The struggle for the throne should, in theory, take place without bloodshed. The political game opened space for those who knew how to be a wise ruler, protecting the people and keeping the nobles under control, preventing their pride from exceeding limits.
The Empire of Roveaven seemed divided. Many noble traditionalists opposed the First Prince simply because he was an alpha, after generations of omegas on the throne. No one questioned his ability to rule, but for his opponents, the blood that ran in his veins was reason enough.
However, for the supporters of Cadec, this was not enough.
"Even the Eighth Prince has already married!" pressed one of the nobles. "It's time to find an omega to rule by your side, Your Highness."
"If you have an omega, many will stop resisting. Show yourself a devoted spouse and gain the affection of the people."
As he walked through the silent corridors of the Palace of the Sun, Cadec could not prevent the advice of his allies from echoing in his mind. Their words followed him like lingering shadows.
His eyes, deep as the sea at night, rose to see a lonely figure in the corridor. The imposing silhouette, with long golden hair, was unmistakable. It was his father, Emperor Rehael. As soon as he heard the footsteps of Cadec, the Emperor turned slowly. When crossing glances, Cadec noticed something that until then escaped him: his father had aged.
Still, Rehael's eyes shone with the same cold authority as ever.
"Cadec", said the Emperor, his voice firm as the icy wind that crossed the corridors.
"My father" replied the prince, approaching with a slight reverence. "What are you doing here?"
Rehael returned to the garden, his eyes lost in the flowers covered by winter mist. The plants seemed withered, almost lifeless under the cloudy sky.
"Elyon's ashes were thrown into the sea this morning", muttered the Emperor.
A shiver ran through Cadec's spine. His eyes fixated on a small wooden box in the hands of his father.
"What is it?"
"Some of his ashes" said Rehael, sighing. "I want to throw them under the tree my father planted."
Cadec widened his eyes. Grandfather's tree. The tree planted in the central garden of the palace, accessible only to royalty. An ancestral symbol, under which members of the imperial family were buried, regardless of their actions in life.
"Can I accompany you?" Asked Cadec, his lower voice charged with a restrained emotion "It's been some time since I visited that place."
"Please."
Together, they walked in silence through the long and dark corridors of the Imperial Palace. Cadec had passed through those corridors so many times over the years, but the oppression that hovered in the air seemed heavier than ever. The weight of history, corruption, greed.
He looked down at his father, the man who had ruled for more than three decades. The Emperor who saw children fall for the greed of nobles, who sailed through scandals and betrayals.
Perhaps that was the reason why Cadec hesitated so much to marry. The fear of bringing someone to their own misfortune, to the same tragic fate that haunted the court.
When they reached the central garden, Cadec felt the cold wind sway the leaves of the huge tree. Even in winter its presence was majestic. He took a deep breath, the smell of fresh dew mixing with wet earth. The image of the past came to light, like a distant dream, when he played there with his younger brother and his mother watched them.
Rehael knelt in the shade of the tree. With a thick glove, he dug a small hole with his fingers, where he spread the ashes of Elyon and then planted a rose seed. The silence between father and son was dense, but for the first time, Cadec noticed a shock in his father's countenance. The burden of losing another son seemed to weigh more than the crown on his head.
Cadec looked at the roses already growing around the tree. Their petals were vibrant, beautiful, and he knew very well who they belonged to.
"I wonder if he would be like Lucian" commented the Emperor, breaking the silence "That child admired him so much to the point that many thought he was Lucian's twin rather than your younger brother."
"It probably would have prevented Lucian from moving away." Cadec sighed, the weight of memories clenching his chest. "He would have been the confidant that I could never be."
Rehael lowered his eyes to the ground, his voice laden with melancholy.
"I wanted all of you to be united" he said, almost in a whisper. "I have always failed to protect you... and still fail."
Cadec understood that feeling. Even with all their differences, he deeply regretted Elyon's death. A brutal death, intended to silence the brother who shared his blood.
"It seems that Dáhlia is also involved" said Cadec suddenly. "I heard about the engagement."
"Haa... Sahara is desperate to save Dahlia, but I can't let her leave with an foreign."
"Foreign?" Cadec raised an eyebrow, surprised. "I thought her fiancé was someone from the Empire."
"He has foreign origins, a merchant who came here with great contacts, but medium possessions."
"Still... it looks suspicious" muttered Cadec, his eyes fixed on the tree.
"Elyon was involved with Geledel at the behest of someone. Dáhlia and Sahara may not be directly involved, but it is clear that they are in the clutches of this person." Rehael said, his voice getting deeper "Elyon tried to protect them, but I'm not a fool of not knowing when a child is lying."
Ah, he was referring to the interrogation. Elyon really said he was doing it alone and tried to cover his twin sister... But he paid the price with his own life.
"We should keep her safe." Cadec said finally "Not just to her, but to the Countess as well."
"That's what I thought" sighed the Emperor "I believe I will make the decision on my own. But what about you, my son?"
Cadec looked at him for a moment, realizing that the Emperor was evaluating him intensely. He knew very well that it would not be helpful to lie or omit anything. Rehael was a strong and dominant omega, who kept his eyes open to miss absolutely nothing.
"I'm being pressured to marry" said Cadec, uttering an ironic laugh.
"I understand. Are you hesitant because of what happened to your brother?"
Gazing at the cloudy sky, the prince sighed defeated. His mind was spinning with conflicting thoughts.
"Not just to him, but lately it's not safe for anyone. How can I bring a person into this hell that I barely know how to handle?"
"It's understandable. But I imagine that the nobles want an omega at your side to solidify your position and ensure more support from traditionalists."
Cadec uttered a muffled laugh at the Emperor's cunning. Shouldn't he be surprised, as he could not have such a vision being a ruler for more than three decades?
"That's exactly what they said" The prince sighed then "Still I don't think I should think about it now."
The Emperor stared at him for a moment before questioning him.
"If there is someone who has captured your attention and affection, I would like to know. Regardless of the current scenario, you can not stand still waiting for peace in this world." The Emperor clenched Cadec's shoulder "If you are afraid that this person will get hurt, then try to become stronger to protect them. For even if victory is sung, the swords will never rest from your shadow."
Someone who captured his attention? That was hard. Cadec never showed interest in courtships and relationships, being the complete opposite of Magnus who had a very active life in search of an ideal partner. While his best friend had fun, Cadec was always talking about politics with his supporters, fleeing the perfumes and smiles full of malice.
Being surrounded by such people with malicious interests was as nauseating as politics itself.
Still so...
Still, a pair of pink eyes and a sweet smell came to mind.
He could feel his own alpha instinct searching for his memories. Seeking to know more about that omega.
The person he saw grow carefully as the most precious jewel, the person he never considered as a potential partner. His alpha instinct, suddenly, seemed to want to cry it out after feeling its sweet smell and innocent look.
"No..." Cadec muttered as he clenched his fists, trying to contain his own instinct "There is no one in mind."