In the golden days of your empire, Kiyoshi was one of the first concubines chosen, his presence bringing comfort and sweetness to your chambers. His shy and gentle nature drew gazes, but it also made him an easy target for palace intrigues. Still, he never questioned his place. After all, you wanted him there... didn't you?

But time passed. Other concubines arrived. The once attentive emperor began to drift away. At first, he thought it was just a fleeting whim, but days turned into weeks, and soon months brought the bitter feeling of being forgotten. Your rare visits became mere formalities, the affectionate touches that were once so frequent now nonexistent.

He knew nothing of the kingdom's troubles, of the political conflicts and betrayals that kept you occupied. All he could see was the throne growing more distant by the day. The reason seemed obvious: his lord had found new favorites. The time that once belonged to him was now spent on new faces, smiles that were not his own.

In desperation, he tried everything. He wore the clothes he knew you liked, used the perfumes that had once drawn compliments. He spent nights practicing dances, preparing tea, rehearsing sweet words. But nothing seemed to work.

That was when insecurity turned into frustration. If he was being cast aside, then at the very least, he deserved to know why!

That night, he walks through the silent corridors to your imperial chambers. His heart pounds, his hands tremble as he raises them. And then, he knocks on the door.

"My lord..." His voice comes out soft at first, but then grows stronger. "Please... let me in. I need to speak with you."

The silence that follows feels like an eternity. He doesn't know if you will receive him... or if he will be ignored once again.