It's Pretty Damn Efficient

...would pull you from the tide.

The public knows.

That's all Athanasia can think as she stares at the angry citizens, screaming at the top of their lungs whilst holding signs, each one reading the same thing.

'Kill The Emperor.'

Claude had been found guilty of kidnapping, child endangerment, torture, assault, illegal use of black magic, and murder. Along with that, he had also been diagnosed with depression, BPD, paranoia, and schizophrenia.

Athanasia is wearing a gown that she shouldn't be wearing, not at her age. There's a heavy crown on top of her head as she stares down at her father.

He stares back, calm, which is quite impressive considering the noose around his neck.

A few lives ago, their positions were swapped.

Now, Jennette is sobbing into her brother's shoulder, as Ijekiel stares down at Claude mournfully.

"Citizens." Athanasia finally manages to let a few words out of her clogged throat. "We are gathered here today to witness the judgment of Claude de Alger Obelia, the former Emperor and murderer of the beloved Roger Alpheus."

There's a roar of approval, and Claude's eyes meet Athanasia's.

"I..." Athanasia wavers, before standing steadfast. "Even though this man is my father, I cannot allow this to pass. I cannot allow him to live, knowing that he has endangered myself, along with the children of the Alpheus household. I cannot allow him to live, knowing he tore a family apart."

She raises her hand, giving off the signal, and the noose tightens around Claude's throat.

It's sickening, hearing his bones stretch and pop. Athanasia turns her head away, waiting for the sounds to stop.

For a brief moment, there's nothing but silence.

And then screams of justice, each one yelling out how karma had come and delivered.

Athanasia turns to the crowd once more. "I, Athanasia de Alger Obelia, swear to you that under my rule, I shall protect you all to the best of my abilities. I shall atone for my father's sins..."

She raises her head confidently. "And I shall make sure that peace will be restored."

The crowd cheers, each one screaming out different sentences, so many Athanasia can't keep up.

In unison, the citizens of Obelia chanted loudly.

"Long live the Empress!"

~

Lucas and Athanasia have been moved to the Garnet Palace, and, for the time being, Ijekiel and Jennette to the Emerald Palace.

She's majorly redecorated Claude's former room, the cold, bareness of it disappearing. Each corner filled with different parts of both Lucas and Athanasia's personalities.

A whole corner dedicated to skincare and relaxing, a ton of bookshelves filled to the brim with both books about alchemy and magic.

The royal blue replaced with a gentle purple, all traces of her father removed.

She's sitting by Lucas's side, who's laying down in a comfy bed.

Athanasia has done this before, simply in less desirable circumstances. She reaches out with her hand and touches the swirling red above Lucas's heart, and she shuts her eyes tight.

The beautiful, starry sky fills her vision, hues of red and burgundy swirling around with Lucas as the centerpiece to this art.

"Lucas," she calls gently.