The large group tentatively followed the bloody trail towards the throne room. They all knew the direction, they stood there everyday, discussing the matters of the country. Now they were going there with complicated thoughts, they knew that the emperor might have faced a dire situation, and he may or may not be alive at the moment, but when they finally reached the throne room, they were horrified.
The throne that once stood atop the high platform, a majestic chair that had seen the rise and falls of countless dynasties, was missing!
The group couldn't believe their eyes. Not only was the emperor still missing, but now the throne was gone too.
The ministers looked amongst each other, their faces showing different meanings.
The princes' faces were dark. The throne acted as the object of power, which had always belonged to the royal family. Now that the throne was missing, isn't this just attacking their pride?
However, before they could think more, a sharp eyed minister exclaimed in shock.
"What's that in the crucible?"
Everyone turned around to see a mangled object in the middle of the flame. A glimmer of gold made their hearts tremble. Without waiting for one another, they rushed towards the crucible.
As they got closer they realised that it was the throne slowly melting in the middle of the flame. Everyone watched helplessly as the once great symbol of power slowly melted in front of their eyes, until a much more frightening sight interrupted their melancholy. A skeletal hand came into view after the gold around it melted.
The sight of the bones made those princes and ministers think of a terrifying possibility. Without confirming it, the eldest prince ordered the soldiers to put out the flame and dig out the throne.
The ministers disagreed immediately.
"Your highness, that's impossible. The flame is the proof of the continuation of our empire. It cannot be allowed to be extinguished".
"The prosperity of the country goes in tandem with the flame. It must remain lit, if the country is to continue".
The eldest prince felt great anger because of these old, pedantic ministers. He could only watch helplessly, as what was likely his father's body burned up with the throne.
The second prince thought about it, and voiced his opinion.
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"Grab torches, and light them up using the flame in the crucible. Those flames will still come from the original flame. As long as there's one torch that remains lit, the flame still exists".
The ministers eyes lit up. The second prince is far more thoughtful than the eldest. However based on tradition, the eldest son must inherit the responsibilities of the father.
The eldest prince listened to his brothers plan through gritted teeth. He didn't miss how the ministers looked at his brother with a trace of regret. He knew his brother was more popular than him in the court, but as the eldest, he had his father's support, which could be said to make the throne his. Now he has to think more. His brothers ambition may be hidden well at normal times, but how many people in the vortex of power, really have no intention for the top spot?
The soldiers worked tirelessly, many carried the torches, and soon lit flames could be seen everywhere. Now they had time to put out the fire, looking at the melted and blackened gold throne, they hastily lifted it up and pulled it out of the crucible, placing it onto the ground.
The prince immediately ordered the throne to be opened. So the soldiers had to bear the burning temperature of the golden throne, slowly opening up the once revered chair.
The sight scared everyone present. The emperor was seated on the chair. Many parts of his had become bone, after the flesh and muscle had been melted away. The remaining skin was burnt black, but the most horrifying part was his face. He retained the movements before his death, his face was contorted, as if trying to scream because of the great pain he was in.
Now the group had their answer. The emperor had been found, murdered in a gruesome way. They also had a decent guess about who committed this atrocious act.
The last general of the Dren family was said to be the most talented martial artist that the country had ever seen. She was ruthless in battle, but she still had some humanity left when dealing with prisoners, and defeated armies. She was also said to be kind outside of battle, so this furthered the reputation of the Dren family.
But this time, it doesn't seem like she has any restraints that were there before. Gazing at the carnage all around them, they were well aware that the danger was not yet over.
The ministers that colluded with the emperor to frame the Dren family were particularly frightened. They immediately bowed towards the eldest prince and spoke in a complimenting voice.
"The country cannot be without a leader, even for a day. Your highness, please take your rightful position, and then deal with this demon who has slaughtered so many innocent people here tonight".
The second Prince watched all this with a sneer. They wanted to use his brother as a sword to deal with that monster. They were obviously trying to draw her attention away from them, but in the end he didn't speak, after all, he benefited either way.
The eldest prince could guess the attitude of the ministers who begged him, but he was focused on the position he had longed for since he could remember.
He quickly looked towards the group.
"You're right. I will temporarily take control of father's position. When his funeral is finished, I will ascend to the throne" said the eldest prince majestically.
If there wasn't a grin that couldn't be hidden on his face, the second prince probably believe that his brother was serious when mentioning this matter.
He didn't care whether his brother wanted to act out the part of a filial and loving son, he had more important matters to deal with. Preparations needed to be made. He didn't believe that his good brother would let him live for the sake of old feelings.