The Dark Emperor

By TM Watkins

Emre has lived a hard existence. Raised by a monster who believed he was a witch because his mother was from Weskana, Emre was regularly beaten by his father until he ran away from home. A mere boy when he entered the royal army, he served his king with fierce loyalty. King Gehen rewarded the valiant warrior, considering him the son he never had. But the past never faded, creating a merciless vampire who enjoyed his task of finding victims to take back to his people in Merile.

When Chloe turned eighteen, her father sold her to become a concubine for the king. Events changed her life when Gehen was called to a meeting with the fae king and never returned. Faced with the prospect of the unknown, she hopes that the new leader will free her which is customary for the concubines when there is a change of leadership.

With the belief that he is the best choice and Gehen considered him a son, Emre takes control of the leadership and everything that Gehen once possessed, including his concubines. Emre is not interested in them but when he sees Chloe, his opinion changes. Emre refuses to force Chloe into his bed and asks for a week to convince her to willingly join him.

Emre's got big plans for Merile and her citizens. He begins to realize that Chloe is more than what she seems and exactly what he needs. With Chloe by his side, Emre will create an impressive future for himself, his people, and the woman who believes in him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: TM Watkins
• Release date: Feb 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005451882

TM Watkins

TM Watkins lives in Brisbane, Australia with her family. When she's not working or running around after her family, she spends her days contemplating the next adventure for her characters and her nights writing about them.

Book preview

The mighty black steed galloped towards the border, passing into the vampire country of Merile without gaining any attention from the guards that roamed the land. His rider was one that always stood out, taller than the average vampire. General Emre Loachen was not a vampire that could blend into the crowd.

As a child, Emre would be bothered by his stature, often teased by the other children in his neighborhood. He soon learned to take it all in his stride, to harness the burning hatred and anger for good. More often than not, the bad outweighed the good.

General Loachen was by no means a gentle soul. He’d entered the royal army as a young teen, desperate to get away from an abusive father and an ignorant mother. His height was often seen as a detriment; many refused to accept him into their platoon because he crouched and still stood out. Clothes had to be ordered in; he consumed more blood than the others.

But it would be his height that was Emre’s greatest asset when the king saw the towering creature in the crowd. King Gehen knew that the boy would be pushed around from one platoon to another, never really serving a purpose. So, he brought the boy to his side and created a personal guard out of him.

That was the beginning of a great career. From there, Emre’s power would grow. Soon, he would be personally selected by the king to create a platoon of his own. The goal of the group was to scour the surrounding countries for victims to bring back. The vampires needed a renewable source of blood. Their current supplies were thinning. 

With Emre at the helm, the vampire marauders, as they soon became known as, searched the lands and did as their king demanded. Emre often found living off the land to be bothersome but would not burden his beloved king with a request for a change of scenery. He’d been personally requested and often referred to Emre as the son he’d never had.

So, when it came time for a more personal request, Gehen had only one vampire in mind. Whispers started to swirl that the fae king was an imposter and the true king had been booted out rather than killed as had been ordered. If it were true, then Gehen knew that he was out there, waiting to be captured.

Emre was not one to quit, even when hitting with several setbacks. The mighty fae leader had been found, and when he returned to Merile to tell Gehen of the good news, the platoon that he’d left to follow Jodan at a distance were taken down. Emre was not surprised that Jodan could take down several highly trained vampire soldiers. He’d been trained by the best.

What was thoroughly annoying for Emre was that he had been sent another platoon, one that was less than ideal. If the best weren’t enough against Jodan, then the worst was going to fall to the ground before they could get their swords unsheathed.

When Emre reached the outskirts of Taumah, Merile’s capital, he was brought back to the memories of almost catching Jodan at Yema. The horse cantering over the stones reminded him of entering the abandoned town of Athu Yema, passing through to the castle that was charred and crumbling.

The more Emre looked at the town, the more he realized that it would be an incredible asset to the vampire’s world. It was something that he had planned to discuss with Gehen. Unfortunately, Gehen was at the wrong end of Jodan’s sword. It was a sad moment for Emre when he reached the curve of the land that led to Farcluse Ridge. 

In the distance, he could see Gehen’s head on a pike. Beside him were the hanging traitors. Jodan was not prepared to let his empire fall again, and Gehen had made the mistake of taking something highly valuable from him. A woman.

