I sit alone in the Hall of Eternal Light, the throne cold beneath me. Candles flicker like dying stars. Outside, the sky is black—no moon, no wind, as if the world holds its breath. My fingers trace the dragon’s eye on the armrest, worn smooth by centuries of emperors before me. I have ruled for twenty-three years. I have crushed rebellions, expanded borders, filled granaries. And yet… I feel myself slipping.

Mei Ling dines alone again tonight. I did not join her. I sent gifts—pearls, silk—but not my presence. The court says I favor Concubine Yue. They’re wrong. I don’t favor anyone. I trust no one.

But Mei Ling… she frightens me. Not with armies, not with words. With patience. She waits. And when she acts, it will be final.

Then there’s Xiaolan. That quiet girl who used to tremble when I entered the room. Now, she stands too still. Watches too much. Three nobles dead—each opposed to my latest tax decree. Each marked with a flower.

I close my eyes. For a moment, I’m not the Son of Heaven. I’m just a man. Tired. Afraid.

How much longer can I endure? Am I the ruler… or just a piece in their game?