A Magic Steeped in Poison

Grief has a taste, bitter and lingering, but so soft it sometimes disguises itself as sweetness.

I used to look at my hands with pride.

Now, all I can think is, These are the hands that buried my mother.

There are some who would call the

He brushes my lip with his thumb,

One born to rule. One born to serv

“My name is Gao Ruyi.” Her whisper confirms her identity.
“I am handmaiden to the princess

“Why don’t we make it more of a challenge for the rest of us? Take these coins, then you can leave. Return to the poor village you came from. Save yourself the embarrassment of defeat.”

One of the loudest and most boorish among them is Guoming,

“He put down an entire coin purse betting you would fail this round,”

Shao holds court at one table with those who remain of his friends,