Being an emperor isn't easy. A lot of choices have to be made- even if they aren't the greatest, for the belief that good will come of it.
Emerik has long been taunted for being weak due to his conditions, he must take medications and specific actions to keep himself welll. He is not only carrying the weight of survival, but the weight of his empire and people.
stress is easy to fog the mind, we all must find our balances.