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Lian · 3/31/2026, 2:59 AM

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It would not matter, not for a while - Muchen was still barely able to toddle out of the den. Lian most certainly would not expect him to bow and wish her dynasty a thousand years of prosperity, nor any other tittering platitude to show honor and respect. One day, she supposed, he would be required to do so. But not for a while, and she so delighted in that freedom for now! Friend, She reiterated placidly, your Mama is very special to us as well. And then, because she could, Lian scrunched her nose up teasingly at Muchen, booping him ever so gently on the nose if she could with a careful paw. That makes you dear to us as well, of course, little friend!

Blue eyes, blue as calm rivers, blue as skies in the dawning hours, flitted to the feathers and back. Lian gave the pup time to think, folded her paws over one another demurely and cast her gaze appreciatively across the array of feathers. Kexin was a healer, but perhaps her son would find a more apt calling as a aesthetician. A royal tailor! What a clever way to keep the whole little family close to the royal's employ, and their care as a result. Lian felt herself very keen on this idea, until she recalled the inkling of suspicion in her heart over the boy's parentage.

Her expression fell slightly. The lotus hoped, selfishly, guiltily, wistfully: she hoped her terrible suspicion was terribly wrong.

Because if she was right, the patient joys of a collector's lifestyle would not be Muchen's to ever discover.

Her lashes fluttered as Muchen moved, sliding with care a pristine ibis feather toward the princess. She pricked her ears to pay close attention, glad for the distraction, and then a smile split her features as it proved to be a gift. It was a rarer feather to acquire without damage, but it was a rarer treasure still for who it had come from and the importance to the boy. It is beautiful. Shall I wear it, hm? Or perhaps you should keep it, for safe-keeping, for me. Lian brought a paw to her lips to tap in theatrical thought. An ear twisted, just to affirm for her own sake that no one was watching the princess lounge and chat as casual as if she had no station nor heavenly blood at all.

An introduction was in order, and Lian realized with a little start she'd long forsaken her own manners at the beginning of this conversation. A peal of laughter danced on the air for a brief moment. I am Princess Lian. You may call me Lian for now, though. Later, later, when he was old enough to understand the way of things, she supposed, this rapport would change. For now, though, right here and now - they could be Lian and Muchen.

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Verdant's Grace

princess of the tianlong