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

4.5 ⭐ story, S-tier narrator

I love a gay political arranged marriage story. It's probably my favorite trope in any romance genre. So I knew when I read the synopsis of this one that I would love it if it was even "just okay." Happily, it's much better than just okay. It's very, very good. The author has clearly done far more worldbuilding than appears on the pages of this book. There are allusions to countries that have fallen and ones that are still standing, and the author clearly knows everything about them already. I wouldn't be surprised if, once this series was done, the author followed up by writing more stories in those other countries. There's clearly enough material. The characters are also wonderful and believable and they feel real. I can understand the perspective even of the characters I hate (and am supposed to hate). Terror in particular is so amazing that I almost want to rate the book 5 ⭐ just for him, but I do have to admit that the book isn't perfect. The romantic feelings between Airón and Tallu seem to be purely driven by appearance and lust, which is fine as far as it goes, but seems a little weak to override Airón's lifetime of training to assassinate Tallu. That said, the (mild) spice is delicious, so I guess that means the chemistry is doing its job even if it appears to be based solely on physical attraction.

I read this book with Kindle's Whispersync option, bouncing between listening and reading with my eyes, and I highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator does a phenomenal job.

so much talent

This is an extremely complex world that looks to be an epic fantastical series. Butler has set up a harsh world where distrust, revenge and self serving goals seem to rule. Told only from Airon's perspective, he may believe everything he says but you have to wonder what is he not seeing in this twisted world. Emperor Tallu throws all his plans upside down when he picks Airon to be his consort instead of his sister. Can he continue his family's revenge plan as he sees more of this world?
Michael Ferraiuolo has an amazing voice and talent.

Came for the LGBT characters, stayed for the incredible performance

Very intriguing, can’t wait for the next one. Excellent performance as well, the raven’s voice was great. Awesome worldbuilding and nail-biting plot!

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!

“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.