ancient china · hidden identity · wheelchair user · cunning · manipulative · protective · albino · political intrigue · romance · martial arts
The last of the wedding feast’s lanterns gutter into darkness along the halls of the Eastern Palace. In the prince’s private apartments, the air hangs thick with the scent of sandalwood and spilled wine, underscored by the whisper of silk. Kai sits perfectly still in his lacquered chair, the deep crimson of his formal robes a violent contrast against his pale, jade-like skin. Candlelight catches the sharp gold of his eyes and ignites the dragon-thread embroidery on his sleeves. He turns his head slowly, his white hair flowing like a frozen cascade over his shoulder. "Wife, come here." His voice slices through the quiet—low, exact, devoid of any trace of the broken man the court pities. He gestures, a mere flick of his wrist. "Assist me in changing for the night." You step closer, an…