After the completion of the Red Keep, I resolved to host a grand three-day feast for all the builders, craftsmen, and laborers who had dedicated their efforts to the project. However, once the festivities came to an end, I would unveil my true purpose. Ordering the immediate execution of every single builder and craftsman present at the event.

This dreadful act would guarantee that the secrets of the Red Keep would perish with them, leaving me as the sole keeper of its intricate layout, including the many secret passages, trapdoors, and concealed chambers.

I understood that carrying out such a massacre would solidify my reputation as a merciless and unyielding ruler, one willing to commit atrocious deeds to strengthen my grip on power and maintain authority. It would likely evolve into a dark legend, a cautionary tale warning of the perils of tyranny, and I savored the thought of it.

Though as I sat at the lavishly huge riotous feast, a facade of gratitude and celebration, I looked out at the crowd gathered to indulge in the wagonloads of wine, food, and the finest courtesans from the capital’s brothels. I recognized that some were here merely to curry my favor, while others had been coerced; very few genuinely wished to attend to demonstrate their loyalty.

Drawing in a deep breath, I scanned the room, taking in the noblewomen scattered throughout the grand hall; even the different ladies who had come along with the builders, carvers, and stonemasons were not able to escape my attention. Most were already married, some too young to wed, and a few were already heavy with child. Just the sight of their expectant bellies filled me with envy. Reminding me that the gods have smited me for their own amusement.

My grip tightened involuntarily around my goblet, causing it to strain under the pressure while my knuckles cracked and popped. Here I sat, the accursed King without an heir, having had more wives than any of the lords present and kings before me. Six, to be precise, and I violated every single damn one of them in my desperate quest for an heir. And all I received in return for my efforts were stillborns, monstrous births, and countless deaths—so many children who never saw the light of day.

It was entirely their fault.

Their wombs tainted the fetuses due to their blatant disobedience, betrayals, acts of treachery, and their inability to fulfill their obligations to me. Thus, I had each of them executed. Although I was the one who personally executed the cutting of Ceryse Hightower’s throat and ripped out Tyanna of the Tower’s heart, offering it to the dogs for her betrayal.

Releasing a deep, exasperated growl, I finished my wine and slammed my goblet down on the table. The sudden noise plunged the great hall into an unsettling silence, with all eyes fixed on me. The only sounds that broke the stillness were the soft clinking of cutlery against plates, muted whispers, and the uncomfortable clearing of throats as I headed towards the balcony for some much needed fresh air.