#also she would look so good older and regal with gray streaks in her hair

[deepestbluesky]

tyk women thought of the day: do you ever think about just how much shit gao xiaolian went through in tian ya ke and how alone she ends up? like, all her uncles are dead, deng kuan is dead, her dad is dead in a way that she’s clearly REALLY upset about but she has a mini breakdown about it and then takes a deep breath and goes ‘okay sorry we can get back to work now’, she and zcl probably SAW cwn and gx die and COULDN’T DO ANYTHING, unlike in shl she won’t have siji and zcl-at-siji as postcanon allies, but she presumably STILL HAS TO DEAL WITH GAO MANOR!!!! god!!!!! give the poor girl a break!!!!!

anyway the Actual Thought is: please imagine with me gao xiaolian, middle aged, stern and far less prone to smiling from having to uphold her father’s legacy and manage gao manor largely alone, but also her disciples (probably far fewer than when she was young) would do anything for her, and an extremely intimidating-but-respected mix of practical and committed to judging things fairly

[and-beastly]

Dancing with the Devil

Chapter Five The next morning. Rays of sunlight filtered in through the gaps between the curtains. A quiet and peaceful atmosphere was in the room as she started to stir. With a groan she rubbed her eyes. An aching pain spread through her chest following the movement. Wincing she sat up and took in her surrounding. She was in a gorgeous canopy bed situated in a lavishly decorated room. Inspecting the area around her, her eyes sparkled. It had a warm feel to it. Full of cream colors and soft lines. There was a historic vibe, but there was modern pieces here and there bringing it all together. Looking upwards she grinned and scurried from the bed. Ignoring her pain she ran up to the walls. Reaching up, her fingers danced across the bottom of the crown molding. She was captivated by the way it flowed seamlessly. Truly the work of a art. Lowering her hands she returned her attention to the rest of the room. Almost instantly the fireplace caught her eye. Like a kid in a candy store she bounced over to it. With shining eyes she ran her hands over the hand carved marble mantle. She was so enraptured by the beauty of it that she didn't hear that someone was knocking at the door. Outside in the hall Claude stood with a trolley lined with tea and scones. After the third knock failed to get a response he sighed. "Miss Lynn, please pardon the intrusion." Having announced his entrance he may his way inside. However instead of finding her asleep in bed like he imagined he was shocked to find her on her hands and knees thoroughly inspecting the inside of the fire place. "What on earth are you doing?" He asked bewildered. Hearing the sudden voice startled her, with a shriek she jerked her head up. Completely forgetting that she was currently kneeling inside the fireplace. The result was a rather cringe worthy smacking sound of her banging her head against the marble above. Which was followed by a rather colorful line of Sybilian curses. Claude paused staring at woman now sitting on the floor clutching her head, unsure of where to even begin. "May I inquire as to why you were inside the fireplace?" "I was looking at the craftsmanship." She hissed as she rubbed her head. Noting like hitting your head to ruin a perfectly good morning. "I did knock. Three times in fact." He stated flatly as he started preparing a cup of tea. "And why, if I may, do you care about the fireplaces craftsmanship?" "Because it's the work of Edward Blore. And I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't a fan. I was looking to see if it was all original. Since there's evidence of restoration here and there I believed it was. One thing lead to another and inside of the fireplace I went." Rising from the floor she walked over to the bathroom to was the soot from her hands. "I see." Seemingly no longer interested in her reasons he elegantly arranged the pastries and set a cup of hot tea upon a table. "His highness wishes to speak with you and has requested for your attendance this morning at breakfast. As such a maid will be by in a moment with a set of outfits which you may choose from. Once you are ready she'll lead you to the dinning room. Now if you'll excuse me." Having finished his duty he straightened himself and turned towards the door not bothering to wait for a reply. "Wait, what?" Poking her head out from the bathroom she looked blankly towards the already closed door. Didn't even give me a chance to decline. With a sigh she returned to the bathroom and decided to take a quick shower. Bearing through the pain of moving her arms she enjoyed the warm water as she washed away all the leftover grime from the day before. By the time she got out the maid Claude had mentioned had already arrived. Wrapped in a robe she excited the bathroom and walked over to the table Claude had placed the tea. Though it was now lukewarm she still proceeded to drink it was glancing over her clothes choices. After pondering for a while and eventually asking for the maid for her thoughts, they decided on a pastel purple sundress. After putting it on she couldn't resist the urge to spin around causing the helm of the dress to rise like a ballerina tutu. Looking towards the maid, who she learned was named Windy, she