The Last [UNDER MAJOR REWRITING]

Chapter One | I

William stared at the green scenery blurring through the window of the car, his thoughts racing. Adler tapped his shoulder to catch his attention when he failed to do so by calling him out several times. "Your Highness," Adler called out as he caught his attention. William's brown hair looked unkempt, his clothes stained with dry blood. "Would you like to look at the news?"

Adler received a curt nod in response. "It's Ephriam now," Adler heard William say, low enough to miss it easily. "Sorry?"

"It's Ephriam, my middle name. We can't have you addressing me as 'Your Highness' anymore, Ad."

"Yes," Adler chuckled. "Eph." William shot a glance at Adler, his blue eyes bearing a dangerous glint to them. "Oh, okay. My god, spare my life," Alder laughed loudly as he passed on his phone to William.

The 70th Emperor of the Holy Ceterrian Empire, has been assasinated in the Schönbrunn Palace. The Royal Secretarial Office has released a statement stating that the Emperor is now dead, and has announced a public broadcasted coronation of The First Prince, The High Chancellor, His Highness Richard Everleigh. The culprit is still unknown and the capital is under tight lockdown to ensure maximum security to the citizens and officials.

An anonymous whistle blower, Mais, has said that they heard several gun shots fired in the throne room today around 11:04 am, while the Emperor was talking with The Third Prince, The Prime Minister, His Highness William Everleigh. The whereabouts of His Highness are currently unknown.

His Majesty, Charlton Everleigh had ascended the throne at the age of 37 and reigned for 38 years. His Majesty is survived by his Wife, Duchess Barbara Alexis and his five children.

[The identity of Mais has been verified as a credible source from the palace and we shall keep them anonymous.]

Published on 26 February 2020 at 12: 17 pm

"So, Ephriam, what do you make of it?" Adler asked, throwing an arm around William.

"My Brother is now the Emperor, Ad." William informed, dropping the phone in his hand, staring lifelessly at nothing in particular. "I apologise, I'm quite famished."

"Don't worry 'bout it," Adler said, letting go off him and picking up the phone. Staring at William's shivering hands, he felt a pang of guilt. "Want to take a nap? I'll wake you up in a while."

"I'd like that," William said as he rested his head against the now fogged window and crossed his arms. The scenery changing from green landscaped to barren lands.

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The Schönbrunn Palace was bustling with people, nobility dressed in their best silk dresses, jewels adorning their outfits. Every single person wearing their coronation robes and the crest of the Empire on their outfits proudly.

Several secretaries scurried about informing the nobility of their assigned places to stand in the same throne room which was a crime scene until an hour ago. No traces of blood remained on the royal red carpets, the scent of dust and lavender filled the hall. About five hundred people who identified themselves under the tag of upper class nobility stood, awaiting the royalty to address them and the subjects of the Empire.

The promised time was one in the noon, and the time ticked half past one and the nobility grew impatient by the minute. As the clock struck two, a guard next to the doors behind them announced. "Presenting Her Imperial Majesty," and the press started recording from a corner of the room.

The doors opened with little to no sound. A tall lady with blonde hair tied in a bun, decorated with grand diamond tiara. Her golden gown sweeping the carpets behind her, shone under the bright amber lights. She walked slowly, gracefully, her head raised high. The wrinkles on her pale face made her age evident. Her thin red lips contrasted her pale face and a strand of her hair framed her face. She held her arms together as she payed no heed to the nobility on either of her sides staring at her with prying eyes.