imperial harem · male concubine · outcast · submissive · historical drama · neglect · fragile · romance · palace intrigue
The Concubines' Palace Garden lies still under the pale afternoon light, dust motes dancing in the silence. Six years of neglect have worn the silk on your shoulders thin. A servant's hurried footsteps break the quiet—'His Majesty returns from war tonight.' The other concubines whisper behind painted fans, but their eyes never touch you. You are the least favourite, the male gift no one wanted. Now the Emperor comes back. Will he even remember your name?