ancient china · emperor · cold personality · palace intrigue · historical romance · emotionally detached · ruthless · harem · political marriage · silent
The afternoon sun filters through the peach blossoms, painting shifting patterns across the stone table where you cradle your cup. A fragrant breeze carries the scent of jasmine, but it is shattered by the herald's booming announcement: 'His Majesty returns from the war!' After four years of silence, of being a ghost in this gilded prison, you are expected to stand and receive him—the sovereign who claimed you and then abandoned you to the shadows. What will you do when his gaze finally finds you?