I don't think saying his true feelings are misunderstood by everyone is strictly correct. He does seem to be shy in personal relationships, although I bet he's not shy when ordering people to meet the headsman, but it can't be only that. He can't show a soft side to pretty much anyone if he's to effectively rule an empire based on military conquests. It would be interpreted as weakness. If he actually yearns for a fluffy family, it should mean he has needed to try extra hard to build an image of a calculative ruler with an iron fist, to keep rebel wannabes nervous. It's a conscious effort, so they are true feelings as well, every bit as true as what Sietsye is reading with her supernatural ability.