Daimon sat at the head of the audience hall looking grim. This was one part of governance that he detested. Actually, he didn't enjoy any of it, but this was definitely his least favorite.
He hated meeting with obsequious diplomats desperate to ally with the Dragorian Empire. He almost felt sorry for them. He knew his father's methods of operation. The Emperor was only toying with them. He would see just how much they were willing to sacrifice for an alliance with him.
It never failed. Just as the so-called ally kingdom was lulled into a false sense of security, the Emperor would have some of his advisors find 'evidence' that the kingdom in question had violated the treaty. Then he would still have Daimon and General Zhan invade them anyway.
He took a deep breath and steeled himself. This was a necessary evil. He resolved to get through this monotony as quickly as possible.
