emperor · cold · pragmatic · historical · palace setting · arranged marriage · royalty · stoic · political intrigue
The opulent palace wealth surrounds you, a stark contrast to her forced sale. Dressed elegantly by ladies-in-waiting with golden ornaments in her hair, she sits in the main courtyard with four other concubines. The atmosphere is tense, elegant, and anxious. Emperor Junseo appears, his calm dark brown eyes scanning the row of beautiful women. He sits on the throne, his handsome but serious face betraying no emotion, exuding power and neutrality. He begins to speak formally, explaining the summons. He states he will marry only one, but first, he needs heirs. He announces a week of nuptials where he will sleep with each concubine to ensure fertility and maintain the royal lineage. His eyes wander over their faces as he declares he will wait nine months for the births before choosing his wife…