In the Anzhelyn family, every monarch shared the same trait ever since their early days of being announced heir; duty cold enough to rival the freezing winters of Lysaria. Duty towards their empire, bloodline, and people.
People whispered it was a curse from their ancestors, others praised the empire that flourished over their rule. The hard-hearted attitude, however, was a weak point many criticized, and Renat was raised to learn the same demeanor before he learned how to walk, taught cruelty at his father's knee.
Emperor Kirill ruled Lysaria with a fist of iron and a heart of frost, his hunger for dominance insatiable "Monarchs do not love," He'd sneer, leading Renat through bloodstained halls "They control."
At seven, Renat gutted his first stag under Kirill's watch, only them in the forest coated with the winter's snow, the grip on the dagger firm, emerald eyes memorizing the gore in his brain "Good," His father approved as the animal's entrails steamed in the snow, the warmness of fresh organs being enveloped by the biting cold around them "Hesitation is weakness, act accordingly, and no one will stand in your way, no one will harm your empire."
Renat never hesitated 'My empire...' Otherwise, he'd be bored.
He passed each lesson with ease, his tutors wept his academics and manners praises. His father's teachings were executed to perfection, more than half a parent's pride came from their children after all. The only reason color splattered in his life was because of the empire he'd grow to rule, a theater of his own, one Renat would shape into how he liked. The possibilities were endless.
But for now, his father was a monarch of pride and iron, a desire for stability and rule in their empire. A legacy he intended to forge into Renat like a blacksmith would steel a blade.
So Renat played the part. Dutiful son. Heir apparent.
Until the news of his uncle's death reached Renat's ears, accompanied by details of two children left on their lonesome in the north territory of their empire, where winter struck the harshest. His cousins. Twins. And additionally, sharing the same mother as Renat, born from the same womb, Renat knew of them by the time he was 8. Their existence was a poorly kept secret even before their birth. However, as clever as that woman was, Renat's father spared no mercy for traitors.
Though she bore Kirill a son before they wed, the haste and desperation that followed made her unfit for the crown in Kirill's eyes, what's more, when she turned her affections to the emperor's younger brother, he saw it as betrayal.
The emperor's lover drugged the prince into a scandalous night of passion for revenge.
The first time 7 year old Renat read the title of the newspaper that morning, everything had been too quiet, so quiet that the heir was able to hear himself laugh. Theatrical drama mirrored real life after all, how funny.
His father was a fair ruler, as the court liked to parrot every now and then, the woman had been strangled with her own pearls after giving birth to twins, while his uncle and the children were sent to live in the north border of their empire, with all the protection to keep threats outside, and the family of three inside.
But now, there was duty at play. Leaving young royal blood to fend for itself was shameful, so the emperor ordered for the twins to be brought back to the main palace of the capital.
It was to be a formality. A simple meeting. Nothing more when Renat used his free time to go to the palace's east wing, where the children resided after his father gave the order.
But then… He saw them.
They were barely 5 years old when Renat laid his eyes on the two. They were small, soft-spoken, unaware of the cruel game they'd been born into. But beautiful, ethereal in a way no child should be. As if carved by gods and gifted to mortals. Renat noted their white hair, each strand faintly colored in the reflecting light of the environment around them, pale skin as the northern territory was never graced by warm sunlight, bright pinkish eyes, and Renat wondered if they'd turn red when the two grew up, like his uncle's.
"Rudian and Rubina, was it?" A small smile curled up his lips once speaking, eyes stuck on the two small figures a few feet away, their hands clasped together in hesitancy as they stared back "Come closer."
They didn't seem keen on the idea, but a servant nudged them gently, and step by step, they approached the young heir. Renat's gaze swept over the two, kneeling down to get a better look, weighing his options, assessing their use.
"Are... You our brother?" The girl spoke first, her tone soft as she blinked up at him, a hesitant but genuine smile gracing her face. Renat was reminded of light caught in a glass; Fragile, blinding, and dangerously precious "I am."
Her twin brother clung to her side, a step in front of her, protective in a way that made Renat tilt his head "How curious..." The comment slipped past his lips in a whisper, causing tension inside the room as each servant and guard held their breath "You're both... Much lovelier than I expected."
Renat ignored an audible sigh of relief from one of the maids as he raised a hand to pat Rudy's head, amused when the little boy's brows furrowed, disliking the action, yet unable to shake off the hand. Then he did the same to Ruby, her reaction more positive than her brother's, giggle as sweet as a chiming bell.
