Being a ruler is, contrary to popular notions, a calling of self-sacrifice. That is, if one wants to be a good ruler.

It's better to live as you will want to have lived, rather than spend your time worrying about the end. You are right here in your story. Don't skip ahead

I am afraid... But I keep on loving what's on the other side of this fight, and that will have to make me brave.

You can choose what you believe, Shuffler, but you can't change what's true.

He longed for a world where safe places for the weak and vulnerable were common, but that was not this world. Not right now.