Responses
Maybe he also needs her family’s allegiance so that his political position is guaranteed? Since they have a lot of influence and the powers of the sword/shield artifacts. If he has her by his side before taking power it might make him an even better candidate for the Crown Prince in the eyes of the emperor. ╮(￣▽￣)╭
He likes her…she’s obviously afraid of the Queen and political strife… why doesn’t he just wait until he kills everybody and is king to go after her romantically? She’d obviously be more open to it (and even coercion/force because hes Crazy) if he’s the only threat to her family.