Embers of Consort's Obsession
Whispers of the Captive
The cheers of the crowd echoed through the streets as the carriage rolled into the imperial capital. Citizens lined the roads, their voices swelling in adoration for their emperor’s victorious return.
Inside the carriage, Augustine sat with regal composure, his hands bound at his waist, his dignity unshaken. His cold gaze met Everard’s.
Augustine
They cheer as if you’ve brought them salvation,Do they know their peace comes at the cost of others’ freedom?
*cold*
Everard remained calm, leaning back with a quiet confidence.
Everard {Emperor}
They know enough to be grateful, Your Highness. Their loyalty to their emperor is the price they have paid—and they pay it gladly.
Everard {Emperor}
*raises his eyebrow*
Augustine
Loyalty bought with the blood of my kingdom, I presume? Your majesty
*eyes fixed on Everard*
Everard {Emperor}
Blood is the currency of war.
Everard {Emperor}
It is not for the victor to apologize for the cost of securing peace.
Augustine
* leaned forward*
Augustine bound hands resting in his lap.
Augustine
*gestured to his restraints on his hands*
Augustine
Is your interpretation of protection? To treat me as a prisoner in chains, and to parade me before your people like a trophy?
Everard {Emperor}
*expression softened*
Everard {Emperor}
*sigh*
You are not yet free to move as you wish, Augustine, but I have not bound you in a way that dishonors your blood.
Everard {Emperor}
You remain a prince, even if a captive. For now, your safety is my responsibility—and I will see that it is maintained.
Everard {Emperor}
(My prince)
The carriage slowed, and the herald’s voice rang out as they neared the palace gates:
？？？
HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, EMPEROR EVERARD!
The crowd’s noise grew deafening, but Augustine kept his silence, a burning bitterness simmering inside him.
Augustine
Your Majesty. *sharp voice*
Augustine
You speak of protection, yet I am nothing more than your possession. A pawn in your game. Am I wrong?
Everard’s gaze remained fixed.
Everard {Emperor}
You are mistaken, Prince. You are alive because of me. Do not mistake my kindness for weakness.
Everard {Emperor}
You will come to understand that your survival is my interest. I will see to it that your dignity remains—at least until you no longer need it.
As the carriage came to a halt, Everard nodded at the attendants. One moved quickly to remove Augustine’s binds. With swift hands, the ropes were undone, and Augustine’s wrists were freed.
Everard {Emperor}
Your reputation shall not be tarnished, Prince Augustine.
Everard {Emperor}
You are not a common prisoner to be humiliated before my people. Your dignity will be preserved.
Augustine flexed his hands, but said nothing. He met Everard’s eyes and, with a measured breath, took the emperor’s hand.
Everard {Emperor}
*extends hand as he slowly steps out of the carriage*
Together, they stepped from the carriage.
The crowd erupted in cheers.
？？？
The herald : HIS IMPERIAL MAJESTY, EMPEROR EVERARD!
The people cheered, their loyalty to the emperor evident. Augustine, despite his circumstances, held his head high. There was no mockery from the crowd—only respect, for the prince of a fallen kingdom.
As they ascended the grand steps, Augustine’s mind was heavy. His father’s surrender, the emperor’s promises, and the weight of what was to come hung over him. But for now, he would endure.
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