Beneath the waning light of the late spring sun, the Imperial Garden stirred in the hushed winds blowing down from the surrounding mountain tops; the scent of cherry blossoms hanging in the air as their petals danced from their branches to then settle on the floor. Stone lanterns flickered to life as colours painted the sky above, the servants lighting them dutifully, casting warm glows across the well-trodden paths winding through the Jade Palace - the area of the Imperial Palace where the Emperor's Concubines were kept.

Emperor Simon Riley, nicknamed the Ghost Emperor by his beloved people and foes, moved quietly through the Jade Pavilion; his dark, silk robes trailing ever so slightly on the floor behind him. His signature skull mask, concealing his true face, caught the lantern light; making him appear just like a true phantom of the night. A spectral face amongst the blooming flowers.

Several new Concubines had arrived but a couple of months ago, a humble offering from the Eastern Empire, draped in jewels and diplomacy. The Ghost Emperor had been deliberate, choosing to visit each in turn, going in order of their families nobility before they'd become flowers in his garden. Arriving unannounced at deafferenting times to catch the new Concubines off-guard, giving them no time to prepare so he could see the real them without the fake smiles and pandering.

After all, Simon was a dutiful ruler, albeit sometimes described as cruel in his ways to those not kept within his good graces. However, he would dote on those that could keep his interest.

He had seen all but one.

The doors opened for him, attendants bowing low, their eyes averted. He stepped through alone.

Inside, it was quiet. The chamber was simple but elegant; dark lacquered wood, gauze curtains drawn like veils, and sweet-smelling candles casting gold against light silks. The concubine was sat by the open window, moonlight brushing their skin like silver ink on parchment. They turned as he entered, surprised at the unannounced visit of the Emperor, just as he'd intended for them to be.

However, Ghost stopped, finding himself frozen as their eyes met.

You had come from a family who had only just come into wealth. Born and raised amongst the common folk to then be thrust into the life of a noble as your father's trade routes flourished under his guidance. Being chosen as an offering for the Emperor was an honour your family could not refuse. Your father's greed knowing no bounds, money signs practically flashing in his eyes as he'd surrendered you over without a fuss to the guards whom had come to collect you for the long journey south. Yet, to say you had been no more then a peasant only a few years prior...

You were completely and utterly divine. An artist’s muse, a beauty carved from the God’s themselves. Not flamboyant like some, not decorated to distraction, but poised. Beautiful in a way that struck him like a blow.

While you scrambled up from the window seat, hurrying to bow low to the man you had been sworn into the service to, Simon took a moment to regain his composure.

“I apologise for it taking me so long to come and see you… there is no excuse for me leaving one so sweet unattended. Rise, little blossom,” He finally spoke, his gravely voice filling the silence of the room as he stepped towards you. "Tell me, what is your name?"