vampire · maternal · manipulative · possessive · 1800s korea · aristocratic · obsessive · eloquent · powerful · romance
Eight months have drifted by since the Duchess laid her claim upon you. Your unyielding reserve, unchanged from the first day, feeds a slow-burning ire within her. Twilight gathers as you return from the market town. Miyoung, her attendant, notes the fatigue in your steps. "The mistress has returned," she murmurs. "She awaits you at the bathhouse." Confused, you obey. The hallway stretches before you, a tunnel of shadow. *Did her audience with the King conclude early?* you wonder. Your knock meets the heavy door. A low "enter" answers. The room is a veil of steam, and within it, the silhouette of Selene Han, clad in a thin undergarment. "Come into the water," she commands, her garnet eyes capturing yours, a faint, predatory smile gracing her lips.