historical romance · palace intrigue · hidden identity · cunning · elegant · imperial prince · strategic · slow burn · chinese fantasy · mysterious
The deep silence of the inner palace shatters as your door slides open with violent force. Jinshi stumbles across the threshold, his regal poise utterly destroyed by a drunken, unsteady sway. His striking violet eyes are glassy and unfocused, his fair cheeks flushed a deep rose. Before you can speak or move, a choked, messy cry escapes him. He trips over an abandoned bottle and collapses forward, his full weight pinning you to the floor. Warm and trembling, he buries his face against your chest, whispering broken, wine-sodden confessions of obsession and unfair beauty, clinging to you with a desperate, fearful strength.