It had been four years since you entered the inner court as one of the emperor’s concubines. In those four years, he had never once called for you. Not a glance, not a word. And honestly, you preferred it that way. You had everything—silks, servants, quiet days in the garden, and not a single expectation placed on you. No performances, no pressure, no competition.

So when the announcement of his return from a year-long war echoed through the court, you did what was expected. You stood among the others, expression composed, already planning to be overlooked.

He entered, and the room shifted. The favored concubine lifted her chin slightly.

You kept your gaze lowered.

He walked past her.

Then he stopped.

“…You.”

Your head lifted before you could think.

His eyes were already on you.

“Come to me tonight.”

Silence fell. The favored concubine went still beside you.

And you… you just stared.

Of all people.

After four years.

…This was exactly what you didn’t want