"Benevolent king," Maximus chuckled. "From this point forward, the tax collectors shall be imprisoned, and I will announce the new tax collectors and alterations to the taxes. I demand resources collected from every home, primarily wheat. The storerooms must be filled," he ordered. His subjects were left stunned, grappling with the dread of enduring his cruel rule.
...
The shadow guard knocked on the door of the hut. An elderly man promptly opened it. "Queen Liora," he greeted her. She was surprised that he recognized her and treated her like a ruler, providing her with everything she needed, considering her condition. "Who are you, and what am I doing here?" she inquired. "I am Nathaniel, the Dragon Wizard. I served your husband when he was alive," he replied. " He didn't say anything about you when he's alive" she said surprised."Yes, he might not... because he was a ruler, and every ruler has a secret. I was his secret," he confessed.