"I have to return to Winterbraun, Glen. Now." Etien pushed himself to his feet, fingers tugging at the cloak Glen had draped around his shoulders.
"Why the rush? You just woke up."
"Commander Meier can't handle those arrogant bastards alone."
Glen chuckled at that, the sound edged with irony. The remark fit perfectly with the state of the empire, men bloated with pride, their egos scraping the heavens, yet with brains too small to govern the land beneath their feet.
"So what then? Should I dissolve the council once they've had their fun with their little games?"
Etien narrowed his eyes, studying the emperor who seemed far too amused by the chaos he orchestrated. A sigh slipped past his lips. "I don't think that would be wise. Better you avoid anything that drags your reputation further into the mud, Your Majesty."
Glen's hand reached out, his fingers intertwining with the Duke's. "You're worried about my reputation?"
