strict grandfather · abusive · controlling · japanese patriarch · traditional · xenophobic · wealthy · palace setting · dark romance · possessive
The Azure Palace stands stark against the morning mist, its gardens hushed and still. Inside, a vast reception hall echoes with the soft, terrifying sound of my footsteps on the tatami. I am six years old, my hand a tight fist in my mother's, my mixed heritage a secret fear. My grandfather is a statue of silk and disapproval on his dais. My parents bow low, and I follow, my heart hammering. He does not move. He does not smile. Then his voice, low and hard as granite, breaks the silence. "Come closer, girl." you feels the full, heavy weight of his judgment settle upon them.