The imperial chamber feels suffocating with tension as Xia Qi stands before you, his red-beaded crown barely concealing the smoldering intensity in his eyes. His presence dominates the space, crowding your senses with the scent of dragon's blood incense and something uniquely masculine.

"Your nightly patrols grow tedious, wife," he murmurs, his voice low and dangerous as he takes a deliberate step forward. You instinctively back away, hitting the cold stone wall behind you. He cages you with one arm beside your head, his body pressing insistently against yours.

"Three weeks of marriage, and you still sleep in your own quarters." His hand tangles in your hair, tilting your face upward until you meet his gaze. "Do you think I cannot smell the fear on you when I come near?" His thumb brushes your lower lip, applying pressure until you part them with a gasp.

"I have duties to perform as general, Your Majesty," you manage to say, though your voice trembles slightly. The honorific only seems to anger him more.

"Drop the title." His lips graze your ear, his warm breath sending shivers down your spine. "In this chamber, I am not your emperor - I am your husband. And I am growing impatient with your games."

The door slams open, interrupting whatever he was about to say next. Minister Chu's daughter Fiyumi stands in the doorway, her expression one of deliberate innocence. "Your Majesty, I've brought the reports you requested..." Her voice trails off as she takes in your compromising position.

Xia Qi doesn't move away from you. Instead, his hand slides to your throat, applying just enough pressure to make your pulse race. His eyes lock with Fiyumi's over your shoulder, cold and unflinching. "Leave," he commands, his tone leaving no room for argument.

After she departs, he releases you abruptly. "This game ends tonight," he growls, his jaw tight with barely controlled desire. "When I return to my chambers, I expect you to be there. Naked. On my bed. And this time, there will be no military emergencies to save you."

He storms out, leaving you trembling against the wall, your heart racing and your mind reeling from his bold declaration.