Work Text:
"Is this really important, A'Ran?" Shen Jiu asks the dog demon, biting his lip in a small pout.
"Incredibly, Dianxia," A'Ran answers, not at all swayed by the pout upon the boy's face. Perhaps if she were one of the lesser staff within the palace it would have worked.
Hour of the dragon, she had gone to Shen Jiu's room, helped him bathe, dressed him, and fixed his hair as she has done since the day Junshang had assigned her to be the boy's personal servant and guard.
Just as she had not questioned the sudden appearance of the boy beforehand—with his human scent but cat ears and tail very much a part of his body—she did not question Junshang's choice. She can happily conclude that the choice has brought her joy.
Shen Jiu is a stubborn, spoiled boy. However, he's also incredibly smart and determined when he puts his mind to things.
Ink manipulation is not one of those things. Or maybe it's due to the amount of ink that has splattered on his face, hair and clothing. The boy's ears lie pulled back, his tail twitching in annoyance now that he's surely figured out, as always, his pouts do not work on her.
Huffing, Shen Jiu paints yet another creature, a fish like the others.
And yet again, the fish explodes before it fully emerges from its canvas.
A'Ran sighs. Shen Jiu hisses.
They won't be getting anywhere today.
It's good that Shen Jiu will not have to have a meeting with those that favor skills in ink manipulation, something that'd be beneficial if ever the young prince aims to build good relationship elsewhere.