's the princess of the Aurelian empire doing so far from home?--ah, you must be cold. Here."

You suddenly felt hands on your shoulders, while he draped his fur coat over your back; shielding you from the night's cold bite. "...Don't act as if you don't already know."

You bitterly replied. It was a touchy subject. "...Family issues. My dearest father, who treasures me oh-so-much decided the best way for me to avoid it was to ship me overseas like a cargo container." Childe snorted, as he stood next to you. "I was fine on my own."

"So I've heard...do you not have anybody you care for?" Childe questioned, eyes glimmering with curiosity as he watched your expression fall, as you mutely shook your head. "Oh come on, comrade, don't lie."

"An eye for an eye." You shot back, leaning on the terrace railing; eyes misty with emotion. It was as if a storm had passed; knocking down your barriers and all you had ever known--leaving an impenetrable, foggy sea mist that couldn't seem to clear out of your mind. "...But yes, I do. There were the servant kids, who used to visit my living quarters with rations and flowers, in exchange for a story."

Childe's eyes softened, as his own mind began to wander. "...Children are lovely. I have extended family back at Snezhnaya, too." He pulled out a photo from his suit jacket. It was a little boy; almost an exact, younger, carbon copy of him, cheerfully waving at the camera. "His name is Teucer."

As you both continued to quietly converse beneath the stars, Childe felt a soothing tranquillity lapse over his battle-hungry soul. An omen of disaster.

Despite the thorns you bared and the hostile attitude, you were a pleasant person...non-judgemental and rational, from what he could tell. After all, you hadn't once tried to pull out that dagger hidden inside your dress. Childe hadn't felt at ease like this in ages.

Perhaps it was because he sympathised with you--being far from home. With nobody but yourself to rely on. Life was cruel, and the burdens it forced humans to bear only increased with time. But around your starry, distant eyes, reality faded away and healed the bruises left on Childe's dark heart.

"..Childe? Lord Childe?" You raised an eyebrow, waving your hand in front of the peculiar man's face, while blinking in confusion. "Childe? Are you-"

"Ajax. Just call me Ajax." His voice cut through your concerned questioning, as his gaze lifted to meet yours.

At once, you realized it. You had made a deadly mistake...and you could only numbly stare, as he reached forward, wrapping one of his arms around your waist and drawing you closer. His eyes swam a variety of emotions; bewilderment, delight, amusement...but most importantly, interest. Sharp interest. In his eyes, you were no longer a meagre extra in the background; now, you were the apple of his eye.

A dangerous smile slowly spread across his face. At first glance, Childe seemed warm; friendly, almost like a familiar friend. But once you had caused his facade to fall and his act to crumble, you were no longer just a disposable pawn.

You were the protagonist in his tale.

"Care for another dance?"

ROUTE III: DEFENDER

THE SOFT, WISPY FABRIC OF YOUR DRESS FELT HEAVY--clinging onto your waist and dragging it down, as the cool night wind howled around you; splaying out strands of your H/C hair across your back. You stepped out of the room--weaving your way through the crowd and walking through the golden palace--you hated to admit it, but all the sparkles and luxury were starting to hurt your eyes. You eventually found yourself standing before a grand, twisting, stone staircase; leading to the palace gardens.

Tall, flowering shrubs sheltered your rather short figure from view, as you wandered the lush gardens. The heavy floral scent of roses surrounded a delicate stone fountain, depicting the heavens and the seven nations. Crystallized shards of glittering gemstones were embedded into the statues, as you sat down at the fountain's edge; letting out an irritated sigh. You slowly put down your guard; cheeks puffing, while you removed the silver pins drilling into your scalp.

Finally, you could relax.

You slid down the edge of the fountain--uncaring of the fact that the pink dress was slowly being rubbed against the ground, as you leaned over; trying to pull out the last bobby pin in your hair--wincing as you did so.

Suddenly, you heard it. Footsteps. But before you could react and cover your unladylike posture, you heard a smooth, baritone voice behind you.

"..Ah. My apologies. I didn't realize there was someone already here."

Your head whips around, E/C eyes meeting gold.

Enigmatic, aureate irises drilled deep into your soul; filled with =endless archives of wisdom. The handsome stranger's posture was distinguished and poised; long, smooth locks of ebony hair danced down his shoulders and were pinned together with a single amber stone. He is covered from neck down in a long, umber suit with gold and silver accesories; accentuating his toned, tall figure. Out of all the suitors you've encountered at this ball, he is by far, the most striking you've seen.

"...I-It's fine. You can stay." You turn away, cheeks flushing a rosy pink as you stutter in surprise, quickly trying to fiddle with the bobby pin clamping down tightly onto your scalp.

You feel his gloved hands gently graze your shoulder. "If I may? You seem to be struggling."

Flushing a bright red, you silently drop your arms, letting the stranger work his long, gentle fingers through your head; searching for bobby pins. An awkward silence filters into the garden.

"So, what brings you here?" You question, as you close your eyes; feeling his hands pause, before slowly continuing.

"...I was taken aback by the party atmosphere. It has been a while since I've made any appearances to the public, and I have become unaccustomed to the current trends." The stranger's tone of voice continues to send shivers down your back, as you silently pray for more bobby pins to weave themselves back into your head. "What about you?"

"I...was just tired." You confessed. "Of everything."

