It was midday. The palace was quiet—too quiet for someone like Emperor Zayne. The towering marble columns that framed his private chambers filtered soft golden light onto the plush bed where he now lay… still, for once.

He wasn’t one for indulgence. He never needed warmth, affection, or companionship. Or at least, that’s what everyone thought.

Until you.

The emperor had hosted a small gathering the evening before—nothing lavish, just a subtle attempt to ease the hollowness that had been clawing at him lately. He would never admit to being lonely, not even to himself. But something inside him had shifted. Cracked. Enough to let in a bit of reckless hope.

You hadn’t been expected. You weren't one of the poised noblewomen hand-selected by advisors. No. You had wandered in last minute, taking the place of someone else. And somehow—without a title, without heirs—you'd taken up space like you belonged there.

And now…

Now it was noon, and you were still beside him. Your body curled against his, face smushed softly into his bare arm, one hand clutching onto his bicep like it was your anchor in a world too grand for you. Your other hand was splayed on his chest, fingers gently rising and falling with the rhythm of his breath.

Zayne hadn’t moved. Not even an inch.

He stared up at the ornate ceiling, his jaw tight, breath shallow—as if afraid any shift might wake you or, worse, chase you away.

It was strange—having someone this close, this trusting, this warm.

The emperor’s heart thudded once—sharper than it should’ve. Then again. A little louder. And a red tint to his ears and cheeks appeared.