The piece ‘Hermit Thrush at Morn’ set the atmosphere as the most famous orchestra in the Empire started playing it. People of title gathered with smiles plastered on their faces as they cheered with a glass of champagne and red wine. Nobles ranging from baron to marquees are jumping around trying to find a strong string to tie as a support and backing. After all, social gatherings are the easiest way to build connections. But no matter how high ranking a noble is, everyone is holding their breath as they set their eyes on the best and the most powerful of all. The Empress. Yelena sat on the oversized, bejewelled chair – her throne, with composure as her eyes swept away the crowd. Everyone looks luxurious, glamorous and well- dressed. But even if they wear fancy suits and pretty gowns, their hearts are already rotten beyond redemption. No matter how much perfume or makeup they apply, it was unable to cover up the stench that came from their bones. The evil that was born of darkness ate away at their minds, and wouldn’t stop until it had consumed them entirely.
Yelena let out a chuckle. But who is she to judge? Just a year ago, she wasn’t any different.
The banquet froze when everyone heard her chuckle.
‘What now? What is this unpredictable empress trying to do?’
‘She’s been harder to control’
‘Is she happy with the banquet?’
She was once the puppet of these corrupt nobles and officials. She drunk herself to oblivion and a number of boy toys are sent at her chamber every night. And all while she slaves away at her pleasure, the empire was slowly dying. The taxes imposed are more than what commoners earn and interest are more than the amount of their debt. The drought made the people suffer without any resistance. It was terrifying. The faces of her subject are dull and empty. There was no hope. And funny, the one who she trusted the most – her right hand man and adviser turned a blind to this. But she can’t blame anyone. She is the very curse that would end the empire. And she wouldn’t have recognized this problem if not for the most fearsome man everyone is afraid of. Duke Achilles.
Duke Achilles is born from the brother of the late king and the princess of another kingdom. His blood is noble in every twist and turn. He is the epitome of perfection with a handsome face, sturdy proportionate body and the protagonist aura of courage and bravery. He is a figure that everyone is wary of. The only flaw that the other nobles could point is his deep fascination for the battle field. He detached himself from anything politics and he lived a life of seclusion in the northern mountains. He had no ill ideas of taking back the throne. At least that’s what everyone thought.
On that night, Duke Achilles was ready to kill Empress Yelena. But before he could slit her throat with his sword, he saw value in her. Yelena could only plead to cover her ears. She couldn’t bear to hear the truth about her Empire and the people she trusted. Ah... there’s somewhat beauty in her naivety.
But in the darkness she was locked, Duke Achilles made an offer. A bet of life in exchange for the Empire’s restoration. And she didn’t have any second thoughts in grabbing the opportunity before her eyes. She took the wrong road and walked the wrong path. But this leaves her to paving her own way in search for the right one.
In the span of one year, she held the power firmly in her hands as she watched the dirty dogs scurry for her favour and play along in her palms. Thinking about those days, Yelena was unable to help herself and ended up bursting into laughter.
Everyone else was quiet and her laughter draw attention. Noticing this, she made an awkward cough as she look at the big round clock.
It’s time.
Royal guards and the shisheng army entered the hall in a loud bang. Everyone was taken back before they reacted. Nobles humped and tried to display authority but it was useless. Leading the most powerful army in the empire is the shining heroic figure of none other than Duke Achilles. Yelena stared at the man who she conspired with all this years. When their eyes met, both nodded with a smile in their eyes.
