The death of a son was still a shock to the Emperor. Elyon was his fourth son to lose his life. Just when he thought to have guaranteed the safety of all of them, being able to see them grow healthy and ready to compete for the throne in a political way and without bloodshed.
But how could he be deceived by that, when his own crown also carries a bloody past?
Being a ruler was beyond understanding of politics and economics. It was beyond knowing how to govern. It was to accept the burden of the throne and the crown and feel the target stuck on your back targeting your life. What a cruel fate he brought to his children just by carrying his blood.
After dealing with the Countess Sahara, Emperor Rehael thought his day of trouble was over. He had been clear in ordering that no marriage of Dahlia would take place without his approval, deeply frustrating the Countess. But for Rehael, the order was given. However, a guard soon entered the throne room, bringing unexpected news.
"Your Majesty, the Imperial Consort wishes to see you" announced the guard, hesitant. "He said it's urgent."
Rehael frowned, feeling a wave of worry forming. The guard was dismissed and Cassander entered the throne room. As soon as the massive doors were closed leaving them alone with a simple group of guards away, the Imperial Consort sat on his throne next to the Emperor, reporting to him what had happened moments ago.
"What? He saw his own death?" The shock was evident in his voice. "Where is Lucian now?"
"The young Grimwood is with him, along with his personal guard, in the guest room, waiting for the Grand Duke."
Rehael rubbed his temples, letting out a heavy sigh. That was a bad omen.
The emperor clenched his fists, trying to contain his growing frustration. That nightmare was repeating itself.
"Call the priest immediately" he ordered it. "Escort him here as soon as possible. And inform the Grand Duke of the situation."
"Yes, Your Majesty" answered the guard, before leaving with a bow.
When the room fell silent, Cassander leaned towards it, placing his hand on Rehael's shoulder.
"What is your plan? Why did you send for the priest?" asked the Imperial Consort, his voice calm but full of concern.
"I want to keep Lucian safe" replied the Emperor firmly, though frustration was still present in his words. "Regardless of how he and Magnus deal with it, I can't ignore the imminent danger."
"Just don't do anything you regret later" said Cassander softly, offering a comfort the Emperor so badly needed at that moment.
Rehael, feeling his husband's touch and hearing his words, relaxed a little. Cassander had always supported him, even in the worst crises. And together, they had already faced difficult challenges over the years.
Then, the messages were sent.
The Grand Duke, in the middle of a brutal interrogation, was warned about the state of Lucian and the Emperor's call. The priest, deeply immersed in his studies in the temple, was also urgently called. It would take a long time for everyone to be gathered in the throne room.
While waiting for the arrival of the two, the Emperor plunged into a reflective silence. His clear eyes, usually so sure, were now laden with indecision. His authoritarian posture, which so often served as a shield, seemed like a heavy armor at that time. Cassander did not let go of his hand at any second, a constant and reassuring presence.
What seemed an eternity soon ended when the doors of the throne room opened, revealing Magnus Grimwood. The Grand Duke marched with the usual firmness to the throne and knelt before his sovereign.
"I, Magnus Grimwood, greet the sun of this Empire" formally greeted it.
"Get up, Grimwood" replied the Emperor, looking at him with a serious look.
As soon as Magnus stood up, the Crimson eyes of the Grand Duke did not affect the Emperor, just as Rehael's imposing presence did not intimidate Magnus. There was mutual respect there, but also a veiled tension.
"I asked to be called to inform you about the state of Lucian. He was attended and is resting in the guest room of this Palace" began the Emperor.
"I am grateful that you have taken care of my husband, Your Majesty."
"No need to thank. He is my son, Grimwood" said the Emperor, his voice serious. "How was the interrogation of the rebels?"
"They mentioned names of nobles who seem to support the Second Princess. I gave my report to the First Prince and am awaiting orders to act."
A bitter taste came out of the Emperor's mouth. Why were his own sons involved with rebels and mercenaries? Even worse, with the enemy of the people of Geledel?
His fists clenched again in frustration. He had barely digested the loss of Elyon. That blow had made him fall into an abyss from which he had not yet recovered. If he had known before... could he have saved him?
The grip in his hand brought him back to the present. He looked at Cassander, who looked at him with affection and reassured with the look.
"We will open a full investigation on all involved" said the Emperor, his tone implacable. "I ask you to watch out for all the nobles, including those who support Cadec."
"Am I also part of this, Your Majesty?" asked Magnus, his challenging tone. "Do you wish to investigate me as well?"
"I trust you, Grimwood" replied the Emperor, narrowing his eyes. "But the investigation will be done, yes. No one is above the law this time."
Magnus opened a thin, almost ironic smile. He knew the Emperor was aware of his methods, often circumventing the law. But in that crisis, Rehael needed to assure the people that even Magnus Grimwood was innocent.
Still, the Emperor knew that Magnus' strength would be crucial in fighting the rebels.
