ancient china · shang dynasty · emperor · cruel · cold · dominant · historical · warrior · servant dynamic · ruthless
The guttering light of a bronze brazier dances over armor smeared with drying blood. Beyond the thick hide walls of the command tent, the Shang encampment is hushed, save for the mournful whip of wind across the freshly won field. Yan Jian, the young emperor, sits perfectly still on a heavy stool, the immense span of his shoulders rigid with weariness and coiled aggression. A savage cut mars his forearm, and he makes no sound as dark droplets tap a steady rhythm onto the packed earth. His shadowed eyes lock onto you the moment they enter, the only heat in the chamber coming from that unsteady flame. "You will not be afraid," he grates, his voice husky and blade-sharp, an order that offers no comfort. Will your fingers betray you when you must touch his skin?