Betrothed to the Emperor

Emperor's Assassin, Book 1

By: Kai Butler

Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo

I was born to kill the emperor, but first, I must marry him.

I trained as an assassin while my twin sister trained to be the empress. My life will be forfeit once I murder the most powerful man on the continent, but I have no choice. If I fail, the Imperium will consume our nation and anyone who rises against them.

Too soon, we walk into the glittering imperial court, each step taking us closer to the dangerous man on the black throne, my sister’s future husband, the newly crowned Emperor of the Southern Imperium. Emperor Tallu has more spies than fish in the sea. He poisoned his own father to secure the golden crown.

When his sharp eyes skim over us, they don’t catch on my sister. They land on me, his killer.

“I choose you, Prince Airón of the Northern Kingdom. You will be my consort.” Tallu’s smile is mirthless. “Or I will reduce your entire nation to ashes.”

Betrothed to the Emperor ends with more story to tell, but the characters end on a HFN.

©2025 Kai Butler (P)2025 Kai Butler

A clever premise and interesting world.

There are currently three books in this series, this is the best of the bunch. I wish I had stopped here. The determination of Airón to kill the emperor, stay the course of his mother, the ruler of the northern kingdom, causes trouble as Airón begins to see a bigger picture of the empire under the emperor Tallu. Airón must reevaluate his plan moment by moment. Each man has some magical capabilities that keep the mix interesting.

Michael Ferraiuolo did a great job with the wide variety of characters, and brought a gentleness to Tallu that made him such a likable main character in a role that is aften played too cold.

The books become more complicated as they progress, I found the third book to be hard to get through. But this book is a delight, absolutely worth the listen and the credit.

“Intrigue, Assassins, and Unexpected Affection”

A captivating blend of politics, passion, and redemption. Betrothed to the Emperor begins as a tale of enemies bound by circumstance — an assassin and an emperor drawn together by the need to right past wrongs — and evolves into a story of trust and unyielding affection. The plot is rich with intrigue, hidden motives, and twists that keep you guessing until the end. Prince Airon and Emperor Tallu’s reluctant alliance unfolds beautifully, leading to a connection that feels both earned and inevitable. I loved the world-building, the tension, and the emotional payoff of their journey.

I NEED MORE!

This story had me hooked from the beginning. As soon as the emperor claimed Airón, I knew this would be page turner. Tallu and Airón will have to find a way to put their differences aside and work together. This book ends in a cliffhanger so beware. I cant wait for book two!

need book 2 now!!!

please this is so good I can't believe we have to wait for the second book

Beyond good

I cannot give enough accolades to this author and performance by the narrator. I was not ready for it to end.