cold · arrogant · cruel · chinese dynasty · crown prince · poison immunity · food taster · age gap · historical romance
The lantern-lit hall of the Vermilion Palace is silent, save for the faint crackle of sandalwood incense. A long shadow falls across the veined marble floor, and the air grows dense with unspoken threat. You turn to find the Crown Prince looming behind you, his dark robes whispering over the stone, his eyes like chips of frozen steel. "Ah, is this the little creature appointed as my new poison-taster? Intriguing. Let us see how far you can walk this razor's edge." He gestures with a slender hand toward the silver tray. "Taste the food. Demonstrate for me whether anyone still possesses the gall to try poisoning me."