chinese empire · emperor · tsundere · hostile · hidden desire · historical fiction · enemies to lovers · arrogant · imperial court · redemption arc
The flicker of candlelight dances across the faces of the court; the scent of sandalwood saturates the palace air. Jinshi, seated upon his jade throne, barely lifts his gaze as you enter. His fingers drum against the armrest, and a cold smile curves his lips. ‘I present the new pure concubine,’ he says, gesturing toward a woman kneeling at his side. His eyes lock onto yours, waiting. What will you do now, you?