Josephine

𝓔𝓹𝓲𝓼𝓸𝓭𝓮 97: 𝓐𝓷𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓸𝓷𝓮 𝓣𝓸 𝓐𝓭𝓭 𝓣𝓸 𝓜𝔂 𝓒𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷

July 04, 2015

Fifty years ago today my life changed. Fifty years ago, a Muslim assassin jumped into the imperial motorcade on July fourth, 1965, and detonated a vest of explosives. At that moment, my mother, the sovereign of the First American Empire, my father, and my two-year-old brother were all killed. By a stroke of luck, I survived. Fifty years ago, I took my mother's place and became the Empress of the Americans.

Of course, Mattéo insisted on hosting a grand ball to mark the occasion. We both expected the palace to be full of guests from all over the world. I was finishing up my hair as Mattéo and I prepared to make our grand entrance.

"You look beautiful, you know that?"

I smiled.

"I don't know, you do tell me every single day..."

"I don't think I tell you enough every single day!"

"You flatter me too much Mattéo you know that?"

"Eh, what can I say? I love my wife!"

I finished combing my hair, which I had kept long and wavy as best as I could. I may have lost control over its color but I will not lose control over its style!

"How does this look Mattéo?" I asked, turning to my husband.

"Fantastic!" He exclaimed as he kissed my cheek, "You look stunning as always my dear,"

I blushed a deep shade of red.

"We should get going to the ballroom, after all, we're approaching the fine line between being fashionably late and obnoxiously late,"

Mattéo chuckled, "I agree my dear,"

He walked forward, opened the door and waved me out. We strode down the hall, hand in hand.

-------------------------------------------------------

"All preside for Empress Josephine and Emperor Mattéo of the First American Empire!"

We entered the ballroom hand in hand. The room erupted in cheers and wild clapping. The ball resumed to its dim, slow chatter, while officials dined and shared drinks. Where to even start?

"Hallo Schwester," A German voice said from behind us.

I turned to see Konrad, with a glass of champagne in his wrinkly hand.

"Hallo mein Bruder," I replied and hugged him for a moment, "How have you been?"

"Are you seriously asking that Schwester? Have you not heard the news?"

I raised my eyebrow and took a glass of champagne from a passing server.

"No I have not..."

"You know what? Josey, I'm going to find John Charles okay?" Mattéo said.

I nodded and he rushed off, leaving Konrad and I to speak alone.

"I haven't heard from you in forever Konrad, so I am not sure what has happened..."

He sighed and I think I saw a tear build up in one of his eyes.

"Konrad Junior is dead," He croaked out.

My brown eyes widened in shock, "Oh no! Bruder what happened!?"

"Car accident... he and his wife are both gone..."

I wrapped my arms around my half-brother, "Oh my goodness Konrad I am so sorry... I had no idea..."

"It-it is fine Schwester... but not only is my son gone, but my heir is too..."