How To Tame An Empress (BOOK I)

Chapter 2 - An Emperor's Desire

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Proclamation has always been one of the easier parts of earning one's love, it's proving the truth behind your words that make things difficult. And unfortunately for me, as Emperor of the strongest Empire, I do not have a lot of time in my hands for grand romantic gestures.

It has been a week since I last saw that perfection of a woman, Valeria, and with each passing day I fear that another man will swoop in and take her heart for himself; I have felt less fear during battle than I did thinking of her belonging to another.

However, I was a strategist. Everything in this world is about timing, and I very well knew how to take advantage of it. This time was no different.

"His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Anastasius Gaius Aurelius Caesar!" The man called as I stepped into the throne room as everyone dipped down into a bow, waiting for me to climb the steps towards my golden throne, only picking their heads back up once I was seated.

Resting my cheek on my knuckles, my eyes ran over every person that was present in the room. Julius stood right at the front as both my right-hand man and the head of my praetorian guard, Tiberius stood beside him as my left-hand and general. They knew me better than anyone else in this room, and that made them the only ones who knew of my desire towards Valeria.

"What is there to discuss today?" I started, pointing my words to one of the members of my council, an old man who has worked for this throne longer than I have existed.

"Your marriage, imperator. You are turning twenty and five soon yet not only does your Empire lack an Empress, but an heir." This was the timing which I spoke of. I have held off my marriage for a number of years as I never found anyone whom I wished to spend the rest of my life with, but it was different now.

"Well, you have already attempted to force me to give you an heir with all the women you have been sending my way from the moment I wake up in the morn." I chuckled dryly as an embarrassed blush stained his aged cheeks at having been caught.

Even just this morning, I woke up to a woman clad in sheer clothing in an attempt to seduce me. Every now and then I would amuse these council members by bedding the women they sent, but I ensured that it never led to pregnancy. Although, that was before I met Valeria. Now, she has become the only one that can seduce me.

"It is important that you find a wife soon, imperator. It is for the sake of the Empire." Another member chose to speak up, his words causing an echo of others to announce their agreement.

"This is my Empire, I know it better than the lot of you as I am the one that is ruling it, am I not? I know what this Empire needs, and an heir is not urgent." Desperation leads to suspicion, and being an Emperor is like a game, one where I cannot be caught being desperate for anything or anyone.

I want Valeria, and I will do what I must to make her mine, but if I seem too desperate then they will get suspicious and go so far as to forbid me from wedding her, I will not allow that.

"However, you are not wrong in saying that the Empire needs an Empress. An heir without a mother will lead to confusion and questions, but an Empress will give hope for a secure future... Yet one problem remains." I tutted, watching their hopeful eyes immediately dim out.

"What is the problem, imperator?" The old man asked. As I knew he would.

"I do not trust your judgement in finding the perfect Empress... All anyone thinks of these days is sending me women who can act as a spy to increase her family's reputation, I will not allow for that kind of woman to wear a crown." The line had been cast, now to catch the fish.

"Then, what must we do to ease your worries?" I had to cover my mouth to hide my smirk as I worked to remain thoughtful.

"My Empress must be of pure mind, body, and soul. Calm yet strong. A mother who will nurture this land, and is loved by the people. She must be from a good family with an educated background, and most importantly... She must be a happy woman." They were confused, wondering if such a woman even existed.