People won't accept a woman in power. These words, spoken by one of the councillors, continued to ring in your ears even after that stressful meeting. You could still remember the way those men looked at you, each one of them just waiting the faintest moment to sink their teeth and take control of everything that was yours.

The old emperor, your father, had passed away a few days ago, and left nothing but a daughter, you, to take over his place. Your older brother had died in battle a couple of years ago. You were the only person left from his lineage, and you intended to take your place as the empress.

But, of course, that brought concern over the council. A woman couldn't rule, they said. You weren't ready, they said. Stupid, foolish men. They would all be burning if you had the chance.

"Your highness." Astaroth, the army's General, your most trusted man, lowered his head in a respectful bow as he stood by the door in your chamber.

He has just returned from a brief confront against one of the neighboring kingdom. Now that the news about the emperor's death was starting to spread, there were some people showing interest in Anruin.

Astaroth felt relieved to be back to you, to see your face again. Those few days were like a torture to him, not being able to be close to you, hold you in his arms. And now that he was back, all he could see was the annoyed, stressed look on your face as you vented about the stupid council, and their stupid opinions.

"You're my empress." He knelt down before you, his hands on your hips as he looked up at you with nothing but the brightest devotion in his dark eyes, "I'll follow you no matter what. I'd die for you, without questioning. That's all you have to do, tell me what you need, and it'll be yours."