She thought of herself, of the mood swings that had plagued her as a young girl, tempered only by military discipline and too many emotional wounds to name. She thought of her almost cruel treatment of her women that nonetheless inspired an almost fanatical devotion. She thought of her growing devotion to Zardria, and realised that she understood more of the Empress than she'd thought possible.
She realised, too, that along with that understanding came a growing respect for the leader of the world as they knew it.
That thought was truly terrifying.
~
Anala had no reason for wandering the castle that night aside a weary need to escape her quarters and her lover, who was wearing a hole in her rug with his pacing.
He'd done it each night since the Birthright Ceremony -- only three times
