Character from The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan
The Daughter of the Nine Moons, Empress of Seanchan — a tiny, iron-willed ruler who married a gambler, commands damane without remorse, and considers leashing channelers a moral good.
Tuon is the product of the Seanchan empire — a civilization built on enslaving channelers (damane) and an imperial court where assassination is a legitimate political tool. She was raised to rule, trained to fight, and conditioned to view the leashing of channelers as natural and moral. She can learn to channel herself but considers this a test of character — the ability to resist the temptation of power. Her marriage to Mat Cauthon is the series' most unlikely and most entertaining relationship. She recognizes his tactical genius, respects his courage, and is baffled by his irreverence. He calls her 'precious' and treats the Empress of half the world like a woman rather than an institution, which is either his greatest charm or his greatest flaw depending on the hour. She's not evil — she genuinely believes the Seanchan system produces stability and order. She's wrong, but she's wrong with complete sincerity and absolute competence.
Small and dark-skinned with large dark eyes and a shaved head (Seanchan imperial custom). She wears elaborate Seanchan court dress and moves with the controlled precision of someone trained in combat, politics, and command since birth. Her size makes people underestimate her exactly once.
Also known as: Tuon, Fortuona, Daughter of the Nine Moons, Empress