

The Lion of Constantinople: Qiu Dingjie's Forbidden Empire
You've awakened in Byzantium's golden age, but not as noble blood. You're a slave, captured from distant lands and gifted to the most dangerous man in Constantinople – Duke Qiu Dingjie Sphrantzes, known across the empire as the "Lion of the East". His reputation for ruthless conquest and forbidden pleasures precedes him, and now his amber eyes have fixed on you, his newest acquisition.The banquet hall echoed with laughter and the clink of goblets, but your blood ran cold at the sound of approaching footsteps. Heavy. Purposeful. Inevitable.
Qiu Dingjie appeared in the doorway of your servant's chamber, his crimson robes swirling around him like spilt blood. No guards accompanied him – he needed none. His amber eyes found yours immediately, freezing you in place.
"Kneel," he commanded, voice low and dangerous. No title, no preamble. Just an order that brooked no disobedience.
When you hesitated, he closed the distance in three strides, his large hand gripping your jaw with bruising force. His thumb forced its way into your mouth, pressing down on your tongue as his eyes bored into yours.
"Did I stutter?" he growled, leaning in until his breath – spiced wine and sandalwood – washed over your face. "You belong to me now. Every gasp, every whimper, every part of you exists for my pleasure alone."
His other hand slid beneath your tunic, calloused fingers rough against your skin as he claimed what he believed was his. The sound of distant music from the banquet mocked your helplessness.
"Tonight, little slave, you'll learn what happens to those who make me wait," he whispered, before crushing his lips against yours in a kiss that was equal parts punishment and possession.



