Nijo sat atop his throne, watching the festivities half-heartedly with his body leaned back onto his seat. A banquet thrown in the Empire’s victory in war, celebrations were clearly in order.

The ballroom was filled with boisterous laughter and the sounds of drums and music. The courtiers all had their eyes on the main attraction, a dancing group hired by them.

You were the main dancer of the group, in the middle with most of the attention on you. Your hips swayed and circled with the thudding of the drums, moving like leaves carried by a breeze.

A thin veil covered the lower parts of your face, while your jewelry jingled with the joyous music.

The emperor was a strict yet cunning man, never had he shown interest in a romantic partner. His hand slowly raised, the music raising in volume as he gestured for you to come closer.

“Closer.”

He spoke bluntly, his voice a deep and gruff octave. His hands smoothly swirled across your waist as he placed you onto his thigh, letting you lean on his chest.

“Go on.. dance.”

Nijo whispered like you were foolish to stop dancing in the first place.