The Day of Emerald’s Visit to The Central Palace

Calester was deep in his thoughts. Any moment now, Emerald will arrive. But, as the clock ticks and the sound echoed in the room of his chamber, his patience lessens. 'I need to talk to Father.'

"Roy, are you there?"

Calester called out. Roy, his personal assistant assigned by his older brother, was at the door.

"Any information on my brother?"

"I have send out some people to investigate Prince Calisto's whereabouts"

"Ok… then, has Leo returned?"

"Not yet, your Highness. He's still in the Arquilie's Residence"

'I have time before I meet her. I'll go see Father.'

He swung the door open and headed towards the Ruby Palace, the Emperor's chamber. He took Roy and a few of his royal guards to accompany him to his Father. As they reached the entrance, Calester was greeted by two imperial guards officially assigned to guard the Emperor's chamber.

Roy spoke to address the two guards to open the door for Calester.

"Your Highness, The Imperial doctor's are not letting anyone come inside the room. We were told that it will be dangerous for you to get infected"

When the imperial doctor found out that it was incurable disease, he quickly advised the Emperor to be treated in assolation. Due to this, all governmental activities were put on hold. Of course, the cabinets were not made aware of the Emperor's current state. This was to not jeopardize Calester's right to the throne.

Calester took a second to look at the guards. He breathed a little deeper to calm his anxiousness. He felt that everything that was happening was just a long dream. He fell silent to the guards response. He felt detached from his surroundings and couldn't understand whether the current situation was a reality or just a hallucination. He has not been able to comfortably sleep for the past few days since he found out about his father's condition. It is funny how he was never close to his father. Yet, he worries this much that he can't function properly.

Calester grew up not knowing his father's warmth. Callen was an amazing Emperor and many admire him for his dedication. As a child, there was always a piece in Calester that longs for his father's approval and validation. He sought his parent's attention, but the Emperor and Empress were always focused on the Crown Prince. He acknowledges that his older brother needed more guidance and protection since he is more exposed to public scrutiny as a young innocent child. But, he could not help to wish to have the same attention. Many people assume that they know him to be expressive and lenient. But, not many know the side of him that struggles to express his real thoughts and emotions.

"How is the Emperor?" (Calester)

The two guards looked at one another and hesitated. They did not know how to answer the Prince. There is no answer appropriate enough that can elevate the Prince's current mood. It was smarter to be silent. But, the Prince might take offense on their attitude.

"The Imperial doctor has informed us that his time will soon arrive"

Calester expected that soon people would start questioning the officials as to why the Emperor was not granting any audience to his citizens. When that happens, the officials would realize that there was something wrong. But before that occurs, Calester had already set things in motion to prepare for the worst. Any delay to this plan would lead to chaos.

He gestured to the royal guards to not be alerted and approached the entrance closer.

"Father, where is brother?"

Silence.

"I'm going to look for him. He needs to know your condition and resume his position as Crown Prince"

Silence.

"I have set a time limit for his return. If in 7 days, we fail to find him, I will marry Emerald."

He waited a moment, hoping that the Emperor would say something. He looked at the ground and Roy approached him from behind.

"You're Highness, Lady Arquilie has arrived."

He breathed in and turned his heels to the opposite direction.

" My son, I will declare now… You will be Goldivia's new Emperor."

As soon as Calester heard his father's weakened voice, he felt a pinch in his throat.

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