The empire is shattered. The throne is a death sentence. But hope refuses to die. The Central Imperium is in ruins. The Emperor and his family are dead, the capital worlds lie in ashes, and the last remnants of civilization are being hunted to extinction by the ruthless New Protectorate and their fanatical allies. In the chaos, Daniel Hankerson—a young naval officer who never wanted a crown—finds himself the last heir to a broken throne. Now, Daniel must lead a ragtag alliance of battered warships, stubborn marines, mercenaries with shifting loyalties, and even alien warriors, all while his enemies close in from every side. His own uncle orchestrated the massacre that destroyed his family. Corporate titans play their own deadly games. Genetically engineered assassins stalk him across the stars. And somewhere, his sister is being held hostage—a living pawn in a game where the stakes are nothing less than the survival of humanity's greatest empire. With his fleet outnumbered, his resources dwindling, and betrayal lurking in every shadow, Daniel faces impossible choices. Should he compromise with those who murdered his family? Or risk everything on a desperate gamble to reclaim the Imperium and keep the flame of civilization alive? Epic space battles, political intrigue, and unforgettable characters collide in the thrilling second book of the Central Imperium series. If you love sweeping space operas, found family, and heroes who refuse to quit, Emperor in Exile will keep you turning pages late into the night.