Nero stood outside of the ceremonial room within the BloodStar Empire castle, the home of Empress Victoria. Since he returned Xenia’s body home, no one had been permitted to see her other than Victoria. Today, that changed.
Nero looked at the few visitors who had been granted access to view Xenia, “Empress Victoria has granted you three permission to view General BloodStar. She does not do so lightly. It is a show of trust, respect, and honor to allow you all a viewing of her heir. Her heir who holds to life by a string last I saw a day ago. I would advise you all to carry yourselves carefully around the Empress.”
King Ramses and Queen Zara nodded respectfully. Although they ranked much higher than a mere Gladiator Champion, they could feel the sands of power shifting beneath their feet. If Xenia truly were dead or dying, they would be catapulted to great power possibly. However, they acted cautiously knowing that if she survived, Nero would report every detail to her. Especially if those details involved disrespect towards her suffering.
The third member of the group, Senator Arthur Davis, nodded respectfully as well. Of the group, he was the only one of the three who genuinely wished to see Xenia recover. Not only did he have his selfish reasons, but he also had grown to crave their times together. She was irresistibly cruel and sexy.
Nero then said, “Allow me a moment to confirm with Empress Victoria she is ready for guests. Please wait a moment longer.”
Nero then entered the ceremonial sanctuary to find Empress Victoria meditating beside a large rejuvenation chamber. The chamber was cylindrical and filled with fluid. Within the chamber, Xenia floated suspended in the fluid with an air mask attached to her mouth and several monitoring leads attached to her body. The flicker of her aura fighting off the attacking aura could still be seen in small but violent bursts followed by random jolts of electricity-like streaks.
Nero looked on at her body which hadn’t changed for the better since he first laid eyes upon her on the battlefield. Her legs were still missing, one eye was still missing, one hand was still missing, and her side still had a huge portion missing from it. Additionally, Xenia was naked within the chamber, and hundreds more minor injuries all over her body were now visible which Nero had not appreciated before.
Nero solemnly inspected his leader’s body further noting that the periphery of her major injuries had a black discoloration suggestive of tissue necrosis creeping steadily inwards to the core of her body. He closed his eyes and spoke to Victoria with a somber tone, “She doesn’t look better.”
Victoria opened her eyes and stood from her meditation, “No. She doesn’t.”
Nero remained standing with a solemn expression looking at Xenia as he said, “It was my job to protect her. And instead, she protected me.”
Victoria put her hand on his shoulder, “You did protect her. Lest you forget. You blocked a third Lightbringer and slayed 5,000 soldiers. You stood foot to foot with the Holy Light Empire and won. Xenia has you to thank.”
Nero asked, “Will she make it?”
Victoria answered, “I don’t know. If anyone can, it’s Xenia to be sure. If she does survive, she will be ever stronger for it. She lacked focus while in a state of Bloodlust, and it nearly cost her life. The only thing keeping her alive right now is her intense focus on healing. If she survives, she will have a razor-sharp focus. She will have gained the skills needed to master Bloodlust.”
Victoria walked around the rejuvenation chamber and gave a brief smile, “My heir. Stronger than me in every way. If she masters Bloodlust at such an early age, there will be no stopping her. Her enemies had better pray for her death. And if she survives, they had better pray for their own deaths. My daughter is not one to let someone die so easily when she is angry.”
The two stood in silence until Victoria called out, “Okay Constance. As we planned.”
Nero internally thought to himself, “Constance is here? I failed to detect her. No wonder Xenia holds her in such high esteem. She is clearly talented with her unique skills.”
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Suddenly, Nero saw a dead Xenia with no pulse readout. He looked to Victoria, “You intend to mislead the King and Queen?”
Victoria quietly said, “If Xenia survives, it will be our little secret. This situation also just happens to serve as a perfect opportunity to test Ramses and Zara’s loyalty. A power vacuum almost never fills quietly.”
Nero didn’t fully comprehend the meaning behind her words, but he said, “I will show them in at once.”
Moments later, King Ramses and Queen Zara walked in. King Ramses with wide eyes said, “So. So it is true. She is dead. How can this be?”
Queen Zara softly said, “The bloodline power is broken. The last of its kind. A day of sorrow for our family.”
