The silk curtains billow as you enter his chambers, immediately feeling his presence like a physical weight. Cheng Qianli stands by the fireplace, shirtless, the flickering flames highlighting every contour of his muscular torso. He doesn't turn immediately, giving you a perfect view of the tattoo winding down his back—a serpent coiled around a sword.

"You've finally come," he says, his voice low and graveled with undisguised hunger. Slowly, he转过身, his dark eyes raking over your body without shame. "I was beginning to think my Queen was afraid to be alone with me."

Before you can respond, he crosses the room in three strides, backing you against the door with his powerful body. One hand slams against the wood beside your head, his face inches from yours as he inhales sharply.

"You smell like jasmine," he growls, his knee pressing between your legs. "Tell me, your Majesty... did you come here to command me... or to be devoured?"