ROBIN. [ S1 complete and S2 in the making! ]

The Heir Apparent

Y/n's Point of View:

The last echo of the melody faded, leaving a lingering silence in its wake. My movements stilled, the dance complete. Slowly, the room blinked awake, heads rising from their enthralled state. 

A smattering of gasps escaped pursed lips, and a hush fell over the gathered nobles. With measured grace, I dipped into a curtsy, my eyes meeting the Emperor's as the sea of faces gaped in awe before me.

A wave of applause washed over the room, all except for the envious flicker in my siblings' eyes. Murmurs of admiration swirled in the air:

"Such elegance!"

"Truly breathtaking!"

"Words fail me... like a vision from the heavens!"

Jealousy, however, festered amongst my siblings, excluding a few who had zero interest towards the throne. 

Prince Volkov, who had expected his expensive emerald mine to secure his favor, scowled. Princess Seraphina clenched her fists, her elaborate gown suddenly feeling stiff and lifeless compared to my simple elegance.

The Emperor, however, remained a stoic figure. He raised a hand, and the clamor died away. An expectant hush fell over the room.

Then, a single clap broke the silence. The Empress, her pink gemstone eyes sparkling, offered a warm smile. "Beautiful," she declared, her voice echoing through the chamber. "A truly magnificent performance."

A compliment, let alone a genuine smile, from the Empress was a rare treasure. 

"Thank you, Imperial Mother." I curtsied. 

The Emperor's response, however, was curt and direct. "Sit," he commanded. A surprised murmur rippled through the room.

"Forgive me, Imperial Father?" I inquired, my voice carefully measured.

"Take the throne at my right," he elaborated. "A temporary reward for your contribution to the evening's festivities. After the banquet, you may express a single wish. Choose wisely."

I bowed deeply. "Such an honor is beyond anything I could have imagined. I shall take this time to consider my request thoughtfully."

"Very well. Now, rise and join me."

With a grateful smile, I acknowledged him. "Thank you, Imperial Father, for this recognition."

As I ascended the dais, bathed in the warm rose-gold light, I couldn't help but notice Volkov's clenched fists and Seraphina, the eldest princess, gripping her fan tightly. 

'My reputation rises,' I thought, a sly smile playing on my lips, 'and so do my rivals.' 

But today, the Emperor had acknowledged me.

I watched as the remaining younger siblings presented their gifts, a smug satisfaction as I swirled the champagne in my glass. 

Royals don't get drunk easily, and alcohol has no effect in their health. Royals who are 10 years or older are allowed to drink wine as much as they please to a considerable amount. 

The whispers of the nobles had shifted. 

Where once I was seen as an unruly and ignorant child, now I was regarded as a true royal, one who had earned the Emperor's begrudging respect and the Empress's favor. More importantly, the dance had showcased my refinement and cultural knowledge all due to the Emperor's reaction.

While this may not have secured the crown yet, it certainly established me as a force to be reckoned with.

No longer would I be a target for petty slights.

'Before they raised their heads to the sky.'

Bringing the glass to my lips, I smirked. 

"Now look at them, bowing their heads down in fear with their ego deflated."

End of Chapter IX | The Heir Apparent

Word count: 549.