When the Crown Falls

Chapter 5 - The War Hero

EMI AINU

The news of the emperor’s sudden demise spread throughout the capital like wildfire.
Grief, shock, and disbelief flooded the people as they grappled to process the news. It was expected, a peaceful death of old age befitting—of a great ruler.

It had been a couple of months since then, Tenji finally sat on the throne where his father once held his court. The air was heavy and solemn—one thing that refused to change since the passing. Servants moved about the palace in a state of quietness, their heads bobbed down as they passed the corridor.

As the new emperor, Tenji became occupied with never-ending documents and meetings with the court officials.
We were in the midst of hearing out reports regarding an invasion of a trade route when a knight suddenly came rushing into the court room and interrupted a speaking Duke. “Forgive me, Your Majesty! Commander Seimu has returned!”

Tenji’s head snapped towards the knight, “Seimu?” he then stood up suddenly, causing the chair to scrape against the floor; the loud screeching sound added more to the anxious atmosphere.
I heard bits of whispers about this man ever since I was grated to join the court meetings. Sujin Seimu, rumors called him the ruthless white tiger of Aurelia. It is said that his hair that is as white as snow shone through the red tint of his enemies’ blood and his red eyes was no more to be matched as it contrasted that of a white tiger’s.

"Let him in.” Tenji ordered.

The sound of the doors opening snapped me out of my thoughts. I looked up and saw the tall and lean form of a man striding towards our end of the table. As he stepped closer, I realized he had not bothered to remove his armor. Everyone gasped at the outrageous sight of the blood stains covering the entirety of him.

Tenji watched silently as the commander knelt before him. A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips and he slowly sat down to his chair once more. “Commander Seimu,” Tenji spoke up, evoking the underlying tension.
“It’s been  while, my old friend.”

The commander raised his head and his red eyes glinted against the dullness of his armor. “Your Majesty.” he said, his voice was deep and grave, the exhaustion barely vague.

Tenji’s smirk widened faintly as he glanced round the room and at the officials. “You may all leave.” he suddenly ordered. Hearing this, the court quickly protested, “Your Majesty! You cannot simply dismiss us, we are still in the middle of a court discussion!”

“Are you questioning my order?” Tenji warned and the officials began to shift nervously, realizing their mistake.

They immediately pinned their gaze unto me, seeking out help. It was not like I could disobey the emperor, rather it was because they considered my words the final decision. Thanks to a past incident with the royal treasure, more than half of the royal court secretly conclude any political decision with me before executing it.

The meeting was important but welcoming a war hero dealt more greatly so I merely raised my hand and waved them off, telling them to obey Tenji.
The officials exchanged glanced and then quietly, they bowed in obedience and began to leave the room one by one. The last official left ad the heavy door closed once more with a loud thud, leaving only the three of us in the quiet room.

I glanced at the commander who was still knelt on the floor, kept his head owed down and his expression unreadable. I stood up and lowered my head to Tenji “I will leave Your Majesty with his guest.”

“Sit down, Empress.” Tenji’s voice halted me to whee I stood until I fumbled back to my chair. It was unexpected. Tenji’s intentions to keep me there were anything but clear, I couldn't see any ideal reason for him to  make me stay. Still, I obeyed. 

He turned slightly to look at commander Seimu and gestured for him to rise.
For a moment, no one spoke and the quiet room continued in an awkward silence. “Six years, huh” Tenji finally spoke, the corner of his lips twisted into a smirk. “That is quite a long time to be away, old friend. You have missed many things while you were away.” Commander Seimu’s expression remained unchanged as he replied. “Perhaps you are referring to the former emperor’s passing.” Tenji nodded, his expression darkened for a moment before he continue. “Yes, he died a while back. And I have taken the throne in his place.”

I refused to shift in my seat, trying to remain as invisible as possible.  I was in a conversation I should never have been a part of. 
The discomfort showed and I noticed the commander’s gaze sharpened on my for a brief moment. On the other hand, Tenji remained oblivious as the same.

"You must be exhausted from your journey.” he said. “Save the details for later, I will have the servants arrange a room for you to rest in.” Tenji waved his hand. “Empress, show our guest the way.”
I simply nodded and stood up from my seat. “Yes, Your Majesty.” My gaze shifted to commander Seimu who was already staring a me before giving a polite bow. “I appreciate the hospitality.” his voice deep and rumbling.

“This way, commander.” The door shut close and everything continued in silence. The awkward tension from the court room was gone, yet another replaced it.

I walked ahead, the rustling of our garments and footsteps the only things competing with the deafening silence as we walked through the halls of the palace. Commander Seimu silently followed, his boots created a steady rhythm on the floor and the copper stench from his armor filled the path. “It is quite the surprise, having the empress show me to my room.” His voice quietly echoed.

“It is only right for me to personally treat the guest with deserved hospitality.” I murmured indifferently.

I stopped in front of a huge white wooden door carved with pure gold. “Here we are.”

“I am certainly feeling the deserved hospitality, Your Majesty.” Ignoring the annoying hint of playfulness in his tone, I opened the door.
Commander Seimu entered the room, his gaze swept across the luxurious accommodations. The interior was spacious and extravagantly decorated; the high ceiling, lavish furnishings, and the elaborated decor gave off a regal feel. He let out a low whistle of appreciation.

I looked over to my shoulder and let a line of servants in before looking back at him. “They’ll be assisting you of your needs.” My gaze flicked down to the blood staining his garments and turned to a servant. “Prepare a clean set of clothes for the commander.”

He looked down and seemingly realized his state. “You are very kind, Your Majesty.” his voice eased slightly as the servants began to prepare his minor needs.
“Not to be rude, but it almost seems you’ll be taking care of me during my stay here.”

“As per His Majesty’s request.” I turned around. “I’ll leave you to your rest, commander. Though His Majesty  also asked for you to join dinner later.”

“I look forward to it.”