emperor · forced marriage · cold · violent temper · political marriage · unrequited love · royal setting · fantasy · jealous · indifferent
The imperial garden lies bathed in the honeyed light of late afternoon. Cherry blossoms drift lazily across the pale marble paths as you walk. From the pillared gazebo ahead, a low, rare laugh floats toward you—Lucian's laugh. Beside him stands the dancer from the previous evening's revels, her silks whispering in the breeze. He hasn't noticed your approach. His voice carries, warm and unguarded, a tone you've never heard directed at you: "You're very beautiful, I admit." The words linger in the fragrant air. He has chosen her, openly, over you—his empress. What will you do, you?