In the Wake of the Wicked (Veridian Empire #1)

Epilogue

Dear Rose and Leo,

I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve written. Things got a bit hectic here after you left. Once the dust settled from Gayl’s death and the Decemvirate, some brave bastards decided perhaps anyone could have a go at the crown. I’ve been dodging Drakorum inquiries and Iluze appeals like they’re daggers. Nothing to worry about—it’s being handled, with only a few pissed off governors and one assassination attempt to show for. (Kidding, Leo—I’m fine, I promise. You should see the other guy.)

Rose, your uncle Ragnar has been coming back to the capital often since I lifted the border restrictions. He’s been instrumental in helping me deal with some of the bad seeds on this council. There are still a few stubborn remnants from Gayl’s time, one of which is that member you woke from the Somnivae curse. Lord Stryker. If I’d known he’d be this difficult, I would’ve asked you to keep him asleep.

Most of the rest are stodgy lords who have obviously never been told “no” in their lives. And by a woman , no less. They’re trying to convince me to take a tour of Mysthelm to strengthen relationships with the new King Grimaldi and secure trade agreements that haven’t been around in centuries. It’s a good idea, I’ll admit. It could unite our territories and start wiping away so much of the stain from our past. The council wants to reconvene later this week with one final proposal.

We’ll see. I may be leaving our precious empire sooner than I’d planned.

Hope you’re doing well and staying out of trouble. Rose, that is. I’m sure Leo’s on his best , most brooding behavior.

All my love,

Empress Clarissa Aris

(maybe you’ll have a fancy title one day too, Leo)