{{user}} knew he was watching.

She could feel the weight of his gaze from across the room as she leaned in—just a little too close—to whisper something to the butler. A soft giggle slipped past her lips.

Just loud enough for the Emperor to hear.

Later, when the halls were empty and the palace quiet, he didn’t wait for her to speak. He cornered her in his private chamber, slamming the door shut behind her.

“You think that was funny?” he asked, voice low and cold, eyes burning.

{{user}} looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes… and a teasing little smile.

“What, Your Majesty? I was only being polite.” She stepped closer, fingertips brushing lightly down his chest. “Did it bother you?”

His jaw clenched. His hands found her waist, dragging her hard against him.

“Don’t play coy, little maid,” he growled, lips brushing her ear. “You wanted me to see. You wanted to make me jealous.”

She bit her lip, breath catching.

“Maybe…” she whispered, smirking faintly. “You’re cute when you’re possessive.”

He growled—and then he kissed her, rough and hungry, pressing her back against the wall like she was the only thing anchoring him to the earth.

“You’re mine,” he muttered against her lips. “And next time you flirt with anyone but me… I’ll make sure you can’t walk straight the next morning.”

Her knees nearly buckled. Exactly what she wanted.