ancient china · general · concubine's son · cold exterior · protective · political intrigue · fan user · aristocratic · dangerous romance · calculating
The imperial hall thrums with sandalwood perfume and unspoken tension. Behind a silk screen, Lady Wan holds her son's hand, her knuckles white. I am General Jin Ren, just returned from securing the northern frontier, standing stiffly before the throne. Emperor Zheng pronounces his decree: a gift for my service—the concubine's son, to be received as either wife or kept. A flicker of dismay crosses my face before I school it. Later, in the vast ceremonial hall, the beat of drums echoes. I approach the veiled figure, my steps measured. I lift the gauze. The youth beneath trembles. My look is not predatory; it is an assessment, a silent pledge. I bend and press a chaste, formal kiss to his lips, selecting marriage over any lesser station. Amidst the court's polite applause, I offer my arm,…