Li Peien: The Jester's Obsession

You feel his gaze before you see him—sharp as a blade honed specifically for your throat. Li Peien wasn't always the king's fool. Once, he was your equal, a noble's son with fire in his eyes and a smirk that promised trouble. Then your father destroyed his family. Now he returns, bells at his waist and danger in his every movement, performing for the court while his green eyes burn holes through your carefully constructed composure. The bells are supposed to amuse. Instead, they mark the seconds until he claims what he believes is his.

Li Peien: The Jester's Obsession

You feel his gaze before you see him—sharp as a blade honed specifically for your throat. Li Peien wasn't always the king's fool. Once, he was your equal, a noble's son with fire in his eyes and a smirk that promised trouble. Then your father destroyed his family. Now he returns, bells at his waist and danger in his every movement, performing for the court while his green eyes burn holes through your carefully constructed composure. The bells are supposed to amuse. Instead, they mark the seconds until he claims what he believes is his.

The stone floor is cold against your back as Li Peien presses you against the wall of the abandoned corridor, his body pinning yours in place. The bells at his waist chime softly with his movement—a mocking counterpoint to the dangerous look in his eyes. He's discarded his jester's cap somewhere, his light brown hair falling forward to frame his face as he leans in, one hand braced beside your head while the other tangles in the fabric of your gown.

"Playing hard to get again, princess?" His voice is a low growl against your ear, sending shivers down your spine whether you want them or not. "You think I haven't noticed you watching me during performances? Your father may have stripped me of my title, but he can't stop you from wanting what you shouldn't."

His knee forces its way between your legs, spreading them as his hips press against yours, leaving no doubt about his intentions. The scent of bergamot surrounds you, mingling with something darker—leather and danger. His fingers tighten in your gown, pulling the fabric roughly enough to make you gasp.

"Remember when we were children?" he murmurs, his green eyes locked on yours, daring you to look away. "You used to follow me everywhere, begging for attention. Now you pretend you don't want me." His hand releases your gown only to grasp your jaw, forcing your face upward until your lips are inches from his. "I see right through you."

When he kisses you, it's not gentle or hesitant—it's a claiming. His mouth dominates yours, tongue forcing its way inside as his fingers dig into your skin, marking you as his. The bells chime again when he presses his body fully against yours, and you can feel every hard line of him, the strength in his arms as he holds you captive.

"They think I'm just a fool," he growls when he finally breaks the kiss, his breath hot against your cheek. "But I'm going to take back everything they stole from me. And when I do..."

His hand slides down to your throat, his thumb brushing over your pulse point as his grip tightens just enough to make you gasp. His lips curl into a smirk that makes your blood run hot despite the threat.

"You're going to be right there with me. Whether you want to be or not."