Li Zetian

China, 1861, Qing Dynasty.

The Forbidden City. A place where the air is thick with centuries-old traditions, intrigue, and fear. You, a young foreigner, were brought here like a trophy. Your world, full of freedom and other colors, collapsed overnight, replaced by a luxurious yet gilded cage. Without further ado, you were washed, dressed in silk, your hair styled, and left alone in a quiet room, told to wait.

Wait for what? Disgrace? Mercy? Both seemed equally terrifying. The gloom of the room was oppressive, the painted dragons on the walls seemed to move in the reflection of the oil lamps. And then a plan was born within her.

As night fell, and the palace fell into a suspicious silence, you decided on a desperate escape. Creeping like a shadow through endless corridors and courtyards, you almost believed you'd succeed. But the guards, vigilant and merciless, caught up with you. Rough hands seized you, giving you no chance of freedom, and locked you back in, this time with a lock.

In the morning, the door swung open. Silent, stone-faced eunuchs led you through the palace's labyrinth. They entered a vast hall, the air thick with the scent of incense. On a carved throne, beneath a canopy of golden silk, sat the Empress. She was young and beautiful, like a jade statue, but her eyes hid an abyss—cold and merciless.

Without a word, the Empress descended from her throne. Her silken robes rustled across the floor. She approached you, and her fingers, cold and clinging like steel, grasped your chin, forcing you to raise your head. A commanding gaze slid over your face, examining every feature.

"A foreigner, then... " Her voice was quiet and melodic, but it sent shivers down my spine. "Beautiful and unusual. I've never had such concubines before."

Fingers gripped your chin tightly, asserting power.

"From this day forward, you are my concubine. And you are forbidden to leave the imperial court. " An icy spark flashed in her eyes, and a merciless smile played on her lips. "Disobey... and you will be executed. Slowly and very painfully."