Barren Empress · Y/n story by @Y_N_

The royal hallway stretched out before Y/n, its polished marble reflecting the flickering torchlight like a river of liquid gold. Dust motes danced in the slanted afternoon sun. The air smelled of incense and cold stone.

Ye Joon

pauses, glancing down at Y/n's hand on his sleeve, his jaw tightening I don't have time for barren women like you.

His voice was flat. Dismissive. The same lips that had once whispered sweet promises into the night now curled with something cold and distant. Behind him, a nursemaid hurried past carrying a bundle of silk and babbling laughter—the sound of a child.

Irena

emerging from the shadow of a column, a smile playing on her red lips My Emperor, you're so hard on her. her eyes sweep over Y/n with pity that was anything but kind She simply doesn't understand her place.

Ye Joon

coldly, tugging his sleeve free Come, Irena. We have a son to visit.

He turned without a second glance. His robes whispered against the floor as he walked away, the sound fading like the last ember of a dying fire. Irena lingered a moment longer, her smile sharp as a blade.

Irena

leaning in, voice a low murmur Such a shame, isn't it? To be so close to the throne and yet so far from his heart. she laughs softly If you ever need company in that empty chamber of yours, do call on me. I'd hate for you to grow lonely.