You felt your shell crack, as you gazed down at your perfectly manicured hands. "It wasn't too long ago when I was happily living in silence. But life had other ideas for me. My family suggested I attend this ball as my debutante, but I didn't expect it to be so tiring."

"Time waits for no one, but life is about balance. There will be obstacles and events that will throw themselves at the scale of perfection, and attempt to tip the odds in their favour. As mortals, we must push forward and refuse to give in. That is how humanity was formed." His insightful and philosophical response, rather than boring you, comforts you--much to the stranger's astonishment, as he watches you genuinely ponder over his response.

"...'and how the stars came to be.' Is that a saying from the latest book the former emperor, Morax of Liyue released?" Your eyes round with excitement as you lean back against the fountain, gaze cast to the stars.

MORAX. After just two years of a prosperous reign as the stand in for the young crown princess of the Liyue Empire, the young emperor stepped down; handing the role to another, citing it as too taxing; before taking up a disciple.

Namely, the Conqueror of Demons, Xiao--one of the strongest warriors of the kingdom you hailed from. He was a legend amongst the soldiers of the battlefield; for his just and unfaltering moral code.

Trained by the one and only. His public appearances were rare and numbered. But who were you to judge? If you had the option to, you were sure you'd do the same; do nothing but laze around in luxury all day.

The sky is a deep, lazuli colour; reflecting the eternal slumber of the heavens. You feel like a speck of dust in an overbearing colony of dust bunnies, while you watch the perfect formation of constellations shift throughout.

The scent of your nanny's cooking. Your little room; tucked away at the edge of the palace's extended annexe. Cramped but providing you with all that you needed, despite the sharp and scornful gazes tossed your way. The blooming field of untamed wildflowers, rapidly sprawled throughout the annexe's garden.

You missed it all. But you had to push. For the sake of your own life. "...Your advice was insightful. What's your name?"

"...Its Zhongli. May I inquire for yours?" Zhongli questions, golden eyes swimming in a matured pool of perception, while he takes a seat on the fountain rail.

You smile. "It's Y/N."

The conversation you have with the captivating man is deep and thoughtful; as you navigate through various subjects--all of which he has profound knowledge in. Stories about old Liyuean folklore, the best methods to cook bamboo shoots, and how to make a fortune selling glaze lilies in the city if you ever went bankrupt. He knew it all.

You both chat for hours; even as the sun begins to rise, peering over the slumbering and drunk palace, chasing away the darkness of the night. Its golden, amber hues of pink and orange churn with the eternal darkness; producing a brilliant sunset.

Was love, at first sight, a real thing?

You didn't know. But you knew if you did believe it, it would be with him.

Zhongli's patient and calming voice speak of a friend. Long forgotten and buried six feet under; a victim of a vicious assassination attempt which caused her body to crumble. Guizhong, was her name; another word that rolled off your tongue in an odd manner.

"...Her music warmed the very tips of my heart. I was foolish. Had gone minutes earlier..."

His eyes close for a brief moment, amber eyes filled with raw sorrow, as you frown; hesitating for a moment. "...Human life is not endless. The cycle must continue; lost time cannot be found again, but these memories can be stored in the archive of one's heart."

You gently place a hand on Zhongli's heart; feeling his heartbeat. It's serene yet rapid, thumping softly as he gazes into your eyes. .

Zhongli didn't know why he felt like this.

Like a newborn child, gazing up with wonder at the radiant sun. Your eyes seemed to exude genuine empathy. Your E/C irises shimmered beneath the sunrise's stare; twinkling with fresh fruits of intellect. They drooped, half-lidded as you let out a yawn; and Zhongli scooped you into his arms, cradling you securely. You blinked, in a sleepy haze.

"...I feel like we've met before. You..." It suddenly clicked. "You're a year older than me. Didn't you teach my knight, Xiao, swordsmanship?"

Zhongli pauses, slowly replying. Ah. It all clicked now. "Yes. I didn't recognize you...Lady Y/N."

It faintly clicked in your mind, as you did a double take; staring at him. Ah. It all made sense now. His perfect and dignified appearance. His sympathy. The way he had managed to effortlessly take your breath away.

He was the young boy who you had watched raise Xiao from the second he learned to grip a sword. And not just him either--he had taught you to appreciate literature, paint, and more. How to ride a steed, act around the rest of the royal family, and most importantly; how to love.

Zhongli seemed to be deep in thought as well; as he studied your face.

A downcast, timid stare. Your fingers, shyly reaching out to tug at his sleeve. The image of the flames engulfing your quarters back at the Aurelian Kingdom, the last time he had visited...

And he held you, tightly, eyes glowing with relief. You had changed and matured, during the time he was away. Your eyes were as clear as glass, reflecting the desire to fly. To be free. To love.

Like a glaze lily in full bloom. No wonder you had been able to so easily touch his heart and make it flutter. Zhongli had always hated it when the past came back to creep in and chip away at his sanity. The smell of overbearing smoke, clogged his nostrils as he ferociously tore through the battlefield; reaching your homeland, only to watch as more bloodshed occurred. As more soldiers clashed against each other in the battle for succession, burning down the extended castle annexe.

He made a silent contract with you, as you both entered the palace again.

"...This time, the fates will not separate our bond."

245 notes · View notes