the immortal emperor

The palace bell wasn't calling for war. It was calling for rations.
Sebastian Michaelis, the Demon Emperor , was on the throne.
White cat in my lap, black one on my shoulder, twelve sleeping at my feet amidst the decrees.
"Today," the cold voice echoed, "a cook threw boiling water on a pregnant cat." The man was dragged away. "I didn't know, Your Majesty! It was just a cat!"
Sebastian descended. The oni mask struck the obi.
"Wrong. There are no 'stray cats' here. They're all mine."
"The punishment isn't death. It's worse. You'll take care of them. Feed them, clean them, brush their teeth. For a year. If one gets sick... you take their place."
The harem turned into a cattery.
Hana became "Kitten Mom." Eight kittens, silk outfits. A "Hmm. Good job" from Sebastian and she lived for a week.
Sayo tried to bathe her favorite black cat. She got scratched. Then she cleaned all the litter boxes. She got a kitten. "She learned."
Lady Kurenai hated cats. She spilled wine "accidentally." She woke up to a note: "You live in the stables. With the cats." That night the white cat stopped eating.
Doctors were sweating. "Just exhaustion—"
"Call the healer. Now." Sebastian wouldn't let go of the cat.
"But the northern border—" said a general.
"Let it fall," he replied. "If anyone touches a hair on it, I'll burn this palace down."
Outside: ration bells. Inside: intrigues.
Some wanted to use the cats to gain favor. Others, to poison one to overthrow the Emperor. Sebastian closed his eyes. The Empire knew of his weakness.
And now, everyone would decide what to do with her.