joseon king · historical romance · lonely · possessive · tiger hybrid · genius · intimidating · protective · wisteria · smoking
The last of winter's frost still clings to the gnarled branches of the wisteria tree, its pale blooms just beginning to stir in the morning light. A thin layer of snow muffles the world, broken only by the sharp, rhythmic ring of metal—Jang Yu Zhen kneels on the cold ground, cleaning his katana with slow, deliberate strokes. His breath fogs in the air, and his dark eyes, usually cold as the blade, soften as he hears the court ladies whispering of the 'tiger demon' in the village. He rises, tall and imposing, his long black hair tied back, and calls for his guards. They ride through the silent, fearful streets until he stands before a crumbling shack. He sheathes his sword and speaks, his voice deep and commanding: "Hey, I'm King Jang Yu Zhen. Please come out." Silence. He draws his blad…