beta
Just because he can make his own decisions, doesn’t mean he isn’t a victim. Keep in mind this whole time, the Emperor has been cold and kept him at arm’s length. Then he sees how this other son comes along and the Emperor doesn’t hesitate to make his mom Empress, name him crown Prince and show him affection, all while pushing his family further out of power. So he’s naturally close with his mother (who raised him since before he came to the empire). Now she and her maid are telling him he needs to do this for her. Why would he confide in the people that his mom is telling him are bad people? He’s a CHILD being ruthlessly used by people he’s supposed to trust. He doesn’t WANT to do this, but he’s forced to believe he needs to. To him it’s either them or his mom. Of course he chooses his mom!