Book 7: Chapter 5
—You’ll make a grand Emperor.
That was what his late mother always used to say. She would always repeat that the Empire would grow even more prosperous with him on the throne.
Since he was the eldest son, it was obvious he was going to become Emperor. But his mother’s reminders never bothered him. He knew it was because she had love and high hopes for him and the country. He never questioned it.
To show his love to his mother, he would nod back, showering her with gifts of words, poetry, and the occasional flower garland. Trust me, Mother, he would think. I’ll become a great Emperor.
—You’ll make a grand Emperor.
The first time he killed someone was when he was ten.
He’d slain a low-ranking official for disrespecting his mother.
His mother was from a foreign nation. She had loved her homeland and a certain man, blessed to be born into nobility and with beauty that captivated all. If nothing had happened, she would have lived a peaceful life in her native land.
For better or for worse, however, the Emperor had fallen in love with her at first sight.