Men of Vorenia (16+) DISCONTINUED

The Coronation

With a unanimous decision, the Imperial Court began installing the first harem of men in history. Construction began on apartments for all seven of the consorts that were going to be selected at a banquet hosted by Orelia. First, however, trials needed to be held in order to weed out any of those not fit for the title of the Empress’s Consort.

The trials were made up of four consecutive tests, all of which would seem simple from an outside perspective. The first trial was a test of the wits. The candidates faced one another in a game of chess. The second trial was a test of patience, where the candidate had to sit in front of an hourglass and pass the time for one full hour. They were allowed a single object from the outside, such as a book. The third trial would test the strength of the candidate. Each remaining man was to demonstrate both physical and mental strength by achieving some outstanding feat. The final was a simple chat with Orelia. If she liked how they made conversation, they would continue to the final selection.

Orelia read over the parchment, her hand running over her face as the other held the document. A smile appeared on her face, small, but true. She was achieving her own feat, something her father never could have imagined. Not only was there peace across the continent, but now one of Vorenia’s former enemies would be a part of its empress’s harem. Something about that idea sent a shiver up her spine. “Lord Alinac, you may return this to my secretary. Tell him to announce it at the upcoming banquet.”

Alinac bowed his head, taking the parchment and swiftly exiting her office. She leaned back in her chair. Her coronation and the following banquet was approaching quickly. Dignitaries from every kingdom, including Fraujar, would be in attendance. Lord Maxim and the others who were present the day of the previous emperor’s death were being kept in the palace, there being no point to making a two to three day journey and having to return a day later. “While I’m thinking about Lord Maxim, I must speak with him.”

She rose from her seat, quickly exiting and heading toward the foreigners’ apartments. Orelia traveled through the gilded halls, the silk curtains flowing pleasantly. It struck Orelia with a sudden nostalgia, though the moment was but a few days ago. She suddenly realized just how much had changed in a few days. Two days previous, her father had been killed, and now she was halfway to her coronation. Taking a breath, Orelia shook her head. She needed to discuss a pressing issue that began circling her head the moment she sent Alinac away. Lord Maxim was most definitely a part of that issue.

As she entered the Dignitary Hall, she went to the first guard she saw. “Good day sir. May you point me in the direction of Lord Maxim’s apartments?”

“His Lordship is the third door on the left, though he may be out in the gardens at the moment, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you very much. Have a good day, sir.”

“You as well, Your Majesty.”

Orelia walked to the door the guard had told her was Maxim’s, knocking three times. “Come in!” she heard from the inside.

She pushed the door open, stepping inside and looking for the source of the voice. “Lord Maxim?” she called.

“Oh, Your Majesty!” the voice returned, a figure shooting upwards from the couch in the center of the room. “I apologize! I was reading an incredibly good book.”

Orelia smiled as she recognized the figure as a maskless Maxim, shaking her head at him. “No need for the formalities while we are alone. The walls are just thick enough to prevent eavesdropping. Trust me, I tried when I was younger. I would sneak to the Dignitary Hall to hear discussion about the war, but I could never hear, not even through the door.”

“What a fascinating story, my lady!” Maxim smiled, placing his book down on a side table.

He neared her, Orelia tilting her head slightly. “What are you doing, Maxim?”