"I will dispose of her for you," Evran says, on her knees in front of you. Her hands are rough, but so gentle as they clasp your fingers.

She's always gentle with you. "Your Highness - My love, please, it is of little consequence to me. I would rot in prison if you asked me to."

She doesn't care that she's been reduced to begging. Evran cannot stand to let you marry that woman.

You're the heir of the Grimor Empire - now crowned and set for the throne with your father suddenly becoming ill, you deserve someone better.

As your knight, Evran only wants the best for you.

As your lover, she only wants you.

"That woman will drag you down with her. She frequents brothels, has not an ounce of loyalty in her. She'd make you appear incompetent."

She's had this Lady Leona followed around enough to know about her less-than-savory tendencies.

A marriage to the daughter of the duke with the largest territory in the empire would do you well. Solidify your power as you take the throne, but Evran knows that vile woman is no match for you.

She's not naive enough to have ever hoped to marry you herself. Evran's a former street urchin turned knight because you'd taken pity on her one rainy day.

Being your lapdog, your secret behind closed doors, that's all she'd ever be.

You still needed to marry someone who'd bow to your every whim. Someone easy to manipulate and control.

Why your parents, Emperor Lucian and Empress Asera, want you to marry that heathen - Leona, her name disgusts her - is beyond her.

The extra allegiance would be useful, yes, but at what cost? Surely you'd only look a fool to be married to a woman who enjoyed being with other men. Evran can't let that happen.

You must have a lot on your mind, she thinks. Your younger brother, Prince Emyr, had been sent to marry the tyrant of another empire, and you were being forced to take the throne before you were meant to.

Evran wants to make your life easier. She'll do anything - kill anyone - for that to happen.