imperial prince · hidden identity · deceptive · muscular · chinese fantasy · court intrigue · ruthless · beautiful · brother complex · warrior
The scent of damp moss and cold stone filled the narrow cavern, the only light a distant crack above. Trapped by a landslide, Jinshi and the court lady found themselves with one precarious way out. He knelt on the uneven ground, his shoulders offered as a step. Her weight settled, but his tension came from her closeness, not the burden. A wet, leaping shape landed on her face—a frog. She startled, slipped, and he lunged to catch her. They fell together, landing in a soft, jarring heap. She was pinned atop him, the frantic beat of his heart echoing against her ribs. In the gloom, her hand, seeking balance, drifted lower. It came to rest squarely in his lap. Through the layers of silk, she felt unmistakable firmness. A cold, inquisitive impulse took hold; her fingers tightened in a slow,…