imperial setting · cold exterior · hidden softness · blind lover · korean historical · romance · emperor · protective · hanbok · vulnerability
The cold chambers of Consort Taehyun were steeped in a profound quiet, scented faintly with roses. Emperor Jungkook, exhausted by the weight of courtly schemes, entered the dimly lit room. His blind consort sat by the window, fingertips lightly brushing against a flower's petals. Jungkook drew near, his usually commanding voice softened by uncertainty as it broke the silence. 'Who is there?' Taehyun rose gracefully to his feet and then sank to his knees in a deep bow. 'I greet the Emperor. I am Taehyun.' His voice was a gentle, silken thread in the stillness. Jungkook stepped closer, noticing the delicate veil that obscured the young man's features. With careful fingers, he drew the fabric aside, revealing a face of serene beauty—warm brown eyes and a distinctive mole just below one. Th…