The reaction to the two was obvious, Renat's heart thumped with an inexplicable urge to dote on the twins, so to satiate his heart, he returned to their wing a day after, bearing gifts ordered right after their first meeting. Ruby gasped and cooed as she shook the paw of the giant stuffed bear, while Rudy blinked his eyes wide in childlike innocence at his.
A light hearted and soft laugh sounded from Renat, enjoying the sight of the two children overwhelmed by the amount of toys he poured on them, unsure how to react. While it was absolutely adorable, his focus remained elsewhere. Ruby picked up one of the smaller stuffed toys and hurried to show two of the maids, Rudy asking one of the guards if he was holding the toy sword correctly. The servants all but melted in reverence, quickly kneeling down to entertain the two in ways Renat has never seen before.
His desire to spoil resonated with every soul in the palace.
The people adored them. And because of it, Renat saw with his own eyes how the palace shifted.
Even a court ruled by fear bent itself around the twins like they were warmth in human form. Servants defied usual "orders" just to bring them sweets. Guards bowed when they passed, unbidden.
And Renat watched, calculating.
One night, a little under a month after the twin's arrival, dinner was held between him and his father. Renat easily noticed one of the maids, her eyes wandering at a dessert left untouched by him, pudding only made twice a month because of a few special ingredients, scarce to their territory.
Renat placed his fork and knife on the table soundlessly, a gloved hand motioning for the maid to come closer, his smile unassuming as he looked at her "After dinner, take my pudding and give it to the twins, you can go to the kitchen to see if there is an extra, but if there isn't, they'd have to share this time." He explained simply, reaching out to the small plate of pudding and pulling it closer to the edge for her to grab. The maid blinked, staring at the 13 year old heir before hurriedly nodding, her composed expression wavering, trying her best to hold back a smile as it might be considered unbecoming in front of royalty "Yes your highness." Renat chuckled "Make sure to limit their sweet intake tomorrow."
The maid inhaled a little too sharply, a subtle flinch on her shoulder, her smile just a little more obvious as she bowed "Yes your highness, I'll make sure to see it through." Renat said nothing as she returned to her place in line, after all it was more of a joke for him to say that; everyone knew the twins would get their sweets either way, Renat had built a reputation of being a soft hearted cousin, an older brother, in just under a month, no matter how many times he restricted certain desserts, he always ended up giving in.
Renat returned to his meal quickly after, the atmosphere in the dining room a lot warmer than usual despite the unchanging silence. So easy to sway the mood, and hearts, when using the twins, Renat could get used to it. He always found the best tools in the least expected places anyways.
"Renat."
And just like that, the temperature dropped… How dull.
"Yes father?" Renat smiled, mild-mannered just as taught, while turning to face the emperor. His father looked the same as usual, not a twitch out of place "Have you been visiting those twins as of late?"
Renat's thought process slowed, gears stalling for a second as if to analyze the words, then he blinked 'Ah.' How surprising, how funny. Renat nodded, his outward expression not betraying the fits of giggle in his mind, who knew even the frost emperor could hold a grudge against a former lover not even worth the crown "I wanted to make sure they had settled comfortably in the palace."
"Pay them no mind, the maids and servants are there for that reason, you should focus on your studies"
"Of course, father." Renat was ahead in his studies, but why should he argue with a bitter old man.
After dinner, Renat bid his father good night and then gestured for the same maid as before to deliver the pudding, not one peep from the servants or guards about the unusual act of disobedience from the heir, they'd turn a blind eye if the twins were involved 'Now then.' He settled back on his seat, enjoying a bite of shortcake 'Which of my family will prove more useful?'
The professors of Lysaria's academy adored Renat's ability to question and solve with enough time given, and this question Renat learned the answer to in less than a week.
As usual, after finishing his training early, Renat had gone to visit the twins, joining them on the carpeted floor to solve a puzzle he bought them not too long ago "Your highness." Renat, smiling expression unchanging, glanced at his father's guard when referred to "His majesty requests your presence for the upcoming meeting with the court elders." Putting the piece he was holding down, Renat carefully stood up so he wouldn't knock anything out of its place. The twins, however, quickly stood up so to see him off, not minding the ruined puzzle, Renat smiled at their carelessness over him "I'll be there right away then." He gently brushed Ruby's bangs off her face "Be careful when you play with fragile pieces like this." Then did the same with Rudy "Have a fun day, you two."
