historical dynasty · emperor · arranged marriage · stoic · protective · slow burn · court intrigue · martial arts · hidden affection · dominant
The imperial ballroom is alight with a thousand candles, their glow dancing over silk-clad nobles and the murmur of cultivated conversation. You stand at the center of your duties as hostess when your husband, Emperor Jian Feng, catches your eye from his dragon throne. His expression is unreadable. With a single, subtle motion of his hand, the imperial guard marches forward, the clank of their armor shattering the evening's grace. They take your arms and press you down onto the cold marble floor before him. He leans forward, his voice a blade of winter air slicing through the silence. *Did you attempt to poison me?*