This would be the first time the Emperor’s servant would lead Teal and his guards straight past the Emperor's greeting room and to the winding staircase that led to the top of the tower. Teal’s heart thudded in time with the sound of his feet as they tapped on the marble of each step, steps that seemed to continue for ever.

A closed door suddenly presented itself as they came around one turn, and the servant motioned for Teal to proceed. Taking a deep breath, he knocked and it was opened. Who opened it, Teal did not know for his attention was instantly riveted by what lay before him. The Emperor's main private chamber was a circular windowless room with a large, raised bed with four corner posts in the middle. It was the grandest thing Teal had ever seen for someone to sleep on. Four open arches led out to a wide balcony that Teal guessed wound around the entire tower to allow for a view of the empire in every direction, as Jale had described.

Filled with curiosity, Teal went straight to one of the arches to get a better view of what lay beyond. He stepped down out of the room onto the balcony and revelled in the wind that blew through his hair. Stopping at the edge, the stone wall was high enough to rest at his chest when he gazed out. He was facing west, directly opposite to the ocean, and he could see blue hazy mountains in the distance. Mountains Teal had never laid eyes on before.

"The empire extends far beyond those initial row of mountains," the Emperor suddenly explained from behind.

Startled, Teal spun to face him. "It's beautiful!"

The Emperor was still in his ceremonial clothes. Out there in the open, standing tall in his domain, the Emperor never looked more powerful.

"It is," the Emperor stated moving to stand beside Teal, his hand held out ready for Teal to take. Teal leaned forward and kissed it, the act suddenly so more intimate and promising after the simple Swearing of Loyalty Ceremony below.

"It covers a very vast area," the Emperor continued. "If you keep going that way, you will eventually come across The Lost Deserts."

Teal gazed in the direction the Emperor pointed in. He couldn't see any sign of a desert, there were only rolling hills covered in forest as far as he could see.

"Come, I'll show you the rest," the Emperor stated, placing a gentle guiding hand on Teal’s shoulder.

They moved to the northwest. "As you're probably aware,” the Emperor said, “if you keep going in that direction, past those mountains and keep travelling for four months, you'll reach Hulena."

Teal's gaze fell in the direction of his old home. It was odd. He had not thought of the place in such a long time.

The Emperor continued to move round the tower to face the ocean. As they walked, Teal also took in a private eating area and lounge, much smaller and simpler than the entertaining areas the Emperor used on the first floor of his quarters. They even passed an open bathing and shower area fixed into the side of the tower. The height of the tower was the only thing that would grant a person privacy. A large tank sat on top of the building, filled with rainwater.

"The south," the Emperor showed him. "Keep going and you will find the Keglar Kingdom." They turned again to face the southwest. "Even further, beyond the Keglar Kingdom, you will find the remains of Crael's kingdom."

"Does anyone live there anymore?" Teal asked in wonder.

"No, it's a wasteland. Those that survived the plague were not permitted to move into the Keglar Kingdom or my empire. Most died out or moved further south."

"That's sounds pretty severe," Teal said more to himself.

The Emperor turned to face him. "Yes, it was. But it was a vicious plague that killed many in a short amount of time. My father and the Keglar Kingdom were forced to close our borders on the mountain divides."

Teal shuddered but managed to pull his eyes away from the direction they were facing. "What about the ocean?" he asked, more than aware that the Emperor was staring intently at him now. "Is there anything out there if you keep going?"

The Emperor moved closer to the stone railing and leaned on it, looking out to sea. "People were sent out there to investigate under my father's reign. There are stories of islands not really worth stopping at as they are too small and had no men. Whether there is more out there, we are yet to know."

The Emperor paused before speaking again. "Maybe one day I can interest you in sailing towards the Velana Islands to find the Lombock."

Teal's eyebrows rose. "I don't know if I have any desire to do that."

"It could be very beneficial to the empire. The more allies we have, the stronger we are."

Teal was quiet, slowly digesting what the Emperor said. He took a step back. "Is that why you really asked me to join your harem? You see me as a way to build allies?" he asked.

The Emperor stared at him evenly. "Yes. There's not a moment when I'm not thinking about the empire and its future. But that doesn't mean I don't care for you."

Teal looked back out to sea, thinking on those words.

"I choose all of my consorts for particular reasons," the Emperor continued. "Lana for example, everyone believes that her lack of sight is a downfall, but she has incredible ears." The Emperor looked at him. "Do you know, during her first two seasons she was able to prevent two male visitors from stealing artifacts from the Grand Library. People get lazy and sloppy when they drink and secrets are told. Lana's ears are vital to have around.

“Ralen, I have found, is a very good judge of human character and provides experienced wisdom, and also great ale," he added with a laugh. "Delba," the Emperor stopped short, and it was as if Teal was experiencing the Emperor having to choose his words carefully for the first time. "Her history also means she has strong knowledge of key players in the city."

"So, all the consorts you have picked are for some strategic aim? Except for Jale? He's your one true love?"

A rare flash of surprise flickered over the Emperor's face.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be so bold."

"Not at all, Teal. I'm getting used to you speaking before you think. It might be something we will have to work on. But yes, Jale was the first person I truly ever loved. I wouldn't be standing here talking to you right now if it wasn't for him. He saved my life when I was twenty years old."

"Wow," Teal whispered.

“I care for all my consorts, Teal,” the Emperor stated warmly. “Just remember, there is always a plan, we're always looking at making ourselves strategically stronger."

"What if I can't make contact with the Lombock in the future? What if I can't find them?"

"While gaining allies with the Lombock would be advantageous, just having you as my concubine is enough to add some threat for anyone who might consider attacking me."

The Emperor lifted his hand to stroke the side of Teal's face. "We are living in peaceful times, but there are still plenty of people in the empire who would relish to see my demise."

Teal shook his head. "I wouldn't want your job. I don't know how you manage it all. It's so much responsibility."

The Emperor smiled and leaned in close. "Well, I have a lot of help from many different people. And well, this is where you come in, isn't it," he said.

The Emperor stopped then, something shifting across his features, something unreadable. "I have given much thought on how I want this night to pan out."

Teal nodded, his pulse instantly beginning to increase in speed.

The Emperor reached over and lay a guiding hand on Teal’s back. "I want all my consorts and concubines to be happy for the ones I have, have worked hard to keep me pleased."

"Yes," Teal stated.

"And I reward my consorts when I believe they've shown me devotion and loyalty, when they have stayed with me for many years."

"I hope I can be just as loyal," Teal said, allowing the Emperor to walk him round to a small seating area nestled and half hidden from the open balcony protecting it from the wind.

"So, when I was thinking about this evening and how I wanted it to go, I could only think of Jale."

"Jale?" Teal asked.

They rounded the corner, and Teal stopped short.

There standing before them, waiting for them, was Jale.

Jale standing next to a long, curved bench that was covered in pillows and cushions. A table with food and drinks on display and a servant to the side, their gazed fixed in front, waiting for an instruction to serve.

"Jale?" Teal repeated again, clearly confused.

The Emperor also stopped and lifted his hands to Teal's shoulders. "Tonight, I would like to reward Jale."

Still puzzled, Teal glanced back and forth between the Emperor and Jale.

"You and Jale may enjoy each other's company for the night in my personal quarters," the Emperor explained.