The Veneer of Injustice

Part 17

Snow Moon 10, 1527 C.Q

Bowing my head again, I prayed in gratitude for the goodness of what I had just understood. Because of the Almighty's grace, I had arrived at the decision that I knew would change everything for Emerstones and for me. I would finally begin to restore the ancient glory of my princedom, the esteemed virtue of her citizens, and ensure that my crown was worthy of rule.

Despite the urge in my heart to proclaim my love from the towers, however, I would not reveal my true thoughts immediately. Though I understood the relative value of life itself, I did not want to place my people in any unnecessary danger – I would first put every possible precaution and safeguard against Emerstones' enemy before completely dropping my veneer. Yet, though I had my next actions to plan, I wished to savor the sweetness of my thoughts amid the presences of those whom I loved for just this one evening.

For a few minutes more, I enjoyed the cool touch of the wind ruffling my hair. Then, rising to my feet, I turned and left the eyrie. I descended the stairs and strode towards the front hall. I would go towards the feast, where most of my people would probably still be – my considerations had begun for their sakes, and what place to celebrate the wonder of those thoughts than among them?

Though I was no longer smiling, my face was lighter than it had been since the days before the first invasion. I was happier than I had ever before been.

As I drew closer to the courtyard, a commotion drifted to my ears. Then footsteps began to tap through many of the corridors that led away from the entrance hall.

Suddenly, as I walked around the corner of a hallway, I beheld Corisa. She was speaking urgently into a communications emerald set into the pendant of her necklace and was looking out through one of the windows that lined the hallway and overlooked the courtyard. In the golden light streaming in through those windows, her pale hair seemed to radiate a soft glow, and her formal silver robes enhanced the regality already evident in her bearing. She had not yet noticed my presence.

I halted so that I could delight in being in her presence for a few minutes more, before she learned of my presence and I had to act according to the tyrant's persona. I drank in the sight of her and marveled at the beauty of her character. Hers had been the voice that had guided me towards my conclusions and my decision. She was a gift from the Almighty unto Emerstones and unto me. She had taught me what I had most needed to learn. She was the catalyst for my decision, the magic that was transforming a tyrant into a worthy ruler. Her virtue had not only blossomed amid a hostile environment but had been the example that would change Emerstones. As I stared, starstruck, at her, I prayed that the Almighty would bless her.

Her brow furrowed, Corisa shook her head as she listened to the message relayed to her by the emerald. She frowned and then shook her head again. And amid the motion, her eyes flicked towards me. She blinked, turned her head towards me, and stared in evident shock for a moment. She murmured something into the emerald and ended the connection. Then she fully faced me and bowed. "Your Highness!" she exclaimed. "You left so suddenly and quietly that the ministers are uncertain about whether we missed an important order or aspect of the ceremony. What do you command, Your Highness?" Her face was creased with anxiety.

I had not meant to cause them to worry about my pleasure. Indeed, their doing so pained me, particularly because of the exalted glow in my heart and mind that came from my decision. Yet the time to reveal my true thoughts, though near, was not now. Thus, though I wished dearly to act otherwise, I answered coolly, "Return to the feast." But, despite my efforts, I could not completely don the tyrant's persona. My voice was just slightly warmer than it had ever been, and I knew that Corisa had noticed for her eyes had widened.