As dusk began to bring shadows into the throne room, the door opened again, revealing the tall figure of Priest Skyler, who walked with raised shoulders until standing next to Magnus. He bowed his head in respect.
"May the blessings of the Goddess Kronosis bring a noble future, my sovereigns" greeted the priest.
"And the temple too" replied the Emperor, briefly.
Magnus cast a look of complete disgust to Skyler, and the Emperor noticed the tension between them, but preferred to ignore.
"I called you both here to discuss the current situation" began the Emperor, looking at both Magnus and Skyler. "With the recent attacks of rebels and mercenaries, I fear that the security of royalty and some nobles is compromised. Lucian had another vision of the future."
Both held their breath, but reacted differently. Magnus frowned, visibly annoyed, while Skyler kept his serious composure.
"And what did he see, Your Majesty?" asked Skyler.
"He saw his own death" replied Cassander, with concern. "He was stunned when Eugene began to scream in the hallways. I checked and found Lucian passed out."
"He is resting now, and his health seems stable" added the Emperor. "But as a father and Emperor, this does not leave me at peace. Given the current state of government and Lucian's vision... I have made a decision."
Magnus and Skyler remained silent, waiting for the continuation.
"The Eighth Prince must fulfill his role as a Saint and will spend some time in the Temple" declared the Emperor.
"What?!" Magnus screamed, incredulous.
Rehael raised his hand, silencing him.
"I want the priest to help Lucian better understand his visions and develop his gifts" continued the Emperor, firm.
"As you wish, Your Majesty" replied Skyler, bowing his head in acceptance.
"Your Majesty, my husband has duties to fulfill. In addition, he has already made it clear that he does not wish to assume the role of a saint. There is no need to confine him in the temple" protested Magnus, his voice charged with restrained fury.
"I am not asking your opinion, I am ordering!" said the Emperor, with unquestionable authority. "The Temple has the resources and structure to help Lucian. And that's something you, Grand Duke, cannot offer him."
Magnus clenched his fists, his fury visible but controlled. The Emperor noticed the tension in every muscle of the Grand Duke, but kept his position. Lucian would be taken to the Temple, for his own safety and perhaps for the good of the whole Empire.
The Grand Duke remained motionless, with his clenched hands trembling slightly. Skyler's expressionless face beside him irritated him even more. Magnus was aware of the limits of his influence, and the Emperor, with all the power he possessed, had overstepped one of those limits by forcing Lucian into the Temple. Still, he could not act hastily.
"If this is your wish, Your Majesty" Magnus finally answered with a forced reverence. His tone was respectful, but his look said otherwise. He was not satisfied at all.
Cassander, beside the Emperor, exchanged a worried look at Rehael. They were aware of how much Lucian meant to Magnus and understood that, for him, this decision was a hard blow to take. Even more considering how the Grimwood and the Temple did not get along.
"Magnus" Said the Emperor, softening his tone as if he wanted to ease the tension "I'm doing this for the sake of Lucian. He not only needs to learn to understand what such views represent, but it is also clear that he is being targeted. The Temple is the only place that can provide the understanding he needs and keep him safe at the same time."
"I understand, Your Majesty" replied Magnus, trying to control the anger that still pulsed under his skin "But I must remind you that Lucian is more than a saint. He is my husband, and his responsibilities as part of the Grimwood are equally important."
The Emperor paused before answering, measuring his words.
"I'm not asking him to relinquish his responsibilities, Grimwood. But right now, the priority is to ensure his safety and preparation for what's coming. And if his visions are a harbinger of the future, then he needs to be ready to face them."
The silence in the room became oppressive. Skyler remained motionless, waiting for orders. His role was delicate, as he would have to deal with someone volatile like Magnus Grimwood while trying to guide Lucian on the path of Holiness. Still, he seemed willing to do whatever was necessary. At least those were his words to the Emperor at their last meeting.
Magnus, on the other hand, kept his eyes fixed on the Emperor. The Grand Duke was not to retreat easily, but he knew it would be better to choose his battles at that moment.
"If that is your decision, Your Majesty" said Magnus, a little more calmly, though his voice still carried an icy tone "Then I will arrange for Lucian's departure to the Temple. But know that he will take his own personal escort. Just as I will visit him regularly to make sure he is safe."
"It's the least I expect from you" replied the Emperor, nodding his head "Do whatever is necessary. In addition, you will be in charge of investigating the corrupt nobles and prevent our enemy from stepping on our lands. Make a clean."
Magnus looked back at Skyler before turning around and leaving the throne room. His steps were heavy but steady. The Emperor knew he hated the idea of sending Lucian to the temple, but he knew he cared about the welfare of the Eighth Prince. Even if it meant trusting forces beyond your control.
The Emperor's clear eyes fell on the priest, and only agreed with his head dismissing him too. Now it was fate.