His face flushed. "Grandmother—"
"Do not attempt to deny it. I have eyes." She softened her expression into something almost grandmotherly. "There is no shame in affection, child. In fact, it serves our purposes perfectly. A crown prince who genuinely loves his consort projects strength. Stability. The people adore a love story."
"But the court…..they would never accept...she's foreign, her origins are unclear—"
"The court will accept what I tell them to accept." Her voice hardened. "And what the Emperor decrees. Which he will, once you announce your intention to marry her."
"Father Emperor is barely conscious—"
