The fool walks out of the citadel of the Empress. As she passes into the fields past the castle walls, she feels the earth tremble with the thunder of an army. She knows not what to do, she is frightened, and prays for safety as she turns to run back toward the gates, finding that they have been closed behind her.
Suddenly the ground stops shaking and a dark shadow looms over her.
She turns to meet a shadowed form against the sunlight.
"You spoke to my wife, the Empress. She tells me you seek my attention."
The head of the titanic beast lowers to eye the fool, her image reflected in its golden, lidless eyes.
"I-I did, great lord...Only I had not imagined you in such a manner."
A peal of laughter from between the dragon's shoulder blades and the fool turns her gaze upward to see a man climbing down the neck of the titanic beast before her.
"Do I better suit your imagination now?" The emperor's sly smile and intelligent eyes belie his stature better than his battle worn armor and trail dusted clothes.
"Much." The fool sighs in relief.
"Speak now, young one of what you seek, so that I may guide you on your path."
"Lord Emperor, I have been shown many destinies, chosen my path, and decided how best to nurture it, but I know not of what it takes to manage myself and my choices. One who leads such a kingdom must know best how to attend to such matter."
"Strength of arm, strength of will, solid foundation." his gaze is serious, yet child-like. "You must control yourself in all things. Be alert, brave and aggressive."
The fool sees such qualities in this man, and admires them greatly. She thanks him for his advice and generosity, and goes on her way, more confident than ever before.

This card signifies control. Maybe to an extreme. Power, aggression, demanding--the Emperor will be obeyed.

This is the first male I've drawn since Oct 1st. That's not surprising, just interesting. The front leg draped off the dragon was difficult, but the idea came pretty easily. I was scared that I was going to screw the dragon up, but I think it came out so much better than I expect. The castle--not so much, but I've never been good with castles and I was way lazy with it.