posture. A performance. “I . . . am Mankind,” William said. “I am Empire. Emperor. I rule. Should rule. Not the Chantry. Not the Council. Not my ministers. Me. That is what the people believe. My people . . . an-an-and they are my peo-people.” The Emperor was silent a moment as Gall and Vrabel adjusted their levels. “Earlier you spoke of children. There is not a soul in my Imperium who is not one of mine. I have tried to be a father to them—to you all. An Emperor should be a father to his people. His people deserve a father. The Chantry would sooner cuckold me, as they had my mother, and her
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