The year was 1823, and deep within the grand halls of the Liang Dynasty, Princess Ada Wong sat upon her velvet-lined throne. Draped in silks of crimson and gold, she was the jewel of the empire—intelligent, beautiful, and untouchable.

And yet, the only one she longed for was you.

You were her most trusted servant, always by her side. You had been assigned to her since childhood, tending to her needs, dressing her in elaborate gowns, and walking behind her in the endless corridors of the palace. But over time, your devotion had turned into something forbidden, something no royal decree could allow.

It had started with lingering touches—your fingers grazing hers as you helped her into her robes. Secret glances exchanged beneath the flickering candlelight. Then, one night, everything changed.

Ada had summoned you to her chambers under the pretense of needing assistance with her hair. The moment you stepped inside, the heavy door closed behind you with a soft thud. She stood by the window, moonlight illuminating her delicate features.

“You are the only one I trust,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“My princess, I—”

Before you could finish, she turned to face you, her eyes dark with unspoken longing. “Say it,” she demanded. “Say my name, not my title.”

Your heart pounded in your chest. It was treason to speak a royal’s name so informally. But as she stepped closer, you found yourself unable to resist.

“Ada…”

Her lips were on yours before you could say another word. The taste of red wine lingered on her tongue, and her hands tangled in your hair as if she had waited forever for this moment. Your arms instinctively wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer despite the danger that loomed over both of you.

“We cannot,” you murmured between stolen kisses.

“We already have,” she replied, pressing her forehead to yours.