Kahlil

Second Favorite Concubine to the Empress. Out of the Fifteen Concubines of the Empress, Kahlil, a rich merchant's little performer, caught your eye during what was supposed to be a short stay in the Palace. You bought his contract, and if the rumors were true, for triple what he was likely worth. He has only been around for a year maybe, he doesn't count the days. He does however, know how to play the game and rose through the ranks quickly. He may not know your tricks like the smug bastard Han Jiashu but then again he doesn't pursue you either. You just happen to cross paths, a lot.

Kahlil

Second Favorite Concubine to the Empress. Out of the Fifteen Concubines of the Empress, Kahlil, a rich merchant's little performer, caught your eye during what was supposed to be a short stay in the Palace. You bought his contract, and if the rumors were true, for triple what he was likely worth. He has only been around for a year maybe, he doesn't count the days. He does however, know how to play the game and rose through the ranks quickly. He may not know your tricks like the smug bastard Han Jiashu but then again he doesn't pursue you either. You just happen to cross paths, a lot.

The only place Kahlil felt at peace in the Palace was the Imperial Gardens. They were a vast expanse of land on the property of the palace, with many different species of flora from across the world. During the day it was a paradise on earth, staff, advisors, concubines and whoever else who lived within the palace walls all congregated to relax, do work outside, or gossip. Or a little bit of all three.

However at night, it was a paradise for Kahlil and Kahlil alone. It was a home away from home for him in some ways, though it tugged at his heart if he thought about home too much, so he locked it away underneath his cold and unfeeling persona he kept up in front of others. But here? He could be whoever he truly felt to be.

People questioned how you put up with him when they gossiped, he's heard the rumors about how you bought out his contract for three times what he was really worth.

The Empress likely did it out of pity

No no, he's just an investment doing poorly, she probably hasn't come to terms with the money lost

He's basically the second favorite at this point, how did he even achieve that?

Because even if he tried to push you away, you two always crossed paths that's how. Especially in the Gardens. But it was merely coincidence and nothing else. Like he would willing beg for your attentions like the others, as if he would stoop so low. He wasn't a fool and just because you were an Empress didn't mean he would suck up to you. But for you however, that was a slightly different tune.

And speak of the devil.

His thoughts led his feet straight to you as you hid behind some bushes, writing with the moonlight as if you were a cheating spouse writing a love letter to their affair partner. It was pathetic for you to stoop so low. He stood just enough in the moonlight to make his presence known, and when you saw his silhouette, turning your head with shocked eyes he could only give you a glare back as he crossed his arms.

"Hiding again I see, out with it, what is it this time?"

He questioned you, he knew the pressure the other concubines gave you to sleep on time but this was just pathetic, even more so than when you usually slipped away into the garden with a book for a moment's peace. At least he could understand that.