They’ve taken something that most others would consider a threat, a hazard that should be immediately destroyed, and not only saved it, but respected and revered it. I’ve convinced myself that I could be nothing more than a passing fancy to them. I’ve done what I could to keep a firm distance, to not take what they say and do at face value. I’m always looking for ulterior motives and trying to stay several steps ahead of how they could turn things against me. But as I look at the Empress in all her alarming glory, held so gently in hands capable of ruthless violence and callous annihilation, I
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