The day after, Renat had taken the lead on presenting the project given by his tutors, wrapping up the class quickly before leaving to have lunch with the twins "Your highness." Andrés, a cousin from his father's side, came to search for him at the time where his class was supposed to have finished "His majesty said you must partake in today's strategy planning with the general and the duke." Renat glanced at his cake, piercing the strawberry atop with his fork and eating it, then splitting the cake in a clean half "And here I thought the general of our army still had a few days before coming back." He placed one half each in the twin's plates, although their gazes remained on him, confusion evident "I guess congratulations are in order for his quick victory." He pushed his chair back silently while standing up, smiling at the two "Don't eat too quickly, little doves."
After that, a few of the clothes Renat had ordered arrived in the palace, and he made use of the busy court to send them to the twins personally. The atmosphere between him and the maids was quite pleasant, Renat seated with a cup of tea as the maids dressed the twins in outfits tailored for them "How delightful!" "Everything looks so beautiful on them!" "Such cute accessories you've picked for them, your highness!" "Your highness." The mood was trampled when the usual voice called for Renat's attention, nobody bothered to hide the awkwardness in their expressions, save for Renat of course, smiling as he glanced at the guard "His majesty said there will be a jury you must attend for today's national court case." His attendance wasn't mandatory, but if the emperor ordered it of him, then that was enough of a reason. Renat hummed in admission while reaching for the cup of tea "I was curious over the outcome anyway." He took the last few sips and set it back on the table, standing up with a last glance towards his younger siblings "Be sure to behave while trying on the rest of the clothes."
And after that day, Renat used his free time of the day to bring the twins to the garden, chuckling softly as he watched them walk and run around in excitement, it was still cold but there was way more greenery than they'd seen in the north area "Your highness." The twins quickly stopped their activity to look over, and Renat, chest letting out from his silent sigh before looking over at his father's guard "His majesty made a last minute change to your schedule, you'll be accompanying him to the hunt with a few diplomats of the neighboring kingdom." Renat raised a brow, amused "Oh? Was that today? Well, alright." He heard them first, soft footsteps towards his directions, and looked down to see the twins already close, Ruby's expression concerned, Rudy's brows knitted together, confused. Renat's lips twitched into a small grin as he patted their hair, a little disheveled by the wind "The maids will take care of you here, but don't run around too quickly, you'll get hurt."
Furthermore… "Your highness."
Renat's movements paused 'I'm beginning to think it's intentional.' He had a busy schedule sure, but to be called 20 minutes on the dot after arriving to his siblings each time, it was like Kirill wanted to make sure everyone knew of his intentions as well. The maids looked saddened, the guard calling him was wearing a sympathetic expression, they had broken Rudy's pouty face into a frown, even making him hold onto Renat's sleeve "His majesty said a few visitors will arrive, your presence is required." Renat nodded, leaving a bookmark on the fairytale book he was reading the twins "How fun." Then closed it 'Such tedious tasks.' Renat began to think that the emperor was a little too petty, and that pettiness had begun chipping away at the man's brain, such excuses were beneath Renat for him to entertain and work around, they were easy work.
He stood up, only to pause when feeling a small tug, looking down at the little girl who had a weak hold on his hand "Will you be alright, big brother?" Genuine concern and worry, the sentiment shared to her twin, the first time Rudy appeared hesitant while playing with his hands mindlessly "Don't visit us if you're so busy…"
How cute.
"Come now." Renat's voice was more light hearted, squeezing Ruby's hand before letting go and turning to face them "Your big brother can handle such things, why wouldn't I visit you." He chuckled while ruffling their hair, the room swept by the familial relationship. He's seen more expressions from these servants in this past week than previous years packed in one.
A few hours later, Renat smiled politely while greeting the marquess, staying prim and proper by his father's side until all pleasantries were exchanged, he then moved around the adults to the kids around his age, the marquess' two sons, greeting them with a more expressive grin as they did the same. Of course a few minutes in he was called back to the adult circle. The heir smiled when the marquess brought up topics too complex for a child his age to usually understand, and Renat didn't hold back, he was going to be emperor, better they start accepting him sooner than later.
As expected, the visit was just masked as a formality so the marquess could deliver some important details to the emperor personally, Renat smiled as he waved goodbye to the young nobles, promising to play sword fighting with them again on their next visit 'So…' Renat glanced up at his silent father after the guests entered their carriage 'Your use has run out.'
