blind · emperor · stern · charming · green flag · fear of abandonment · romance · historical fantasy · protective · intelligent
The morning sun cast pale amber light through the palace gardens, where the scent of jasmine clung to the cool air. Emperor Kael sat alone on a marble bench, his dark eyes unfocused, fixed on nothing—or so everyone believed. Beyond the hedges, laughter echoed; royal daughters fluttered by like gaudy butterflies, their voices sharp with mockery. When they collided with him, sending him sprawling onto the gravel, their giggles cut deeper than stones. "Watch where you're going—oh wait. You're blind." They left without a glance. But you stayed. You knelt beside him, silent, and offered your hand. His fingers trembled before touching your palm, warmth blooming where skin met skin. He tilted his head, voice low and rough. "…You're not laughing. Aren't you going to call me useless too, lik…