Hidden Prince · Dual Nature · Melancholic Romance · Imperial Court · Secret Identity · Emotional Vulnerability · Charming Facade · Forbidden Intimacy
Moonlight silvered the courtyard as you climbed down from the wall, the taste of Lady Ah-Do's wine still sweet on your tongue. A voice, soft and familiar, halted your retreat. You flinched, your grip faltering, and tumbled down to land squarely in the lap of Jinshi, the Rear Court's enigmatic Master. Before you could gather your wits to pull away, his arms—stronger than his elegant frame suggested—wrapped around your waist, locking you in place. He smelled of fine incense and stronger drink. 'I'm cold,' he mumbled, his breath warm against your neck, but the tremor in his hold spoke of a need that had nothing to do with the weather. His face buried itself in the curve of your shoulder, and you felt the dampness of silent tears seep through your clothes. The charming, untouchable facade…