Shortly after we deposed the King of Ravka, Aleksander wanted to make plans to take the surrounding countries. "We don't need an empire, my love. Let me and Ravka be enough." And so, he had. But as the years turned into decades and the decades into centuries, the countries surrounding Ravka offered their allegiance naturally. Once they saw the peace and prosperity we brought to Ravka, they wanted the same for themselves. We allowed the royal families and the Kerch merchant council to stay on in the role of regional governors until our own children matured enough to take over the responsibilities. In the end, Aleksander got his empire without a drop of blood spilled.

He assumed the title Imperator. I'm occasionally referred to as Imperatritsa, but I've always preferred the title Sol Koroleva. So, it seems, do the people. Our rule is just and benevolent, even if I do say so myself.

Once the final country, Fjerda, swore their allegiance, Aleksander and I finally destroyed the Shadow Fold. With both of us able to control the light since our first joining, it was a simple matter. It took less than half a thought from each of us.

We maintained the First and Second Armies in case of sedition, but none ever came. I convinced Aleksander to stop the practice of taking Grisha children from their parents and make service in the First and Second Armies voluntary. We established many more Grisha schools across the empire where young Grisha could learn to control their powers.

I persuaded Aleksander to better the conditions for the otkazat'sya as well. "Are they not also our people, my love? They deserve our care, despite their short lives." We improved the lives of both nobles and commoners alike. With the work of the Grisha Fabrikators, we made many advances that led to the blurring of the lines between the classes.

I wish I could say we achieved utopia, but unfortunately there will always be evil people in the world. Those who seek to impose their will on others, those who seek to take what does not belong to them, those who place no value on the lives of others, and those who seek power at any cost. Aleksander and I are often forced to become involved in the cases ourselves.

I've had to watch many friends age and die throughout the long years. Mal was the first and perhaps the hardest, followed by Genya. It was a painful, difficult lesson which I had to endure again and again before I finally learned to keep everyone except Aleksander and our descendants at arm's length.

Even now, after all these centuries, I sometimes think back to the night of the winter fete right after Aleksander discovered me. I remember my fear and confusion when I heard Baghra's dire warning. With a shudder, I wonder what would have happened if I had run.


A/N: Thank you for reading!