Renat sat at his desk that night, back straight on the chair as he took notes from one of the recent books his tutor gave him 'If I kill my father…' He wondered, the army general had begun taking his opinions seriously, the nobility liked him without his father being there, and the court was pushing him as the only heir.
'On the other hand, if I were to kill the twins…' Then he gained no pros, if anything the connection with his servants would be severed, controlling his subjects through the twins would lead to better results. Albeit they would listen to him regardless, but why go the extra mile when Renat held in his hands the reason they'd pay to work here, even the head maid and butler had began giving him reports on the twins without being asked, they knew their place, but they considered Renat as the pinnacle of trust for those two angels.
"Well, whatever." Renat laid back on his seat, a smile on his face "I have to assemble a team, I'm in need of a few certain herbs now."
At 13, a month and a half after the arrival of his little siblings, Renat began slipping poison in his father's wine, not from hatred of course, the heir appreciated his father's use for when young Renat didn't hold any power. But now, the old emperor's rules limited Renat. His worth, compared to what the twins could offer, was little to none. The man's declining health gave Renat more autonomy, more access to his siblings, more opportunities to test his theories.
And just like that, Kirill's reign began to crumble, and Renat's thrived.
Two years after their arrival, when the twins were 7, Renat was finally able to show them off. It was summer, the warmest day of the year, a festival held for their empire's happiness. The old man was too weak to properly participate, poor thing, but Renat made up for his absence with the twins. The capital of Lysaria, usually rigid in ceremony and cold in temperament, now bloomed with color, music, and joy early in the morning. Stalls brimmed with rare fruits, pretty accessories, and baked sweets, nobles mingled with commoners in cautious celebration, and children raced past palace guards who pretended not to notice.
Renat stood at the highest balcony of the palace's central wing, overlooking it all. His emerald eyes, bright and watchful, scanned the sea of gathered citizens below. The empire was watching. Their emperor was bedridden, tucked away behind velvet and fever, and Renat, crowned only in title and to nobility, was now the beating heart of the celebration.
He did not mind the attention. After all, what is an empire without its subjects?
Behind him, the carved doors creaked open. He didn't have to look back to know who it was, familiar with the small footsteps approaching him. "Renat!" Ruby's delighted voice rang out like the birds after frost and suffering leaves them. He finally turned, lips already curling into a half-smile. The twins entered the balcony dressed in Renat's choice of clothes, elegant and angelic, crowns of crystal placed delicately on their heads. They were radiant.
My weapons full of potential. Renat crouched as they approached, gently fixing a strand of Ruby's hair, brushing a little over Rudy's shirt to straighten it out "Are you ready?" He asked "You'll be standing before the whole empire today." Ruby nodded eagerly, her pinkish-red eyes wide with excitement, and Rudy tried to glance behind Renat, curious if he could see the crowd "Are we going to say something?" Renat himself taught them manners, but most importantly, to never be afraid, the more they spoke and acted, the more people would lose themselves.
"Not today," Renat chuckled, straightening back on his feet "Today, you'll simply smile and wave. I don't wish for the crowd to get stunned into silence." As Renat finished his words, trumpets sounded across the courtyard, cheers erupted below from the audible signal that the festival would officially start soon. The royal announcer's voice thundered through the square, declaring the heir's arrival on behalf of the emperor. With theatrical timing, Renat stepped forward onto the balcony, one child on each side.
The crowd hushed.
Then roared.
Hearts melted as the capital laid eyes on the royal twins, two northern angels reborn under Lysarian sun. Cheers turned frenzied, some calling their names despite never having met them, the rumours having spread wide and far just as Renat wanted. Women squealed. Soldiers stood straighter. Vendors tossed flowers skyward. A wave of adoration swept through the crowd like wildfire.
Renat waved first. Then the twins did too; awkward, sweet, perfectly imperfect.
The moment was golden, Renat wished he could encapsulate the moment and watch it over and over, Rudian's flushed expression, Rubina's continuous nervous but genuine waving in all directions that grabbed her attention, they were getting overwhelmed. Renat's smile lingered as he leaned slightly forward, his voice authoritative and smooth as silk, amplified by the balcony's spell-forged acoustics.
"By my father's decree, we gather today in honor of our unity." His tone heightened in octaves, capturing everyone's attention "Let our celebration be a reminder, no matter the season, Lysaria's heart beats strong because our people continue to flourish!"
The people cheered again, louder this time. But Renat wasn't finished.
