Work Text:
For the Medardas family came first and Ambessa protected her children, the Clan, the Empire at all costs. The best defense being offense, it meant eliminating all rivals before they could turn into serious menaces.
Mel proved too soft, unsuited for tough decisions—Ambessa had to send her away.
Kino was stronger-willed but overconfident; it made it arrogant and led to his downfall. A lapse that Ambessa will never forgive herself for.
She needs to get her one remaining child back—Mel is still her daughter. Hopefully she grew efficient while toying with soft Piltovans, learned to rule them over?