The World Above

Chapter 20: The Empress's Infidelity

My frustrations go unnoticed, in fact they are dismissed. All of the dragons have the same attitude like Sulya. I don't try anymore and instead focus on my environment.

"Your Majesty!" As soon as the Emperor and Empress sit, the celestials began clamoring for their attention, talking so loudly that I had to cover my ears.

"SILENCE! Even my dragons don't roar as loudly as you people! Talk decently and one by one, I'm not going anywhere." I'm pretty sure the Emperor wanted to add 'Unfortunately' at the end as well but refrained himself.

"Your Majesty, you are our first ruler, the first of the gods, you are the only one who can control the dragons. You have been brought up by the wisest among us, bred by the Lord himself." The first person to speak is the god of war, Djimon, as I'm told.

He wears an armor crafted from celestial metals, his breastplate is etched with motifs of battle and victory. A flowing cape of crimson silk billows behind him, symbolizing the conflict of bloodshed.

"That is why we implore you to rethink about getting a concubine." The goddess of wisdom, Veda, continues the chain.

Clad in garments adorned with intricate runes and scrolls, Veda exudes a serene aura of contemplation. Her eyes sparkle with infinite knowledge and a circlet of wisdom's eye gemstone rests on her brow, increasing her keen perception.

The Emperor Inizio, rubs his temples and clenches his jaw. It seems as if this topic has been discussed quite a few times. The Empress Eve looks somewhat guilty and sad. She twists her fingers and keeps her head lowered.

"Why do they want Emperor Inizio to bring in a new wife? I mean Empress Eve is beautiful. And they look like they really love each other." I ask looking at the dragons for some answers.

"Love and beauty aren't everything. The Empress was infertile." Ignis replies. My eyes widen, poor her.

"Your Majesty, we understand that this is a very delicate topic but as the Emperor of Magix you must consider many factors, including an heir!" God of Animals, Agrius, exclaims.

Agrius's attire blends the textures of nature - his robe woven from supple leather and adorned with feathers and fur. On his waist is a belt of intertwined vines that holds pouches of herbs, tokens of wild and a crossbow.

"We were totally supportive when you declared that you would marry a school teacher, even more so when you declared that you would have no concubines. But an Heir is something we can not compromise on!" Goddess of darkness, Roisin Dubh, tries to make a point.

Roisin Dubh's attire is a study in contrast - robes of deepest ebony adorned with subtle silver embroidery. Her glowing robe seems to absorb light, accentuating her graceful silhouette.

"And before you say there is a cure, it should do you well to remember that the Healers have been barely sleeping striving for a cure, ask Lavender here!" Ciaran, the god of chaos gestures towards the beauty on his left side.

Both of them are contrast of each other. Ciaran's attire is a tapestry of shifting colors and abstract patterns, embodying the ever changing nature of chaos. While Lavender's attire is a symphony of soothing colors - soft blues and greens reminiscent of soothing waters and healing herbs.

"It is true Your Majesty, I don't wish to be so discouraging but my Healers have exhausted our resources without finding a cure." Lavender speaks up when Ciaran gestures towards her.

"That is ENOUGH !" All eyes go to the Empress, "I understand that I have shortcomings, but then again, everyone has some."

"Ciaran, wherever you go, chaos always follows you. So you have to wear those anklets that contain your unpredictable nature."

"Sulien, being the god of light has its perks but wherever you go, your light becomes too bright for the people to even look at you. You have to wear that collar to contain your energy."

"Roisin Dubh, people are both amazed by your grace and terrified of the nightmares that you bring with your presence. That is why you would rather spend your time alone."

"Veda, being the goddess of knowledge I'm pretty sure you already know that people aren't that happy with you spouting facts all the time and correcting them."

"Djimon, whenever a fight breaks out, people always blame you because of your nature and powers. How many times have you told them that it's not always your fault and doing?"

"And these are just to name a few. Im not trying to undermine any of you. I'm just trying to say that none of you are perfect. And neither am I. I'm infertile, unable to carry a child in my womb, unable to give a blessing to our land."

"But I also know that every problem has a solution. That is why.... I give the Emperor my permission to get married and have a concubine."

The Empress right now is a vision of elegance and authority, her presence commanding reverence and admiration. Her demeanor is graceful yet formidable and her eyes reflect unwavering resolve with a hint of sadness.

At the Empress's words the court erupts in murmurs and the Emperor leaps to his feet. It seems as if he is trying to reason with her but she just pushes him away, bows and hurries out the room, her ladies in waiting behind her.

Her departure makes the room go silent. Then Aroha, the goddess of love, sweeps up her flowing robes of pastel hues, and marches towards the Emperor. She takes hold of his shoulders, looks him squarely in his eyes and does the most surprising thing.

She hugs him. It seems as if her touch soothes him and is filled with gentle warmth and the Emperormelts in her arms. After some time, she backs away and says, "Even the Empress knows how much necessary it is for a kingdom to have an heir. She has put stones on her heart and said it aloud in the court. You must not let her courage go to waste. Announce it!"

The Emperor looks up at the celestials. They all wait for his order. He gets up from the floor and looks at them one by one, determination and resolve seeping into his eyes as he does so.

"Go announce that the youngest daughter of the house Aster, Lady Vivendel, will be my concubine by the end of this month. House Aster should make necessary preparations." The Emperor declares after some thought.

Relief washes over the faces of the gods and goddesses. "Excellent choice Your Majesty ! She is the daughter of Marquess Aster, who is among the Blessed, and Lady Ivy, who is a human. Lady Vivendel carries both their blood. Your marriage to her will win you support from both humans and Blessed!" Oriana, the goddess of time beamed.

The Emperor didn't remark, instead he just waved his hand, "You are dismissed!" His audience looked at each other, bowed then left.

Once he was alone, the Inizio broke down, something he couldn't do infront of the others, as their Emperor, he could never ever show even a moment of raw emotion.

Is this what fate had planned for me? To live 500 years as a lifeless doll? To not have feelings or emotions, to not be able to love someone properly?

I silently observed the Emperor as he sat there, his majestic facade crumbling under the weight of his burdens. His regal robes, usually a sign of authority were now loosely draped on his shoulders, conveying a vulnerability that struck a chord in the observer.

I recognized a fragment of myself in him. Both of us were trapped under expectations, a life dictated by tradition rather than personal desire.

In that moment I just knew I had to assure him. So I took off my cloak, that hid me from his eyes and went towards him. He sensed my presence, hastily wiped his eyes and looked at me, "Who are you?" He wanted to come as authoritative but instead I heard his voice waver.

I just hugged him. "It's going to be alright. The Lord doesn't test His subject more than he can bear. Have faith in yourself!"

With that Majesty takes my arm, making me invisible and we move on to another timeline.