It has been a week since I left my chamber. I have dealt with all matters of the Empire through mental correspondence. I can not leave, or I will risk the future. I have also been training. I have tested my cognitive powers, growing the fortitude so I can resist Vera's power. All I can do now is hope and work.
Today is my great return. Merl has organised a meeting with all the nobility in the Great Hall. I never usually have a mirror in my room, but today is a special day, so I had one brought in. My appearance has changed rapidly with the work I have done. Blood has increased flow along my body as colour has returned. My eyes... my eyes are turning a slight red. I should change my wardrobe. The only other outfit I own is from my revolutionary days, battle armour. Black-clad and skin-tight, it is not up to today's standards, but it will send a message. I am not as big as I used to be, but lucky the armour automatically adjusts for size.
The door zips open, and now I am ready to go. The Wind Guards, who were waiting at the door to escort me, are frozen. They all immediately salute as I continue to walk forward. Alec snaps them out of this trance as they almost forget to follow.
The doors to the hall stand in front of me again. This will be the test of my training. My feet slowly lift from the ground, but I feel no strain this time. I push my hand forward, smashing them open with a booming clash. I continue to float towards the throne. Instead of a profound silence, the hall fills with gasps. Uncontrollable spits of air cover my ascension to the throne. I slowly floated my way back down and perfectly sat on the throne. Unprompted, the hall suddenly explodes with applause as all in attendance join the booming sound.
The court herald steps forth, allowing for the applause to slowly die. "Our Holy Emperor has returned to us and is now ready to attend to your business and reassure you of any questions you all have!" The herald booms through the hall.
A short, well-dressed woman is the first to step forth. "This is Regi..." The herald tries to say but is immediately interrupted by the woman. "No need for introductions. I want to ask my question and go. Why did you kill High Lord Carlan my father? Are you siding with the commoners and accepting the gift they offered you?" She said with complete and utter confidence. I can sense she truly has no fear. I can sense more than I could about her with my stronger mind."No, Regina, I am not siding with the commoners. Your father died because, as the religious head of this Empire, he should have known better than to speak out of turn and proclaim heresy before God itself. "Silence hangs in the hall as everyone awaits Regina's response. "I can accept that; he was an arrogant lord," she said in her confident manner, immediately turning back to the stands.
An emotion of disappointment bubbles inside of me. Vera is here, and she disapproves. While scanning the hall, I see her standing on the right with illuminating green eyes. Her feelings are no longer overwhelming. I can control this. I see it now. She put the blood in that tree, and it was her idea. Interesting...
"Next we have Lord Yarlon." The herald proclaims."My Emperor, what have we learnt about the blood being placed in the tree?" "At the moment, we only have rumours. Farly has been tasked with using his networks to investigate the situation. I plan to harshly repress those responsible for such an action." I say, followed by a short, approving applause and cheer.
Disappointment attempts to attack me again from Vera, but I again resist. Before the herald calls upon the next person, I interrupt. "Vera? Do you have something to say? Would you like to take the floor first?"
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
With a passion-filled stride, she storms the ruby floor. "Your Holy Emperor, the blood was noble blood, and it was offered as a gift. They believe the nobles try to control you. I don't think you should punish them!" Vera loudly says. "Is this something you believe?" I respond. "I- I-" Vera stutters. "I hope you don't. How can a God be controlled by nobles? They have absolutely zero sway over my actions or that of this Empire without my say-so. As the new leader of religious matters, I am sure you know this. "Vera stands shocked and sad. I didn't need to feel the emotions to know that, though, as her eyes welt with a tear. I hate being dismissive, but it's all part of the plan. "I believe the lady needs some help; she has lost her words among my divinity!" I say, followed by the quiet laughter of the hall. Vera immediately changes to anger and storms out of the hall. Even without shoes, her fury booms against the floor. I had to make her leave; it was the only way I could remain controlled over what would happen next.
Time passed as many unimportant nobles asked unimportant questions. I used each answer as an excuse to show off my new power. Eventually, a relatively young man took the ruby floor, escorted by two marines from Lila's fleet, as evident from their insignia.
"This is the Herald of Governor Heral, here to answer your call!" "Your Holy Emperor, I send the apologies of Governor Heral for the commotion he caused. In this spirit, he sent you a gift you will see Lila's battleship hauling shortly." He said, pointing his hand to the window. A giant battleship flies by with a massive diamond bust of my head attached. The sunlight is reflecting every cut beaming to me. It is gorgeous. The hall gasps with astonishment.
Suddenly, the bust explodes, tiny pieces flying everywhere as they separate, revealing a single asteroid. It's from Thebes. The gasp turns to screams, and I go to turn around. All I see is Alec stepping in front of me. A cling follows as Alec ragdolls to the floor. Knife directly in their chest. The so-called herald starts running with the marines, completely frozen next to him. Emerging from the crowd, Caroline jumps out with her own knife in hand and throws it just before he can grab the door and escape. The assassin immediately falls to the floor as the knife impacts him right in the middle of his back as he lets out a yelp.
Alec lies at my feet with blood flooding all around them. No final cry or last words... Just death. This is the first of many sacrifices I will need to make. Caroline immediately seized the assassin while he was on the floor.
The two Marines immediately begin to shake and quiver as they fall to the floor, begging and crying. I look out to the battleship, which starts to try to leave. Lila was helping Heral. I telepathically link to Lila, saying only a few words: "You failed." Just before it can fold space and leave, I sling the ship with my energy, pulling it in. Slowly, the vessel begins to crush itself. Tya runs to my side. "Lila is on the line, your holiness," she says while holding a communicator. "I did nothing! I never didn't know this was his plan." I can sense the lie through the panicked screams she offers. I hand the communicator back to Tya. "Connect it to the speakers." I say.Tya taps away at the device as Lila's begging fills the hall. Holding the ship with my mind, I slowly turn it towards the sun while intentionally squashing the engines. Once it is in position, I throw it in the sun. It will take an hour before the ship reaches it, and I have guaranteed they can do nothing to save themselves. The screams will remind the rest of the nobles who are in charge.
I descend from the throne, walking past the marines as they beg. I place a hand on each of their heads. *Boom* I explode their heads, leaving them to drop on the floor. Continuing my walk, I reach Caroline, who holds the assassin. I offer her my hand, lifting her up as I say. "My lady, I thank you for your efforts. You have proven yourself. You shall be my new Wind Guard Commander."
The rest of the Wind Guard begin to follow as Caroline jumps at the role, leading us out the door. Blood now dripping from my hands. This played out exactly as how I envisioned it, now to finish the rest of my repression.