Miletria: The Withering Fire

02

"Let it be known to all the citizens of Allaria and beyond, by the decree of Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Natara, that the coronation of the First Prince Blake Nathaniel as the official crown prince of our realm shall take place three days hence. All are graciously summoned to partake in this momentous occasion, for it is with great honor and joy that we witness the ascent of Prince Blake Nathaniel to his rightful position. Let every soul, from the humblest peasant to the loftiest noble, unite in celebration and witness the crowning of the future Emperor of our beloved Allaria."

People started gossiping about what General Maki just announced. They were all happy and optimistic about the news of my twin's coronation. They were very positive that Blake would be a good crown prince, and no one ever complained about it. He was that good.

But my heart is heavy knowing that he will be the next emperor. And I'm so guilty for feeling this way. I don't want him to ascend to the throne. I am selfish, I know. I just don't want to share him with anyone. I want to keep him for our family only.

If only I can do something. If only we aren't royalties.

What if he became just like Dad? What if he chooses Allaria over us? Negative thoughts clouded my mind and I couldn't help but shed tears. I don't want this.

"Bes, bakit parang hindi ka masaya?" tanong sa akin ni Jellaine. She's the Crown Princess of Telarria, the daughter of Tito Philippe. I looked at her with sad eyes.

"I'm scared, bes. If Blake becomes the emperor, he will have no time for me anymore. I don't want that Jel. Bakit hindi na lang si Blaze? They don't differ on strength naman, diba?"

"Blaine naman. You may be quadruplets, pero alam mo namang si Blake ang unang pinanganak sa inyong apat diba? And Blaze is the last. Technically, siya ang first prince and siya ang may karapatan sa throne," pagpapaliwanag siya sa akin na mas lalo kong ikinafrustrate. Alam ko naman yun eh. But can I hope na sana hindi na lang siya?

"How I hope Blaze is the firstborn. If only he was the eldest, he would be the crown prince," I murmured hopelessly.

"What's the difference kung si Blaze ang maging emperor? Parehas mo naman silang kapatid?" takang tanong ni Jel.

"Blaze isn't as openly affectionate as my kuya. His displays of love are subtle, and I've grown accustomed to them. But Blake is different. You know that Jel. He's vocal and I've grown used to always having him by my side, to him always defending me. He treats me like a precious treasure. I can't bear for him to change. I just can't." I said sadly.

"When he becomes the Crown Prince, I know his responsibilities will increase. He'll forget about me. He won't be able to prioritize me anymore. I will become just an option. Dad sacrificed Mom for Allaria, and I fear my brother will do the same if he becomes Emperor. I don't want that. I can't bear it." I started crying. I can't stop my tears from falling. I know I'm overthinking but I can't stop myself from doing it! I love my kuya so much.

Umawang ang labi ni Jellaine. She embraced me to comfort me. "Blake will never do that. Hindi naman porket naging Crown Prince siya ay mawawalan na siya ng oras sa'yo diba? Mahal na mahal ka kaya nun," she said na naging dahilan ng paglakas ng hikbi ko. I still don't want.

She faced me again and narrowed her eyes on me. "Wag kang gagawa ng kahit ano Alyzandra. Kilala kita." I pouted in response. I'm not that bad! "Blake is destined to be the crown prince, wala kang magagawa tungkol dun. Just accept it, okay?" I can't do anything but nod.

I sighed. Okay fine, I will not do anything. But I think Jellaine is right. I just need to accept the fact that Kuya will be the next emperor. Subukan niya lang na kalimutan ako, baka gawin ko siyang cactus.