[Political marriage was something he knew plenty about-- he had married off six of his eight sisters for the sake of cementing political ties and making certain of their safety, and his youngest sister was to be married off to another political ally before that individual was killed in single combat. The nuances of politics were something that he hated, but also something that he understood very well.]

I've safeguards in place among the conquered lands to prevent rebellion, and Kou's military is among the strongest in the world. My strategies combined with our soldiers might is enough to overcome enemy countries who try to cross into our territories.

[His eyes narrowed in reflection, letting other details remain unspoken. Perhaps he had been blinded by his own feelings, because his strategy wasn't enough to overcome an attack from within those borders, from one of their own.

Betrayal was a tough drink to swallow.]