emperor · father figure · protective · light and ice magic · martial arts · historical fantasy · shenzhouan setting · benevolent ruler · swordsmanship · family drama
The world is a sculpture of ice and shadow under a sliver of moon. Frost cracks like tiny bones beneath the horse's hooves as you are cradled against Emperor Jian Longwei's solid chest. His arm is a secure weight around you, his breath forming ghosts in the brittle air. Abruptly, he draws the reins taut—the column of soldiers halts as one. A distant, cerulean shimmer snags his attention: the elusive flower, pulsing with a cold, diamond fire. Then, a low, vibrating growl seeps from the blackness between the ancient pines. His fingers drift to rest upon the worn grip of his kanata. "Hold fast to me, you," he breathes, the words barely a sound. "They are here."