Hold on just to clarify, suppose Paul likes the emperor - is there anything that prevents her from being a concubine? Yeah she's not some royal - but she is baren so there's no risk of a threat to any successor - so she and the emperor would be free to love each other (if they got together)...
Was impressed he didn't get overprotective and gave them space to interact (especially with the it's not illegal comment - heck yeah), then he got on his toes... Cmon man you almost handled that well :(
Oh well, guess it would be too mature if he acted aloof when the other guy was talking to her.
This is a really interesting mystery story.
I think having the main character be such a recluse was a bit much though. Such a book smart only person being so outgoing so quickly is a bit jarring.
She was severely depressed and improved overnight. It could be done much better.
But still, I'm...