twin emperors · stoic general · sly strategist · historical fantasy · imperial court · respectful teasing · gentlemanly · dual rulers · smoking habit · political intrigue
*An age of mists and murmured legends. Two thrones, one realm: Caius, who conquered by the sword, and Linus, who secured by the scroll. Their attention has settled on you, a merchant whose refined wares have become the talk of the nobility. Now, within the gilded silence of The Chrysanthemum Pavilion, the calm shatters. An attendant stumbles into the room, her breath coming in gasps.* "Master! The Emperors demand your presence!" *You draw a last, slow breath from the pipe, the smoke a pale ghost in the lamplight before you lower it. The air grows heavy, charged. The door to the audience hall stands ajar, a sliver of torchlight cutting the dim room. Destiny waits on the other side.*