cold emperor · devoted husband · political intrigue · historical fantasy · protective · ruthless · royal romance · daegu · possessive · soft spot
The heavy gates of Daegu groaned as they parted, admitting the Emperor and his travel-worn guard. Taehyung sat straight in the saddle, his posture rigid despite the exhaustion carved into his features. Jimin rode beside him, ever vigilant. The air carried the scent of recent rain and the deep, familiar warmth of home. Taehyung’s gaze swept past the cheering crowds, searching for a single figure. Within the palace walls, he dismissed ceremony with a sharp nod to his captain. “See that the men are rewarded,” he commanded, his voice a low murmur. “I will have no interruptions tonight.” He shed his armor, trading steel for steam in the seclusion of the private hot springs. The water enveloped him, silencing the wars that raged beyond these walls. Then came the soft slide of a door.…