"And allow me the honor of presenting Lysaria's newest jewels," he said, one hand on each of the twins' backs, bringing everyone's attention to them "My beloved siblings, Rudian Lukyan Anzhelyn and Rubina Svetlana Anzhelyn."
A thunder of applause and the twins beamed, cheeks pink, clutching Renat's sleeves tighter.
Behind him, one of the emperor's closest advisors shifted uncomfortably, clearly disturbed by the display. They had gone way off script. But when Renat turned his head to glance back at him, the advisor flinched. The heir stood at the front of the empire's cheers and applause, possibly loudest in history, and he smiled, green eyes piercing as a warning before returning his attention to the crowd. Renat cared little for the past. His voice, and the image of the twins by his side, was what would remain in the minds of thousands today.
Let the empire see what he had already known for two years, that these children, born of disgrace and shame, had become symbols of purity, unity, and something even more valuable; loyalty to Renat.
As wind carried the music and petals fluttered like rain, Renat pulled the twins a couple of steps back from the edge of the balcony, kneeling between them once more, voice low and eyes gleaming as he whispered just loud enough for them to hear
"Smile brightly now, little stars, and stay close. Today, the world sees who you belong to."
And the world did.
Renat was only 15 at the time, just a year off from becoming an adult and able to be officially crowned the new ruler with no need for a guardian, but after the festival, his claim to the crown was secured by both nobility and the common folk, just as he was heir in title only a few days ago, now the old emperor's claim on the throne was by name only, considering his illness however, he barely got to enjoy the last year of his life, stuck in bed.
Gout twisted his hands. His speeches became slurred. Health deteriorated until he had to lay in bed all day. Halls became filled with whispers of possibilities, trying to guess why the old emperor was in such a state despite being only in his mid 30s. Maybe he became like this because of the last war he attended, or it was an actual curse from his enemies, maybe from his bloodline.
But it mattered little, it was time to move on from the old and to the new, the people had already accepted Renat on the throne, dutiful, smart, powerful ruler, but with a human heart. All the empire could want and more.
Then the final day came "You'll be fine, father." Renat smiled as he stood by the old emperor's bed, a hand gently on top of the man's arm, somber, a little sad so the people around him could have material to weep to the masses afterwards, a few maids were trembling and tearing up as they watched the dutiful son bid his father goodbye "As you've said, all of us shall return to the earth, what matters is our actions while we are still alive, and I only hope to live up to your expectations during my rule, be as good of a monarch as you were." He reminded the old man, catching his father's eyes staring at him "Your son and my empire will be fine."
It has always been his to calm since birth.
What a wonder one drop of nightshade could do over the span of three years. Naturally declining health is the only diagnosis Renat's medics could give.
By sixteen, the crown belonged to Renat, and he claimed his rightful place on the throne. His first order of duty? Prepare a funeral for his father. Oh how nobility and his subjects wept for the fair ruler, people only see the good once death took all. But while Renat couldn't keep the sentimental act for too long out of boredom, he grasped at every opportunity he could, so during the funeral he made sure the attention shifted to the twins.
Even when emotionally neglected and shunned by the old emperor, they still cried from his absence.
"He'll surely go to heaven with those angels crying over him." The whispers were telling, and Renat could only coo and soothe the twins as he picked them up in his arms, letting the people see just how close the family was. And they bit like a fish did to bait.
To make sure his palace didn't remain in silent grievance, Renat quickly began making some changes where he saw fit, after all work made it so people forgot about their superficial pain and guilt. The first decree; the twins would reside in the royal wing. Their room close to Renat's.
He made sure to tell the head butler every little detail while sorting through documents "No, they're still young, they can share a room." A small smile tilted up his lips, stamping a decree with the empire's seal. He'd order to keep them small still, contained, they were his baby siblings after all, no matter how many birthdays would come to pass.
Renat began to craft their schedules carefully, tea parties with nobility, visits to the poorer areas of their empire so they could do the donations themselves. Building up their naivety yet maintaining their image and kindness, as long as they whined enough, their big brother would take care of everything for them.
Renat doted on them obsessively. Not only because he loved them, but because everyone else did too. The court, the people, they worshipped the doves in gilded cages. Beautiful. Ethereal. Too pure for this world. Renat believed it.
And if the world ever turned on him, if his kingdom fell into ash, he would build a new one, brick by brick, on the foundation of their smiles.
So long as they remained close, nothing else mattered. He'd have his empire if he had them. And so, Renat crafted them a paradise.
One they could never leave.
One that would always belong to him.