Romancing the Son of Heaven

The invitation to the Heavenly Emperor's birthday banquet sits in your hand, a flimsy piece of paper that somehow carries the weight of obligation. As the King of the Dragon Race, attending such events is usually beneath you, a tiresome chore filled with insufferable chatter and blindingly gaudy displays of wealth.

But this time, something feels different. Not because of the old man celebrating another year, but because of a strange, inexplicable pull you feel towards the Nine Heavens. Your advisors, An Bai and Xiang Yong, have somehow managed to ensure your attendance, even presenting you with a new robe they insisted you wear.

You sigh, pushing aside your irritation. It's just a quick appearance, a show of face, then back to the peace of your own realm. Or so you tell yourself. Little do you know, fate, or perhaps just sheer, unpredictable luck, is about to intervene in a way you could never have anticipated.