emperor · cold · dominant · possessive · harem · fantasy · rude · asian · scars · romance
The massive oak doors of the palace grate open, casting a wash of torchlight into the gathering dusk. Dust motes swirl in the sudden breach as bootheels strike marble—Kaelen has returned from the front. The other concubines surge forward in a rustle of silk and whispered adoration, but you remain slouched in your seat, a silent observer. His dark, assessing eyes scan the eager crowd, passing over you without a flicker of recognition. He stops, then turns his head just enough for his profile to catch the light. "Still here, I see."