Guardians of Magic

I. Prologue

Prologue

People are chattering. Healers and maids rushed in and out from the Empress’ quarter.  The empire seems to be in a great chaos.

Instructions are passed; orders are shouted across rooms.

 Everyone is panicking.

This is supposed to be the most awaited time for the people of Corinth. Because today, a princess is to be born.

The Emperor and the Empress waited for ten long years for this baby—the heiress of the throne. They were extremely overwhelmed when they’ve first learned that Empress Veronica is pregnant. This princess will become the third generation of the ruling family. The Ozera’s.

She is destined to become the next and probably the best ruler the land has ever had.

The footsteps of Emperor Philip echoed on the silent hallway. He is on his way to the empress' quarter. A soldier was sent to inform him that he is requested to be there. Heart hammering, he made his way through the room.

He doesn’t want to be in there in the first place. As much as he wants to witness the delivery, he wanted to stay out than see his wife in great pain while going through the process.

He let a deep sigh out.

The bed is in the center of the room. The empress lay there. Still. But he could see her catching her breath. She’s tired. A Healer is positioned on the end of the bed, giving instructions to deliver the child successfully. Two maids are placed on both sides of the bed. Four more are scattered around the room. Alert for new orders to be given on them.

Emperor Philip exhaled.

He slowly made his way through the Empress. The two maids dispersed and gave way for him.

Veronica. His wife.

She’s pale. Or paler than usual. He found her hand and held it. Veronica opened her eyes and found him. He nodded and presses her hand for encouragement.

Slowly, a smile appeared on Veronica’s lips. Then, there was understanding between them. An understanding present even on the absence of words. Philip knelt and gently kissed his wife’s hand.

“For our princess” he whispered.

Or it shall be. No. It must be. He had prayed for it. Begged actually. The Shaman couldn’t say anything that would change his mind.

He turned to the Healer and the Healer hold his gaze, as if for the last minute she is giving her last warning. And before long, she spoke,

“It must be now. We shall not delay the delivery. The child might be in danger.”

Philip nodded.

“Veronica, you can make it”. He caresses her forehead and takes away loose strands of hair strayed from her face.

At last, the Empress’ breathing quickens. Gaining for air and summoning the last strip of energy she has. Veronica pushes as hard as she could. After several attempt, her limp body falls on the soft mattress.

Forget about finesse. Damn with the royal etiquette.

Suddenly, a baby’s cry broke the silence.

Nobody spoke. Excitement enveloped the room. Everyone is waiting for the Healer’s announcement.

The Empress’ breathing returned to normal but her eyes remained close. She finally falls asleep.

The Emperor on the other hand releases the breath his holding. There was relief and a deafening silence for a short while. Then the Healer looked on the eyes of every witness present in the room.

Her eyes last landed on the Emperor’s close eyes and she declared,

“It’s a boy.”