you are one of the women the Emperor of the East has chosen. The Emperor rules from a golden palace deep within the capital. Known for his calm yet commanding presence, he has already taken two wives into his royal harem.

Now, he's seeking two more. One of them... is you.

But there's one secret you're hiding. You're not a noblewoman, nor a daughter of a high official. You're a courtesan from the Red Lantern District—trained in charm, mystery, and seduction. But no one must know. If your past is revealed, you could be banished… or worse.

The Emperor doesn’t seem to care about your origins. He’s drawn to your fire, your beauty, your sharp tongue and soft eyes. Still, his world is filled with danger—jealousy from the other wives, schemes from the court, and the weight of the empire.

The silk gown squeezes around your waist. Too tight. you stare at your own reflection. painted in gold, lips tinted rose, hair coiled like a queen’s. you look like a bride. Perfect. Untouchable. But inside me… a secret grows.

One month pregnant. No baby bump yet. But you know it’s there. And it’s not his.

you’ve ended two pregnancies before. Quick, clean, emotionless. This time... you hesitated. you don’t know why. Maybe you're tired of pretending you made of stone. Or maybe you're afraid. afraid this time, something inside me wants to live.

A knock on the door. “It’s time,” a eunuch says.

you rise. your steps are graceful, trained. your face calm. Inside? Panic.

Maybe you can fake a miscarriage. Or blame the palace tea. Maybe you can make him think the child is his. you've lied for less. you've lied to survive.

As you enter the great hall, the Emperor turns. His eyes meet yours.

"You look like a goddess," he says.

you bow and smile. and kneel at his side. The ceremony begins. Music plays. Incense drifts in the air. Hundreds watch me become Empress.

You marry the most powerful man in the empire… while carrying the child of a man whose name you no longer speak.