allawander:

There are times when the sheer scope of resources available to an Emperor is overwhelming. After a lifetime of scraping by on the margins, struggling for every advantage, Lotor finds himself with the wealth of an Empire at his disposal.

He does his best to maintain the discipline that served him throughout his life. His armor is well-made, but not ostentatious. His meals are skillfully prepared, but not extravagant. It’s not his nature to overindulge.

Well, not in most areas.

Emperor Lotor has something of a weakness when it comes to his consort. Keith grew up with little and asks for less, so whenever Lotor discovers something that catches his beloved’s fancy, he’s quick to seize upon it.

That’s how Keith ended up with an array of bladed weapons that any collector would envy. That’s how Keith came to own tunics and robes made from the softest fabrics the Empire’s textile industries can produce.

That’s how Keith’s circlet came to hold a single Ravashan fire opal, an exquisite red jewel that appears to contain a living flame. Its facets are cut in such a way that it appears to smolder when moved. (The first time Keith saw it, his eyes went round and his mouth fell open. After that, the cost - enough to provision a fleet for months - seemed trivial.)

Yes, Lotor can admit that such indulgences are unnecessary. His consort would love him no less if he were kept more modestly. But really, what good is being Emperor if one never enjoys it?

ecstaticasusual:

SO I have a new idea how genyatta first met