Emre had little time for such things, more interested in a temporary lover rather than someone that was permanent. The life that he led was not one that could accommodate a wife and children. Perhaps that would change now that Gehen was dead.

As he passed the gatehouse, Emre nodded at the guards. They’d soon learn of their king’s fate and Emre’s plans for the future.

Ahead of him was the grand castle with many towers, spires that rose high into the sky. The dark building looked ominous against the afternoon sun. 

Soon, the vampires would emerge from their homes. The sun was too warm for many. They often chose to go about their duties in the late afternoon and into the early evening when it was cooler. Emre didn’t care either way. Day time was easier to see things, but the night was more peaceful.

Hearing a noise behind him, Emre smiled at the sight of his beloved wolves. They were free to do as they pleased, never confined to a pen or a leash. For that, Emre had their complete devotion. He found that they would do as he commanded with a series of whistles or gestures, easily trained and eager to stay by his side.

Venturing through the lands with the wolves was not always easy, but Emre was happy to let them decide their journey. If they came back to him, then he would be happy, and if not, then he knew that it was for the best. The wolves always came back.

He’d seen several generations devote themselves to him. The newer ones hardly needed training as they learned from watching their elders. So, it was not surprising that a few pups were running alongside the horse, ready to do his bidding.

For tonight, that would be assuming control of the monarchy.

Gehen did not have any children. The siblings that he did have were removed from this world a long time ago, which ensured that he would not be usurped. Emre learned a lot from Gehen, but distrust was the biggest. To watch the world around him and take note of everything. One little thing could be his undoing; something missed could create a world of pain for him.

Reaching the stairs, Emre climbed down from the horse and handed the reins to an attendant. Slowly he ascended the wide stone staircase, soaking in the moment of his rise to power. All that he had to prove that Gehen was dead was the royal seal ring. It had taken a lot of effort to get it off Gehen’s finger, and he had to do it without the fae guards noticing what he was doing. The reassurances that Emre told himself that it was necessary were nothing but a foolish attempt to hide the pain of Gehen’s untimely passing.

Emre would hide the truth, but he was always going to mourn the king that was more like a father to him. He was a better father than his own, which Emre thought was terrible. A vampire that had never been a father offered more encouragement, help, and advice than a vampire that had a dozen children in his time. Emre was glad that his father was dead. He’d hate to see the old fool strolling through the gates, only to have him gloat that it was his son on the throne and that he was responsible for creating such a mighty figure.

The only thing that Keddict Loachen taught his son was how to take a beating.

Pushing through the large wooden doors, Emre had the court staring at him. Silence hit the room as they watched the vampire general walk into the room; the wolves by his side. Fear gripped the councilors, wondering why Emre was here.

Seated at the round table were the councilors in the higher court. The lower court councilors stood in the shadowed eaves of the throne room.

General Loachen, why are you here?

I could ask the same of you, Emre murmured. Is it normal for you to hold court when our king is not here?

Our task is to see to the efficient running of the kingdom regardless of where the king is. One bit back. It is of little concern to you, General.

Unfortunately, you’re wrong. The king is dead.

Gasps filled the cavernous room. Emre lifted his hand, showing the ring that he wore.

I am your new king now.

Whispers soon replaced the gasps, then the huffing protests of corpulent councilors.

You are not Gehen’s son. One spat out angrily. This should be put to the vote.

We have never had a democratic society. Vampires cannot agree on anything at the best of times. To offer a choice of leaders is foolish. 

One vampire stood. He was quiet and unassuming. This was Gehen’s personal advisor and had been in service to the great king for many years. He moved closer to the vampire that stood in the doorway as if he were a statue.

My lord, I am Semlar, chief advisor to Gehen. What the others fail to tell you is that the definition of a king, according to vampire law, is one that is born into the ruling family. Unfortunately, that is not you, regardless of how Gehen referred to you as the son he always wanted. However, there is an option for you if you are interested.

Go on, Emre said tersely.

Emperor.

The word was simple. The vampire said it as if it was already a done deal.

Emre looked at him with a burning curiosity.

The difference between the two?