Victoria nodded, “Indeed, it is. Xenia has passed. As talented as she was, not even she could overcome her injuries. This will obviously cause a great deal of turmoil within the political world. It may even lead to more war should the Master Families feel emboldened to come after me.”
Ramses said, “What will you do?”
Victoria laughed, “I don’t know Ramses. I am not keen to rule the world without a bloodline heir.”
Zara quickly said, “Even if that is so. What will you do if and when the Master Families force you to fight? Can you win?”
Victoria shook her head, “If anyone could win such an asymmetric battle, it would be me. However, I fear with my curse, the odds would be ever in favor of my defeat.”
Ramses and Zara shot each other a look that did not go unnoticed by Victoria though she let it be.
Instead, Victoria said, “The world cannot now have confirmation of her death. Things are much too fragile. We have inherited an alliance with the United States from Xenia, and we should act to protect it if they remain loyal to our own cause as well.”
Ramses and Zara nodded in agreement as they both swore to keep the confirmation of Xenia’s death a secret within the family.
Shortly after, Victoria dismissed them both and called for Nero.
As Nero entered, she said, “I am going for a walk with Senator Davis. Guard Xenia’s body as you did on the battlefield. I have fully recharged your sword during my meditations since you arrived with Xenia. Save for Constance, no one is allowed in. That includes the King and Queen. The price of disobedience is death.”
Nero nodded as he took to his duty and stood guard with his sword drawn at the ready. He would spare no one and take no chances.
Victoria stepped out of the ceremonial chamber and greeted Arthur, “Senator Davis. My daughter spoke so fondly of you. I want you to know that you are always welcome in my empire.” She then reached to hug him.
After releasing their embrace, Arthur said, “Please, call me Arthur. I, personally, have lost a friend. Professionally, I have lost an ally. As has my country. As we hope to navigate our way forward in the war against the Holy Light Empire, they have sent me to clarify and confirm a few things.”
Victoria said “Let’s take a walk, shall we? The castle grounds are simply stunning this time of year.”
Arthur followed along with her as they strolled the courtyards which were perfectly curated and maintained. Victoria then said, “The official stance of the empire is that we are not yet ready to disclose the status of Xenia. Furthermore, I cannot partake in your war. I understand this puts your country in a difficult position.”
Arthur nodded, “It very much does. However, the BloodStar Empire has never been anything but helpful to the United States, and we can only thank you for your past aid and hope to one day continue to work together on the international stage even if you cannot fight our wars with us.”
Victoria smiled, “I can see why Xenia liked you. Very well spoken. Very diplomatic.”
Arthur smiled back, “We were great friends I would like to think.”
Victoria nudged him, “Xenia tells me you knew each other a little better than friends.”
Arthur coughed as he cleared his throat to buy time to formulate a response, “Well, errr, we also had the opportunity to work very closely together on a number of things.”
“That you did.” Victoria stopped in the courtyard. “I realize this trip will be largely fruitless for your country. But let me tell you this. Because you are someone who Xenia valued. And because you are someone who she had great plans for to lead the United States as president one day. You should urge your country to maintain a friendly alignment with the BloodStar Empire.”
Arthur tilted his head, “I would like to. And my country would like to. But understand our existence will be threatened if we do so.”
Victoria quietly said, “I have lived for over 150 years. My advice is good, Senator. I cannot tell you the details at the present moment as I have a number of narratives in the wind that I cannot corrupt by imparting knowledge to you until I confirm a few things. However, please take my advice on faith and trust me.”
Arthur narrowed his eyes and took a serious demeanor, “I have no reason to not trust you, Empress Victoria. I will do as you say.”
Arthur stood in place as Victoria bid him farewell; however, Arthur called after her, “As you say Empress, I knew Xenia very well. And I know she is alive. Convincing my colleagues though will be difficult if I am not allowed to lay eyes on her at the present moment.”
Victoria turned to him and said, “She was right about you. Clever and handsome. Even a glutton for pain.” Victoria sighed, “Do your best to convince them. I can’t say with certainty Xenia is alive or dead right now. But I hope your hunch is right.”
She continued to walk away and called over her shoulder, “Remember, you are always welcome here, Senator.”