giggled. "Haha, I can't remember the last time I wore a dress like this." Taking one more spin she wobbled a bit before finally taking a seat. "I believe this one was a great choice, Miss Lynn." Windy said as she walked over and started combing through Lynn's hair. "It compliments your pale blonde hair very well. You look like a fairy from the old stories. I actually don't think I've ever met someone with hair even lighter than his highness before." "You flatter me, Windy." She said and she Picked up a pastry and nibbled on it. "Would you believe me if I told you it gets even lighter in the summer? It makes it look almost white." -------- After sharing some more small talk her hair was quickly finished and all set to go meet prince Wilfred. Following Windy from the room she made her way along the halls. Excitement bloomed in her heart as she took in the exquisite architecture all around her. While her eyes darted around the hall the soon arrived before a set of sturdy mahogany doors. "Here we are miss Lynn." Before opening the doors and motioning for her to enter. With a nod she entered the room her gaze falling on the table before her. At the head of which sat a delicate looking young man in a wheelchair. "Good morning, Miss Lynn." He said with a small smile though his eyes flashed with a complicated light. "Good morning to you as well, your highness." "Please, join me for breakfast." At his words Claude, who'd previously been faded into the background stepped forward and pulled out the chair across from Prince Wilfred. Looking towards Claude she nodded in thanks before she took a seat and turned her attention back to prince Wilfred. "Did you sleep well? The guest room was prepared rather suddenly so I hope everything was alright." Prince Wilfred asked while another servant arrived pushing a cart covered with plates of food. "I slept well, the bed was comfortable and the room was stunning. I have no complaints." She said as she glanced at the food being placed before her. "I'm glad to hear that." He said with a relived sigh before pointing towards the food. "Well then, shall we?" Following the prince's lead she began to eat as well. The food was delicious, and it wasn't till she started eating that she discovered just how famished she was. With a surprising high level of etiquette she swiftly ate her fill. It wasn't till prince Wilfred had eaten his fill as well that the silence was broken by and older butler who'd just arrived. "Pardon my intrusion, I've been instructed to inform you that his majesty the king wishes to speak with Prince Wilfred after Miss Lynn, as soon as you had finished your meal." "His majesty?" Lynn asked confused as she looked to Prince Wilfred for clarification. Yet she was met with a simple resigned look instead. -------- Following the older butler, they were lead to an audience chamber where a regale looking man was waiting. He had golden blond hair which was streaked with gray, and piercing blue eyes. In a well tailored suit he sat in motionlessly as he watched the group enter before him. "Your majesty, I've brought Prince Wilfred and Miss Lynn." With a bow the older butler then excused himself and stood off to the side followed by Claude who took his spot beside him. Both Lynn and Prince Wilfred greeted the king before falling in to silence waiting for him to speak. With a nod the king looked at the young woman before him and was secretly shocked. He'd expected her to be nervous standing in his presence, yet she stood there completely calm, seemingly unaffected in the slightest. "First of all of like to personally thank you for saving my son. For that I can't thank you enough. I wish to reward you for your efforts, however that will have to be done at a later time." The king said with a sigh a hint of exhaustion in his tone. "This morning I was informed that a news article has already been released stating that prince Wilfred dragged out of the forest with a unknown woman, both of whom were covered in mud and rushed to the hospital. There were even photos of both of you in the article." "That being said, until we can get this event under control and do a formal press release I have to ask you to stay with in the château. Please be aware that we will see to all your needs while you are here. We've also already contacted your University and gotten that taken care of." Hearing the king's words her stomach dropped but she wasn't that surprised. Remembering the way the paparazzi were at the hospital she sigh to herself. Looking up at the king she nodded. "I understand. As long as it isn't a burden, I will be more that willing to remain here until this all blows over." Hearing her response the king nodded. He was glad that she was being so cooperative given the circumstances. "I'm glad to hear that. If you need anything during your stay simply speak to Claude and he will promptly see to it. Despite everything you are my sons savior so it's only natural that we do our best to ensure you a comfortable and pleasant stay. Now if you'll excuse me I have pressing maters to attend." With those final words the king stood and motioned to the older butler and Claude. After which the older butler followed after the king as he excited the room. Claude them walked back over and began to push prince Wilfred's wheelchair from the room followed closely by Lynn. To be continued.