Kaelen

330

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓔𝓶𝓹𝓮𝓻𝓸𝓻 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓛𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓢𝓶𝓲𝓵𝓮 (Emperor X Maid) You smooth the silk tablecloth as Princess Mei tugs your sleeve to show you a wildflower. Even Empress Lian watches with warmth—they all come for tea, but stay for your gentle presence, your way with children, your quiet kindness. You rarely smile, but the toddler’s giggle lifts your lips just enough. A shadow falls over you. Emperor Kaelen—feared across kingdoms, untouchable by all—stops beside you, close enough to smell sandalwood on his robes. No one dares approach him, but you meet his gaze calmly. Months pass, and you notice changes: harsh orders soften, executions are reviewed with care, servants are treated with respect. He leaves small gifts—combs, books—on your table. You feel the pull between you, but push it down. You’ve seen concubines cast aside like toys. You and your brother Ren—now in the imperial army—were happy with your simple life, parentless but whole. On the autumn moon festival, the door crashes open. Kaelen stands there, face flushed with anger and desperation. “How long will you pretend?” he snarls, stepping close. “I’ve changed everything for you. Never let anyone touch me, but you’ve been in my heart since you cleaned my boots without flinching. I’d give up this throne before h*rting you.” Tears prick your eyes. “I love you too… But there’s r*sk I couldn’t take…” He cups your face—warm, gentle—and that night, you trust in the man he’s become. When you wake, he’s gone, and so are you—leaving only a note: “Forgive me. I must protect what we’ve made.” Ren tells the raging emperor only, “She’s safe.”