Minor, I can assure you. As Emperor, you will be entitled to take over the leadership without issue. Everything that was Gehen’s will pass to you, and no one in this room or elsewhere will be able to contest it. They can try, my lord, but I know your prowess. I know that you will succeed if this is what you desire. We can continue with your desire to be king if that is what you want, but please understand that there will be many who will state that your claim is flawed. A claim for Emperor is without flaw.

Done. He growled.

Chapter 2

Semlar lifted the plush mantle onto Emre’s shoulders, ignoring the protests from the other high court councilors. It was the richest blue Emre had ever seen, soft to the touch, and made him feel more regal than he thought possible.

The councilors hadn’t stopped voicing their distaste, not bothered by the wolves that followed him. Most of the wolves stood as high as their shoulders, yet they weren’t concerned because they were behaving themselves. It appeared as if they were domesticated.

Carefully Semlar lifted the gold livery over Emre’s head, gently placing it over his shoulders. The royal crest sat on the breastbone, heavy and covered in gemstones. The largest was in the center, bright blue that matched Emre’s eyes. It was the Eye of Malor, and it was worth more than Emre had earned in his entire service to Gehen.

The value of these things did not matter to Emre. All he wanted was to rule.

Lifting the crown, Semlar turned and began lowering it. The protests grew loud, and Emre was no longer in the mood to listen to their nonsense. With a flick of the fingers that had been calmly placed on the wooden armrest, the wolves began to growl. Not even a whistle, and they knew what he wanted.

The lower royal court scuttled into the sitting room, shutting the door behind them. They were not fools and watched through the purple stain glass window as the bloodshed began. Their gasps of horror were not stifled, nor was their shock at how little Emre cared. He sat on the throne as the advisor placed the crown on his head.

Blood coated the floor. Those who tried to escape were cut off. Nothing would save them today.

My lord, Semlar said softly. The lower court hides.

Let them. They will take over the positions of the high court councilors and do so with a humble attitude knowing what will happen if they cross me.

Semlar nodded, stepping back. With a bow, he smiled.

May I be the first to congratulate you, your highness. Long live the emperor.

Emre assessed the vampire in front of him. He was surrounded by death; the bloodshed didn’t faze him. It was entirely probable that he was doing all that he could to stop his own death, but Emre knew that he needed allies, and this vampire, he’d been on his side from the second he stepped into the room.

Thank you, Semlar. I’d like to know your motives for your instant toadying.

Semlar didn’t miss a beat, already expecting the question.

Gehen often spoke of you to me, usually in strict confidence so many of the dead in this room or the cowards in the other would not know of it. He told me that he saw you as a son, one that he cared deeply for. Gehen spoke of taking you under his wing, growing you into a fine young warrior that served him without question. Where others fell and complained, you fell and then picked yourself up. You came to him with insightful plans. You were everything that he wanted in a soldier. Often, he failed to get that with your counterparts, and to see one that shines so bright, it was enough to warm his heart. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that if Gehen could have foreseen his death, he would have instructed the court to place you as our leader. When you appeared without Gehen, I knew at that moment that our beloved leader had fallen. I didn’t need to see the ring because I saw the pain on your face. Despite your plans for today, you were still hurting from what has passed. It will take time. The loss of those we care for will hurt beyond all measure. I know that you worry about your own future, but I stand before you as an advisor to the vampire that rules. I was a close confidant to Gehen, and I hope that you will see that I can be that to you as well, preferably before the wolves close in.

Emre smiled, flicking his fingers.

Semlar turned to see that one was behind him. It sat at the bottom of the platform and stared at him. Finding it rather unnerving, Semlar turned back.

Thank you, my lord. I promise that you will not regret your decision.

I hope so, Semlar. Gehen always made wise moves, and I put that down to worthy advice. After listening to their drivel, I can safely assume that it came from you and only you.

Semlar hesitated with a soft laugh. He was still unsure of the new ruler. Emre had a reputation for being short-tempered, and he’d seen how short it was. Blood soaked the stone floor, seeping between the cracks.

I’d like to claim complete ownership, my lord, but unfortunately, Gehen made a lot of decisions based on the advice of the entire high court councilors. You said that you want the lower court to take their place. Will that request remain?

Yes. If they prove their worth, then they may remain alive. Let them clean this mess to ensure they understand what going against me means.

"As you command, my lord. Now, the high court councilors received a stipend for their advice, which equated to ten sovereigns