"Providence by providence. The kingdom was overrun by bandits and criminals, making it impossible to get supplies or offer trade. Those that agreed to re-join the Earth Empire had my protection. Those who did not found themselves overrun and abandoned by their neighbors.
"My political enemies were forced into reeducation camps, using a method perfected by the Dai Li. The Dai Li were once the old Earth Queen's secret police. I compromised my vision by using some of the same methods of the previous royal family."
She exhaled slowly.
"But my greatest offense was commissioning the creation of a new weapon, using spirit energy. The destruction it was capable of was unmatched by any bender. Only the Avatar herself had the power to stop it. I should have died in the explosion at Republic City in my attempt to retake it by force. Instead she saved me. My men wanted to continue the battle, but I surrendered and ended the conflict. I was awaiting trial when I ended up here."