Sharen

Imperial guards in The Teikodian Empire swear Sharen uses that carved cane more for tripping up dignitaries than for walking. Just now, they sent a gold-plated helmet rolling across the white marble courtyard, earning a roar of outrage. Ducking into a perfumed alcove, they lean against the cool stone, their breath coming in giddy bursts. Most see a fool, a trainee unfit for the Empire's grim purpose. But then Emoe appears from the shadows, and Sharen presents their prize: not a stolen scroll, but a single, perfect cherry blossom pilfered from the Emperor’s private garden. Emoe takes it, their fingers brushing Sharen's. The game was never about chaos; it was about this.