In a world where everything seems perfectly logical and pragmatic. The thought of anything existing outside of the realm of what one already knows seems impractical.
That is how Melinda Morrison sees life.
The very life where she has shared nearly e...
Even if I desired you, my want transcends my need.
"The map displayed before me illustrates your influence over the years, Prince Phidros. You've undoubtedly left a lasting mark on specific cities and even neighboring nations. However, the overwhelming support seems to gravitate toward Princess Alodia, your sister."
"Perhaps you might consider a position lower than Emperor, maybe an advisor to the next monarch or—"
"Enough." Frustration etched my face as I impatiently brushed my hair aside, pacing my office with irritation. Lord Deirdre Wis Amzhax, my close confidant, childhood friend, and, dare I say, campaign manager at this point, spoke with a tone of seriousness.
I let out a groan. How long had I been at this? Years, it seemed. Since my departure from that pitiful excuse for a country, Vesneau, I had meticulously plotted my triumphant return—an arrival filled with success, accolades, and the esteemed title of Crown Prince, a position I was convinced was rightfully mine.
Yet, the goal now felt more elusive than ever. All because of my sister, Alodia. No matter what I did or said, I couldn't gain a social or political edge over her.
I cursed my earlier life's laziness. Initially, all I did was revel in the luxuries this world offered, including the formidable magic I possessed as the son of a reigning Empress. Now, those indulgences seemed like missed opportunities.
"I will not relinquish the chance to become the Crown Prince simply because I am not favored as much as my older sister, especially when Vesneau..." I clenched my jaw as I continued pacing about.
"Is exponentially growing at its current pace." I finished.
It wasn't fair.
Why did Andrew get an easy pass to becoming a King and then Emperor, but I had to fight tooth and nail and earn merit when it came to inheriting the throne? Was it not enough that I shared blood with my mother, the current monarch, and ruler of this Mageocracy? I was a son, for crying out loud!
This world is so weird. The egalitarian system they touted was not what I expected. Initially, I thought it would be like the movies and stories where sons would be next in line to the throne, settling all the hustle and bustle. Instead, I found myself brushing shoulders with my competitors, who happened to be my own siblings and cousins. It had been nearly decades since the last male sat on the throne. Even in a system set to be equalized between genders, the preference for magic and ruling greatly favored women. I recalled reading about the feminine energy birthing an entire nation, which is why supreme mages and Cerianas were almost always women.
As I walked back up to my desk, where the map Deirdre conjured of my hard work mocked me plainly, anger surged within me, and I slammed my fist against the desk. "Why must I have to go through so much trouble just to be acknowledged, yet that fool of an Emperor in Vesneau can simply waltz into his seat and rule a nation?" I exclaimed.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
