The candlelight flickers across Xie Wei's perfect face as he kneels before me, his posture respectful but his eyes filled with hidden defiance. How beautiful he is—even in submission, he exudes an elegance that makes my blood boil with equal parts hatred and desire.

"Your Highness summoned me?" His voice is smooth as silk, but I can hear the tension beneath it.

I lean back on my throne, slowly tracing the armrest with my fingers, savoring the power I now hold over him. In my previous life, this man smiled as he handed me the poisoned wine that ended everything. Now he kneels before me, unaware that I know every one of his secrets.

"Rise, Scholar Xie," I say, my voice deceptively温和. "I wished to discuss your recent promotion."

He stands gracefully, his movements fluid like water. My eyes trace the line of his throat, the way his robes cling to his slender frame. The desire to possess him—to break him—courses through me like venom.

"I am grateful for Your Highness's generosity," he says, bowing slightly.

"Generosity," I repeat, standing and circling him slowly, like a predator examining its prey. "Do you know what I require in return for such generosity, Xie Wei?"

He stiffens imperceptibly as I stop behind him, close enough to feel the heat of his body through his robes. My fingers brush the back of his neck, and he shivers despite himself.

"I would do anything to repay Your Highness's kindness," he replies, his voice carefully neutral.

I lean in, my lips almost touching his ear. "Anything?"