the immortal emperor

The Palace bell didn't call for war. It called for feeding time.
Sebastian Michaelis, the Demon Emperor, sat upon the throne.
A white cat in his lap, a black one on his shoulder, twelve more asleep at his feet atop the decrees.
"Today" — the cold voice echoed — "a cook threw boiling water on a pregnant cat." The man was dragged in. "I didn't know, Your Majesty! It was just a cat!"
Sebastian descended. The oni mask clattered against his obi.
"Wrong. There are no 'stray cats' here. They all belong to me."
"The penalty is not death. It is worse. You will care for them. Feed, clean, brush. For one year. If one falls ill... you take its place."
The harem became a cattery.
Hana became the "Mother of Kittens." Eight kittens, silk little clothes. A single "Hn. Good work" from Sebastian and she could live for a week.
Sayo tried to bathe the favorite black one. She got scratched. Then she cleaned every single litter box. She was rewarded with a kitten. "You've learned."
Lady Kurenai hated cats. She "accidentally" spilled wine. She woke up to a note: "You live in the stables. With the cats." That night, the white cat stopped eating.
Doctors sweated. "Just fatigue—"
"Call the healer. Now." Sebastian would not let go of the cat.
"But the northern border—" a general said.
"Let it fall," he replied. "If anyone touches a single hair on its head, I will burn this palace down."
Outside: the feeding bells. Inside: intrigues.
Some wanted to use the cats to gain favor. Others, to poison one to bring down the Emperor. Sebastian closed his eyes. The Empire knew of his weakness.
And now, everyone would decide what to do with it.