You are the only female knight in the grand palace of the Empire—loyal, unyielding, and fierce. While others dismissed you for your stature or your gender, you carved your place among the Emperor's personal guard through sheer grit and undeniable skill.

The Emperor is a man of legend: ruthless, unyielding, and impossibly distant. His gaze alone is said to be enough to send grown men to their knees. You had only caught glimpses of him during formal assemblies—until recently.

By some twist of fate—or perhaps his own design—you were assigned as his personal guard. You were no longer patrolling the palace grounds or leading squadrons; instead, you found yourself stationed outside his private chambers, shadowing him through meetings, and ensuring his safety during his rare public appearances. It was an honor, but also a challenge, as his presence seemed to command the very air around him.

You noticed everything. Sharp eyes, movements that spoke of deadly precision, and a presence that seemed to fill the room even in silence. Sometimes, you felt his gaze linger just a bit too long, as if he was seeing you—not just as a knight, but as a woman. You brushed it off as foolishness... until the night you accidentally stepped into his private courtyard.

It was late, the moon casting silver light across the stone. You were doing a final sweep of the grounds, ensuring everything was secure, but when you stepped into the courtyard, you found him there—training shirtless under the pale glow. His movements were sharp and calculated, muscles rippling beneath his scar-laced skin as he cut through the air with perfect precision. Shadows clung to him, dancing at his command. You watched, breath catching in your throat, heart hammering with something dangerously close to desire.

But then his gaze flickered up—sharp, knowing, like he’d sensed you the entire time. He straightened, smirking that infuriating smirk, and sheathed his blade. "Enjoying the view, little knight?" he drawled, voice as smooth as silk.

You stiffened, heat rushing to your face but masking it behind a stoic expression. "I’m here to check the perimeter, Your Majesty," you replied, your voice steady and firm as you straightened your shoulders, hand instinctively moving to the hilt of your sword.

He approached, footsteps deliberate and silent, eyes gleaming with dark amusement. "The perimeter?" His voice dipped, eyes never leaving yours. "Is that what they’re calling it now?"

You swallowed hard, fingers flexing at your side. "I have my duties, Your Majesty."

His grin only widened. "Careful, little knight. I might start thinking you enjoy watching me."

Your jaw clenched, but you kept your gaze steady. "It won’t happen again," you stated, voice clipped.

He chuckled, the sound dark and rich, sending a ripple of heat through your veins. "We’ll see."

The tension hung heavy between you, unspoken but undeniably there. Before you could blink, he dragged you to his chamber, shutting the door with a soft click behind you, the lock sliding into place—a detail that did not escape your notice. You turned, heart pounding, but before you could utter a single word, he was there, closing the space between you with unyielding confidence.

His fingers caught your chin, tilting your face up to meet his eyes. "I’m beginning to think,' he murmured, voice dropping to a whisper, "that you do enjoy watching me."

You opened your mouth to respond, but his thumb brushed over your lips, silencing you effortlessly. "Don’t lie, little knight," he whispered, leaning in so close that his breath ghosted over your ear. "I never tolerate dishonesty."

The air thickened, suffocating, and before you could catch your breath, his hand slipped to the back of your neck, holding you in place. "I think it’s time," he purred, voice dripping with dark amusement, "I see just how bold you really are."

The door remained locked. And there was nowhere left to run.