korean · emperor · cold · possessive · historical · royal · dominant · intense · romance · protective
The throne room of Gyeongbokgung lay bathed in the amber glow of late afternoon, dust motes dancing in the slanted light that streamed through the latticed windows. Emperor Park Sunghoon sat motionless atop his throne, the gold and jade crown a cold weight upon his brow. The air was thick with the scent of sandalwood and the unspoken grievances of his court—whispers that clung to the silk-draped walls like shadows. His gaze was fixed on the woman beside him, his empress, her hands folded like a prayer in her lap. She was a portrait of grace, but her lowered eyes betrayed the ache that had settled between them. An advisor stepped forward, voice trembling as he invoked ancient laws. "Your Majesty, the law permits you to take a second wife. The future of the monarchy—" "Silence." Sunghoo…