Chapter 1: Branded a Harlot (Part 1)
Ugh… why's it so… ticklish?
Warm breath brushed my cheek—annoying yet weirdly pleasant. It carried a faint orchid scent, tempting me to sink deeper into sleep.
But… why did I feel… crushed?
The weight finally forced my eyes open.
And locked onto a pair of furious eyes.
A scream choked in my throat. Holy— How is anyone this gorgeous? Arching brows, jade-smooth skin, lips curved like temptation itself. Gemstone eyes glowed bloody crimson—a jarring contrast against hair white as fresh snow, like bloodblooms blooming on winter's canvas.
I stared, transfixed. Yet his gaze… pure hatred. His breath fanned my face—so close—dripping with contempt. Seriously? If you hate me, why crawl all over me?
Noticing my daze, he smirked. "Enjoying the view, Empress? Feast while you can. After today… Your eyes won't wander again." His chilling laugh deepened the red in his eyes. Hypnotic. Terrifying. "But first… let this Emperor serve his Empress properly."
Empress? Emperor? Is this a period drama?
And "serve" me? How?
My gaze dropped.
Oh. That "crushing weight"? Him. This godlike man is pinning me down.
Blood roared in my ears. Blank. Numb. I watched his hand glide over my body. He wore only loose indigo silk. Any fool could guess his goal.
I frantically patted my clothes. Intact. Then why?
I glanced up, meeting those scornful eyes. "Eager, Empress?" His voice dripped mockery. "Very well. I'll indulge you."
Riiip.
Cold air hit my chest. My robes gaped open, baring snow-pale skin. Shock. Rage. Is he insane? "Emperor" this, "Empress" that—and now this? Think I'm some pushover?
Enough. Screw his origins. As his hand slid lower, murmuring, "No wonder nobles lust after you—skin like silk beneath those robes—" my fury exploded.
"You scumbag! Die!" My signature shadow-kick launched him off the bed.
Thud. Pathetically easy. I snatched the bedsheet, shielding my chest, and glared. "Try anything, pervert, and I'll wreck you! Don't underestimate me!"
He scrambled up, livid. "You kicked your Emperor?"
"Pfft—'Emperor'? Get off the drama set!" I sneered—delusional star-wannabe. "Leave! Now! Or I'll call the guards!"
"Silence!" His composure snapped. "No more games!" He stalked toward me, eyes blazing with dangerous authority. Terrifying. Magnificent.
I clutched the sheet tighter, voice trembling. "I-I'll scream! Stay back— Ah! What are you—?!"
Chapter 1: Branded a Harlot (Part 2)
He ignored me. Grabbed the sheet. I held on for dear life—my last defense. But his strength overwhelmed me. Muscles burned as I fought to keep covered.
"Release it." Ice coated his words.
"Why? So you can violate me?" I yanked the fabric tighter.
His lips curled. "Violate? You dare say that? Drop this rag, or I'll forget you're a woman."
"You are violating me!" Tears welled. That kick earlier was luck. If he forced me… Mom… little brother… your Xiao Xiao is doomed…
No divine rescue came. His smile chilled. "'Violate'? Isn't this what my Empress craves? Playing hard-to-get?" His grip tightened. "It worked. My patience ends now."
Tears splashed his hand. Still, I spat defiance: "Crave? I'm defending my virtue! You're a rapist! An embarrassment to rapists—look at you! Why force some plain girl?"
Stupid words? Maybe. But mouthing off till death was my curse. Fine. If this gorgeous psycho took me… at least I'd go out with eye candy.
Suddenly… his grip vanished.
He stepped back, studying me with an unreadable smile. "Rape? You accuse me?"
"Stop the 'Emperor' crap! Are you insane? No emperors exist! Get therapy!" Death looming freed my tongue.
"Truly?" His smile deepened, unnervingly cryptic. "You—a woman who's bedded half the court—dare call me mad? Think I married you for love? Without your chancellor father's influence, why would I stomach a harlot like you?"
"You're the harlot!" Rage boiled. Me—Luo Xiaoxiao—chaste as jade! He was the walking brothel! But his disinterest emboldened me. "Get out, you overgrown leech!"
"Leech?" He chuckled darkly. "Would my Empress truly… miss me?"
"Miss you? Why else say it? Go! Or I'll fight you to the death!"
"Truly… don't want my touch?" That infuriating half-smile returned. Seeing my glare, his eyes narrowed. "Very well. I'll spare you my 'scumbag' presence." He turned. "But Empress… don't regret this."
I scoffed. "Regret? I'd rather never see you!"
"Perfect." His gaze turned disturbingly intense, yet his voice stayed flat. "Then by your wish… Yongning Palace shall become your prison. Your cold palace."