The World Above

Chapter 21: The Heirs

I'm shaken by the encounter I just had. I have mixed feelings, I'm sad for them both but then happy that I could provide some relief to the Emperor.

"Will it be the same for me? If I'm infertile, will Felix have to bring in a concubine?" The thought of sharing Felix with someone makes my stomach feel funny. Or is that because of the time traveling?

"Don't worry, you aren't infertile." Sulya clamps his hand on my back, filling me with warmth and relief. "So any more questions before we move on?" Boulder asks

"Umm.. two!" I think for a while before answering. "Shoot!" Adara encourages. "OK so first, who are the Blessed? And second, what happens to Inizio and Eve?"

"The Blessed are the people born with magical abilities, the opposite of humans." Chika explains. "And the answer of your second question, why don't you see for yourself..." Majesty answers.

"What do you mean?" I ask, confused. "Our next destination is the wedding of Emperor Inizio and Concubine Vivendel and the birth of the two Heirs." Ignis clarified.

"Lady Vivendel gives birth to Twins?!" I look between all six of my companions. "If we were to tell you everything, what would be the use if taking you on this journey. Now Hush!" Adara rolls her eyes and commands.

I laugh sheepishly, "Okay, let's go!" Ignis nods then opens another door. This time we find ourselves in the middle of a wedding celebration.

The Emperor, adorned in ceremonial robes, stands at the altar with a demeanor that belies his inner turmoil. We take front row seats as the concubine, Lady Vivendel approaches Emperor Inizio.

Lady Vivendel is also very beautiful. She has golden lock that reach till her knees, half of them in an updo that makes her seem so young and refreshing. Her pale yet shining skin has a smile etched on it, a smile that holds many meanings.

To the oblivious onlookers, it might seem as if she is happy getting married to the Emperor and gaining a position of power. However those who are observant enough, understand that her smile means  that she is satisfied and has accepted the real reason why this wedding is taking place.

She wears a gown made of celestial silk that shines like Stardust when hit by the rays of the setting Sun. She approaches with an ethereal grace, her presence emanating the aura of enchantment.

The Empress, watches from a distance, concealing her sorrow behind a facade of regal composure. Clad in robes of muted elegance, she watches the concubine approach the alter, her heart heavy with the understanding of the political necessity that demanded this union.

As the vows are exchanged, The Emperor promises to love and cherish his concubine and vows to protect her for all eternity.

I strangely understand what Empress Eve is going through.
All the inner turmoil, the sorrow, the pain she is going through as she observes her beloved giving the same pledge he gave her when they got married, to another woman. Holding her hands as he promises her his love. She looks away and i don't blame her.

The ceremony ends with a feast. The concubine, now declared as Imperial Consort Vivendel, is surrounded by admirers and well wishers. She can be heard giggling,  her laughter ringing through the halls.

After some time, the Empress gets up and goes toward the newly wedded couple. She extends her congratulations, her words laced by poignant mixture of acceptance and melancholy. She dares not look at the Emperor.

Instead she holds the Consort in an embrace, gesturing that she was welcomed and that no hard feelings were meant for her. The celestials looked at them and sighed. Even the Emperor smiled with relief.