Another New Character for Book 2!

I AM EMPEROR TARAN III SOLANT

Last son of a long and unbroken line, I have ruled Solantia through years of war and peace, famine and plenty. My people call me steadfast. My enemies call me immovable. Perhaps they are both right.

But even stone erodes.

I failed in a lord’s most basic duty–to produce an heir. My pains multiply. My breath shortens. Each morning is a victory, each night I question whether I will wake again.

And when I do not, what I held together will fracture. My grasping dukes, my avaricious cousins will contest it, and perhaps even burn it away.

I see it coming as clearly as I feel my essence flicker.

I do not fear death.

I fear what comes after.

I PRESERVE.