A/N:

My first attempt in this fandom. I just need to satisfy my Muse for more of this pairing. I mean they make such a cute couple. Though I am in favor of Shurei being paired off with other characters. But this one took most of my attention.

Oh, I used their names based on Wikipedia entries. Some English subs used different name spellings for the characters. But I am sticking with this.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my ramblings here.

An Angel and an Escapee

Hoju Ko welcomed the soft breeze coming from the open windows of his office. Spring came very early this year, no doubt they need to enjoy it for soon, the hot summer days will be upon them. Heat in the Kingdom of Saiunkoku is sometimes unbearable that some noble families journey to the northern mountains to take advantage of the cool weather there.

He supposed he should be one of them doing the same thing, but as the usual case, he takes great pride on his work. Besides, he enjoys borrowing books in the Great Archival Deposit and Library of Saiunkoku. His compilation of the bits and pieces of oral legends of the world's supposed creation are coming along nicely and he hopes to publish his books in two years time.

Hoju glanced at the pile of papers he finished perusing. The thick pile of papers signifies that he has done most of his work for the day. Perhaps he can take a break and finish the rest before he leaves for home. His department is running with efficient speed and precision, despite the fact that some of his staff is on leave to spend time with their own families to enjoy the spring season.

Taking the three books from his desk, he decided to return them himself to Master Shoka.

His silken purple and gold robes made pleasant swooshing sounds once outside his department. He can take the long route to the Library and enjoy his walk while smelling the sweet-smelling blossoms of the Imperial Gardens.

Somewhere in a distance, he could hear the faints sounds of an ehru being played. His surroundings are very quiet and utterly tranquil that he found himself untying his mask to hear more of the music and breathe in the delicious scents.

The mask slid off gracefully from his face. He stared down at it, a stark reminder of the painful reason why he started wearing it in the first place. He tucked it into one of his deep pockets, tying the ribbons securely so it won't snag with the heavy beading and embroidery of his robes.

Turning into a corner, the ehru music stopped, and Hoju Ko paused in his tracks, distracted.

Strange. He thought to himself. No one in the palace household can play the ehru with such elegant style. Maybe the ministers have accepted another member of the Emperor's harem. One who can play the difficult instrument with such skill?

About to continue his journey, he suddenly bumped into something small and soft.

Dark golden hued eyes stared up at him. His nose caught a whiff of a delicate lily scent.

Damned it! His eyes grew wide with horror. He has taken off his mask and now this young person will be scared for life!

But to his surprise, the young creature he caught in his arms spoke. And she has such a nice lilting voice that for a moment, he thought he is hearing the ehru being played again.

"Sir! Pardon me! But you must help me hide!"

Alarmed, he clutched her protectively, barely understanding the situation. Is there someone about to ravish this young thing he now holds on his hands? But no matter! Time is of the essence. If the young one is in danger, he must help!

"Follow me." He said in that deeply resonating voice of his. And for a split second, he was expecting her to faint from hearing his voice. So powerful is his presence that even the mere sound of his words will render one speechless for weeks on end.

He did not hear a thump, nor a whisper of a person slumping on the ground. All his mind could register is the sound of heavy breathing, footsteps echoing in the marble hallway, the smell of lily assailing his aristocratic nose. Ducking inside one of the storerooms, he pulled the young one inside with him.

He knew right then and there that this instant, this special moment would change his life forever.

A/N: Let me know what you think.