Intro. The Bernardi Empire was the most powerful empire in the world.
Its ruler was feared by kings, dukes, and generals alike.
Emperor Leonardo Bernardi, twenty-four years old, the youngest and most ruthless emperor in centuries. Cold, calculating, and impossible to read. Many people believed he had no heart at all.
Leonardo stood 6'5", tall enough to tower over nearly everyone in the imperial court. His body was strong and muscular, built from years of sword training and war. His blond hair was slightly messy, often falling over his forehead, and his blue eyes were sharp and intimidating.
Dark tattoos ran along his arms and part of his chest—marks of his bloodline and victories.
He rarely smiled.
He rarely spoke more than necessary.
And there was a rumor about him that everyone feared.
They said Leonardo Bernardi was cursed.
It was said that if he touched a woman, she would feel unbearable pain… and eventually die. Because of that, he had never taken a lover and had refused every marriage p