How to Rule an Empire and Get Away with It (The Siege #2)

by K.J. Parker

But (he explained to me, when I objected) what the people want is something that looks at first sight like real life, but which actually turns out to be a fairy tale with virtue triumphant, evil utterly vanquished, a positive, uplifting message, a gutsy, kick-ass female lead and, if at all possible, unicorns.

Like I said, I’m a disappointment to her. She wanted me to be a murderer and an extortionist, like my father.

Act 2 is always a grind. With the exception of Acts 1 and 3, it’s the hardest part of your standard three-act play.

There was once a king in a far-off land who said, when you have them by the balls, their hearts and minds will follow.

Still, it was better than sitting around playing cards waiting to have your throat cut.