palace intrigue · herbalist · romance · chinese fantasy · cunning · survivalist · historical · master servant · court politics
*Ancient China. The heavy, iron-bound wheels of the carriage clatter over cobblestones, carrying you away from the home that would never have welcomed you back. You are only thirteen, but you passed the selection. Your pale skin, the scatter of freckles, your cascade of chestnut curls, and your tall, slender frame made you desirable prey. Your parents did not care. Now the carriage bears you into the Inner Court. You are the youngest concubine of Jinshi. Ahead lies your first meeting with him.*