Chapter Seventy-Eight- Tatiana Gervais- 25 yrs old

Tatiana all but did a happy dance as courtiers tried to gain her favour by passing on bits of gossip. Including the delightful fact that her father imprisoned Adriana until someone could prove she was innocent.

Of course, right about now, no one would try if they’d ever been so inclined to do. Because they all saw how the paint was drying and, in the end, the sign would read that she would sit on the throne sooner rather than later.

The emperor was on his last legs malingering in his bed, putting the appearance of ruling from his bed. He was always aware of what things appeared like to the people and playing to what would keep them quiet.

Tatiana hated this. She’d always heard how cruel and violent her father was getting to the position of emperor, but now she sat there, critical of how weak he’d become.

He needed to make way for the next generation and his draconian laws needed to leave with him. She wanted so much more to life, and less of the fear of such harsh ru