Unworthy

It was a shame that even though it was an open secret that he was backed by the Underworld, the Underworld had mastered the art of evading Kandrian law enforcement, making it extremely difficult to charge him with crimes due to a lack of substantial evidence.

"You are unworthy." The Emperor declared. "Unworthy to bear either the power or the burden of the crown. You are unworthy to be my heir and inherit my power."

Prince Rajak glared at the Emperor, not saying a word.

The Emperor's eyes drifted through his many progeny. "Most of you do not war for the throne, and of those of you who have the ambition to become Emperor, only seven of you have displayed the competence to forge their path to the throne needed to earn my support."

Many of the princes and princesses winced and grimaced at the Emperor's words.

After all, he called all but seven of the incompetent.

And, unfortunately, it could not be denied.