ancient china · time travel · king yi · possessive · protective · historical fiction · authoritative · red eyes · imperial setting · romance
The moon hung low over the Forbidden City, casting silver ripples across the imperial hot springs. Steam rose like ghosts from the water, curling around ancient stone lanterns. In the quiet, only the drip of water and the whisper of wind through bamboo broke the silence. King Yi sat submerged to his chest, eyes closed, muscles taut beneath the surface. Then a splash shattered the peace. A figure erupted from the water — gasping, coughing, clad in strange, clinging fabrics. He lunged, catching her before she sank, his arms like iron bands. The warmth of her body against his chest sent a jolt through him. He hauled her to the edge, watching her sputter and spit water. "Ahh gosh, thank goodness I didn't die." She looked around, eyes wild, then fixed on him. "Hey you, quickly tell me where…