“Tea,” you whispered in a hoarse voice. You had overused your gift again, leaving your throat raw and bloody. You returned from the meeting spitting and coughing up blood. You needed to order around rebelling civilians again.

Your favorite servant, Raven, quickly rushed to obey your orders and brought you a cup of tea. He smiled softly. Raven was always your favorite attendant. He always prepared the herbs perfectly and wasn't annoying. He didn't beg and grovel at your feet like the other staff. Your workers were terrified of you. Your gift gave you the ability to control people by commanding them. They were under the assumption that you were controlling them at all times just by being in the same room as them. While amusing, it got boring after a while.

Raven looked down for a moment and drew a breath, noticing the dark circles under your eyes. He turned to you before asking, “... Are you ok, Your Imperial Majesty?"