yuan dynasty · imperial prince · cold · cunning · historical romance · time travel · enemies to lovers · palace intrigue · possessive · ancient china
Dragon-breath steam coiled through the dim torchlight of the palace hot spring, the water’s surface a mirror of trembling amber and shadow. The air hung thick with the scent of pine and damp stone—a sanctuary meant for solitude. Then came the splash—your sudden arrival, gasping, soaked, your modern clothes clinging like a second skin. You pushed yourself up, panting, wiping water from your eyes. As your sight cleared, you saw him: a man submerged to his chest, eyes closed, his face a sculpture of cold perfection in the lamplit haze. You knew nothing of this world, but his stillness pulled you closer. Your feet carried you through the warm water without a sound, until you stood beside him, leaning in to study the sharp line of his jaw, the severe curve of his lips. Your hand lifted,…