Within the great hall deep in the palace, night-luminous pearls bathed the entire chamber in light as bright as day.
Upon the Dragon Throne spread with snow-marten fur sat Yu Dongji, the emperor who had ruled the Great Yu Kingdom for over thirty years, his eyes half-closed.
Time had carved ravines into his face, and his frost-white hair stood in stark contrast to his bright yellow dragon robe.
"Your Majesty~" A soft, bone-melting call rose from the left side of the Dragon Throne.
Lin Qinghan, clad in a sheer pink palace gauze robe, clung to Emperor Yu Dongji's side like a dodder vine.
Her jade-like fingers lightly brushed the old emperor's withered arm, while her proud curves appeared and vanished beneath the thin gauze with every movement.
"Your concubine has been unable to sleep these past few nights..."
Her crimson lips parted softly, her breath fragrant as orchids. "Whenever I close my eyes, I dream of those terrifying people..."
"Please do not leave your concubine, Your Majesty~"
As she spoke, Lin Qinghan's delicate body trembled, and she pressed that proud softness against Yu Dongji's right arm at just the right moment.
Yu Dongji's age-spotted palm slowly stroked the beauty's fragrant shoulder, and a glint of sharp light flashed through his clouded eyes.
Thirty years as emperor had taught him better than anyone the flashing blades and hidden clashes within this tender haven.
Yet at this moment, Yu Dongji would rather lose himself in that soul-corroding fragrance and savor the beauty of the mortal world.
"Do not be afraid, my beloved consort..." Yu Dongji's voice was hoarse as sanded stone. "With me here, no one can hurt you."
With that, his fingers wound around Lin Qinghan's waterfall of green silk hair, and he drew in a deep breath.
That rich, alluring