The Emperor is Dying...

There was trouble in the East. Emperor Callen has fallen ill. The imperial doctor diagnosed the Emperor and stated that he had contracted a disease that is slowly killing him. The second Prince was made aware of this news. It was a crucial information that cannot be let out to the public due to its nature. It can create confusion to the people and might lead to a riot. It was also a huge concern for the leadership of the empire since the first Prince designated to be the next emperor is away. If anything were to happen to the Emperor before it was time to crown the next ruler, the empire will surely be thrown to chaos. For now, this information was only known to the second Prince and the Imperial doctor. In this current situation, the second prince has started moving to take precaution to save the Crown and eliminate those greedy officials who want to overthrow the current house in power.

***

“My Lady, are you awake?”

Emerald heard a knock on her bedroom door. There was a moment of hesitation as her eyes and body were just slowly gaining senses. She slowly breathed in and let out a small sigh.

“Yes, Doris. Please have my breakfast ready.” (Emerald)

“My Lady, The prince wanted to speak to you. Please allow me to enter your bedroom” (Doris)

Emerald can sense the urgency in Doris’ voice. Alerted to the sudden request that she received from the Crown Prince, she knew there was not enough time to get ready. “Cal’ she said his name under her breath. ‘Is there something to be worried about?’ she asked herself. Since they were young, there was never a time when the Prince summoned her. It was always her who always took the initiative to greet the Crown Prince. She knew her childhood friend was acting out of character that made her think it must be important if he asked her to see him first.

“Then, please have the carriage and my dress ready.”

After saying a few words, the door opened and few of the maids that assisted the headmaid went inside her bedroom. They stood on their position as they waited for Emerald to get out of bed.

“My Lady, someone from the Imperial Palace is sent to escort you to the Palace. We have your dress ready.”

“Thank you for preparing the dress, Doris”

This made Emerald nervous. ‘Why are you sending Imperial guards to escort me?’ Emerald sat up on the bed and took a moment to gather her energy. ‘Something must be going on for Cal to send out an imperial Guard.’

After getting dressed, she left her room and was greeted by one of the Second Prince Imperial guards.

“Greetings to the future Empress, the future moon of the Empire”

The Imperial guard who greeted Emerald was a loyal companion of the second Prince. It was the first time that Emerald had heard such a greeting. Was this a joke? Emerald was surprised. This was a sudden change. She knew Leo was always easy going and it was not his character to be tight and proper. Was this because it was the first time that the second Prince has asked to see her?

“Good morning, Leo,” Emerald said casually. It felt weird to be formal to Leo all of a sudden. “Why are you here?” she thought to ask even though she knew that she was being summoned by the emperor under the second Prince’s name.

“My Prince had asked for you to see him.”

Without any further conversation, Emerald proceeded to the carriage. She knew that asking Leo would be fruitless. She already understood that her being summoned to the Palace meant something that cannot be discussed in a public area. After a while, they have reached the gates to the Central Palace.

She followed Leo without a word. They walked into a garden full of different kinds of flowers. It was a beautiful garden that was famous for having such uniqueness in its atmosphere. It was known to the entire East Empire that this was the garden where the current emperor and empress first met and fell in love. This garden was a great representation of the Emperor undying affection to the Empress. He was committed to give it the most beautiful view for the empress to look at and appreciate. This has been maintained very well even after the passing away of the empress.

After a few more steps, Leo finally stopped.

“Greeting to the Crown Prince, Future sun of the Empire”

“!”

Emerald took a second to process what she heard. Confused for a second since she could not recognize the figure that was in front of her since Leo was blocking her view. But when she finally got a proper look who it was, her heart sank.

Leo bowed at the sight of the second prince sitting on the bench who was looking at a distance with his expression lost in his own thoughts.

“Greeting to the Crown Prince, Future sun of the Empire” Emerald finally spoke. She knew that it was proper etiquette to greet and properly address the members of the Royal Family. She had reorganized her facial expression since it was not appropriate to show her disappointment.

“You’re here. Come and sit”

He gestured for Emerald to sit down beside him. He looked at Leo and waved his hands. Leo took a step back and quickly disappeared from their sight.

‘Something is up.’ Emerald has playing scenarios over her head as to why she would be summoned to the Palace by the prince and be escorted by Leo. She had also started wondering why Leo would start addressing her as the Future Empress. Most of all, why is the Prince being called the Crown Prince? This is not making any sense to her. But, finally she reached a conclusion to where those questions were finally answered.

“His Majesty does not have much time.” He said gazing back to the empty space.

“What?!”

“I will be the person next in line and I need you”

Emerald couldn’t say anything.

***

The house of De Morgues rose in power and became the current Royalty of the East. They were the strongest candidates among many nobles to rule the entire East continent. They have waged war and defeated many who wanted to take over the Crown. But of course, they were not alone behind those victories, the House of Arquilie stands as their armor and sword. For many years, the two families have strengthened their oath of loyalty towards one another. The House of De Morgues was never alone to receive glory from the people they ruled over. Among the nobles, The House of Arquilie was always recognized for their efforts on building a strong empire to where others feared to go against.

For generations, both households desired to unite under one name. They entered into an agreement where an arranged marriage will proceed if House of Arquilies were to produce a female heir. But, it seems like it was not meant to be for the heavens only granted the household a male heir. While House of De Morgues continued its bloodline as the Royals, the House of Arquilies continued to be a strong supporter and great protector of the Crown.

***

“The Emperor has already passed his will.”

“!”

This means that they are not going to wait for the first Prince to be coronated as the next ruler of the East. This also means that Emerald is going to be Empress sooner than expected.

Emerald can’t find a word of comfort to the Prince due to the shock of all the things that are happening.

“Rad. Please marry me.”

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