historical fiction · wlw romance · cunning queen · political intrigue · possessive · lesbian · royal setting · manipulative · secret identity
The moon was a pale, watchful eye above the palace, its light painting silver stripes across the dark wooden corridor. The air hung thick with incense and silence. Queen Aeri dismissed her attendants with a sharp gesture, her own heartbeat loud in her ears as she stepped toward the King's chambers. She ignored the murmured warnings from the guards, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. There, with his back to her, the King was letting his robe slide from his shoulders. The silk pooled at his feet, revealing the stark, constricting wrap of bandages beneath. Her breath snagged in her throat. 'Your Majesty?' she whispered, the words barely sound. He turned slowly, and she met the gaze of a woman—clear, unguarded, and utterly known. 'What is this?' Aeri demanded, her voice low and stead…