I walk down the stairs. Torches are the only light in this gloomy and dark place. I know that Michael didn’t return to his study and he is not practicing which means only one thing. He is down in the crypt of the emperors. Every emperor and his wife have been buried down here since the start of Arria.

He only comes down here when he is in deep thought and wants to read their diaries. I reach the bottom of the stairs and walk. Michael is standing in front of a casket. There is no body in it because it was built for him.

“Matteo?”

“Yes, my lord?” I walk over to a casket in the center. It belongs to Lucifer, the first emperor. I open his diary but the symbols are merely chicken scratch to me. I know that there is a translated version but I have always found the original to be interesting. “Do you know the language?”

“No, why would I bother? There is a translated version.” I flip through the pages. I swear the writing seems familiar but I cannot put my finger on it. I pick up the translated version. The Arrian seems old fashioned but is still legible. The words talk about village after village being burned.

I put the book back into its slot. I feel a sense of reverence for this place. Every single emperor of Arria that there ever was is in this place. So much history is concentrated in this small place and yet so few people know of its existence.

“Each one of them are part of your lineage.”

“I guess that is true...”

I look at Michael. He shouldn’t hold their actions against himself. He may be their descendant but that doesn’t mean he is to be blamed for their actions. I could have been many things but when I was younger I met him.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Never had I met somebody as diligent and inspiring. He was so young and yet he seemed to soak up any information you threw at him. When I was surrounded by darkness and had lost all hope he became my light to lead the way.

I do not care if anybody else has a claim to the throne. I would only be willing to follow him and any child he sires. Even if they did not possess the imperial sigil. I had always wanted to abandon my duties because I loved Caterina but I knew that nobody would have let me.

If I had simply ran they would have hunted me down and killed me.

Michael created a plan in order for me to escape. He hired the most talented person to substitute for me. The deal wasn’t that bad. He got all my wealth and titles in return all he had to do was pretend to be me.

Luckily my substitute is dead. The best way to keep a secret is to kill all those involved.

“I am going to be a father.” I smile at the words because I had figured as much earlier in the day. I am glad that the imperial lineage shall continue. That I will have a new master to serve if ever something happens to Michael.

“This is good news for all of Arria.”

“I don’t know how to feel. A part of me is happy to have a child, I always longed for family, but the other part of me knows that I have nothing to give this child.” I disagree with him. While I admit the throne is a rather horrid gift he can prepare his child for the future. Can raise them to be even better than he is.

All he needs to give is his love but I am not sure he even thinks he can do even this.

“I am sure you will be a good father. Keep in mind this: You did not fail your family. They have failed you.” I say before leaving him. He can mope around all day inside the crypts. Once he is done he will be doing far more productive things than what he is currently doing.

I better check up on Luca. He is probably moping around as well. I can tell those two grew up together. They even mope at the same time. I close the secret door. While most people wouldn’t even be visiting this area of the palace one can’t leave things up for chance.

Lucifer... He isn’t as noble as Michael but I doubt he is as bad as Michael considers him. I am sure Michael hates him because he started the linage that he hates. My opinions on him are much more neutral.

He did what he had to do in a time that Arria needed him to do it. Nothing more, nothing less.