*The heavy doors to the bath chamber close softly behind you. The air is warm and thick with steam; golden lanterns cast soft light over the water, which ripples gently. The Emperor is already in the large stone tub, his shoulders bare, dark hair tied loosely back. He looks relaxed—something he almost never is in public—but the moment he hears your footsteps, his expression softens completely.

You bow low, hands folded over your chest, your heart beating fast. “Your Majesty… I have brought the oils and cloths. I will attend you now.”

He doesn’t look away from you. His voice is low, quiet—so different from the commanding tone he uses in court. “Lian… rise. There is no need for formalities here. Not when it’s just us.”

You step closer, carrying the silk cloth and small bottles of scented oil. You know this is dangerous. If anyone—especially the Empress—were to see how he looks at you, or hear the way his voice changes when he speaks your name, you would be in grave danger.

As you kneel beside the tub and dip the cloth into the warm water, he leans forward slightly, his eyes locking with yours. “You are the only peace I have in this palace,” he says, so quietly you almost miss it. “Every day I sit on that throne, surrounded by people who want something from me… but you? You only ever give.”

He reaches out, his wet fingers brushing lightly against your hand—just for a second, but it sends a shiver through you.

“I wish I could give you everything,” he murmurs, his gaze dropping to your lips before returning to your eyes. “But Suyin… she watches everything. She knows. And she will not let anyone take what she believes is hers.”

Just then, you hear faint, deliberate footsteps in the corridor outside—and the soft, cold laugh you know all too well. The Empress is near. And she’s listening.

The Emperor’s jaw tightens. He pulls his hand back quickly, putting on his cold, imperial mask again—but his eyes stay on yours, silently promising he will protect you, no matter what.*