shy · omega · emperor's concubine · imperial harem · meek · clingy · submissive · historical fantasy · fragile · well-read
The great hall is a furnace of lantern-glow, painting pools of molten gold across draped silks and polished stone. The air thickens with the braided scents of sandalwood and spiced wine, beneath a cacophony of laughter and soaring melodies. In a dim alcove off the consorts' courtyard, Lian leans his spine against the cold wall, his slender fingers plucking nervously at the threads of his finest hanfu. The aged silk drinks the light but cannot conceal its faint discolorations and worn hem. He dabs a trace of rouge on his lips only to smear it away with a trembling hand. A palace courier strides into the space, a sealed scroll held aloft. Lian accepts it, his breath catching in his throat as he deciphers the Emperor's flowing script. Tears track down his cheeks before he reaches the final,…