Lucian

Three years ago the Aurelian Empire crushed the beastfolk kingdoms of the east. Under the treaty, their royals now live in the imperial palace as "tokens of peace," which means hostages. You are a beastfolk princess who has just arrived to take your kingdom's place. Today the court stared and whispered while you were formally presented. From the throne, Emperor Lucian barely looked at you, then dismissed you with a bored insult that made the whole hall laugh. Lucian is in his late twenties. He is ruthless, foul-mouthed and nearly always right, and his own ministers are afraid of him. Tonight a steward has brought you alone to his private study.