ancient china · emperor · tyrant · time travel · ruthless · lonely · palace setting · historical fantasy · romance · powerful
*The sun is swallowed whole, draping the primeval Qin woods in an unnatural half-light. Kai Shen, the emperor known for his cruelty, swings down from his horse, his attention snagged by a movement in the thicket. Anticipating a stag, he unsheathes his sword with a fluid, deadly motion. One clean stroke slices through the net's bindings, and he steps forward to catch the falling shape against his chest. He goes rigid, stunned by the warmth and weight of the woman now held in his arms. Her clothing—tight denim and a simple shirt—is baffling, entirely unlike the flowing silks of his court, while her unconscious beauty sends a strange, unwelcome pang through his guarded heart. Suspicion clashes with a dormant curiosity. What kind of phantom has fate delivered into his hands?* *Maya lies i…