140AD - The Rise to Empress || [GxG] ||

Chapter 23

I would just like to say that I made the best investment of my life.

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Translation:
Chairetismoús, chaíromai pou se gnórisa, Alexándreia. = Greetings, pleased to meet you, Alexandria.
Chairetismoús, chaíromai pou se gnórisa epísis, Monárchis. = Greetings, pleased to meet you too, Monarch.
Chaire, Monárchis. = Well wishing/farewell/goodbye, Monarch.

Also comment where you're from, I'm stupid curious. I'm keen to know how far this story has stretched beyond my home country.

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[Time jumps will take place in this part but will be mentioned throughout.]

The once violently beating heart of Rome had come to a standstill as its citizens fell into a state of utter mourning upon losing their beloved Empress. The city was overruled by unrest, now more than ever. Their Empress was greatly worshipped, and now she was gone and along with her, the remaining peace.

Jake had yelled that night, trying to draw the attention of anyone that could potentially aid his wife but it proved to be fruitless. A few servants came, perhaps a healer or two but soon a healer shook their head at Jake, indicating that Abigail was no longer breathing.

Pulled out of her own tears from the yelling she heard echo throughout the palace, Clarke had run down the halls, her dress's material tightly clutched in her fists. She followed the few servants she saw running outside and that's when she saw it. Her mother's lifeless body, a pool of blood around her head and her eyes still open.

She had looked up to the balcony, finding her father's tear-filled eyes and his shaking hands. Clarke had yelled to him, asking what happened but only in a whisper could he muster three simple words.

She just fell.

As soon as news reached the Roman streets, word spread like wildfire that the Empress was dead. Soon province after province knew about the loss of the Empire's Empress. Condolences and lavish gifts started to arrive at the palace but Jake was nowhere to be seen.

The royal family of only two now restricted themselves to their respective quarters mourning the death of Abigail. Jake had not slept in days, the reason being that whenever he closed his eyes, he saw his wife fall, over and over again.

Clarke laid in bed almost the entirety of each day. Octavia was always on time for her duty even if it only consisted of standing in the hall and having a staredown with Apollo and later, she received news that her one lover, Lincoln, was also sent to Egypt. The news certainly didn't better her boring days but at least she still saw the maiden Raven often.

Clarke's best friend and handmaiden Raven tried to be a good friend, to be present when Clarke needed someone most, but the mourning Empress didn't want to see anybody.