The shattering glass echoed through the room as the news reached Princess Tamara’s ears. The fragments clattered against the cold floor, a fitting echo to the turmoil within her. All that surrounded her was the detached rhythm of her own breath, muffled by the weight of the revelation that had just unfolded in the capital of her namesake.
She sank slowly to the floor, a portrait of disbelief etched across her features. The severity of the news held her in its grip and she struggled to comprehend the sheer magnitude of what she had just heard.
Her ears rang in a deafening silence until the ambient sounds slowly seeped back into her awareness.
“Princess!” her Handmaiden’s voice pierced through the haze, a veil of eerie silence shattered, “Are you all right? Please calm down. Here, drink some water,” the handmaiden said, offering a chalice.
“This is absurd!” a voice echoed in the large room. “How dare they summon the Imperial Princess like this? And with a mere letter, no less!”
“Yaen, keep your voice down, it’s not helping,” cautioned a man said to the yaen as he fumed with anger.
“Shut your mouth! They’ve shown nothing but disrespect to her ever since she went here! They spat on her face, that’s what this is!” the yaen retorted, then he drew his sword. “Maybe we can send this letter back with your head,”
“Son! Control yourself!” his father bellowed.
“But, my Lakan Datos! They are treating the Imperial Princess like she’s some lowly royalty above all of us!” The Yaen argued.
“Your temper will undo the Empire the moment you take that messenger’s head! Now sheath your sword!” The lakan datos exclaimed, signaling the guards to escort the messenger out of the throne room.
“My apologies, Princess Tamara,” the lakan datos spoke with a gentle tone as he guided her to sit on his throne. “Everything will be all right,”
The lakan datos surveyed the room as he prepared to address all of them. “We need to calm down and discuss this rationally and calmly. I’m looking at you, Yaen Aresa,”
“Yes, Father,” Aresa begrudgingly complied.
“Anyone who is not part of the Jewel’s Council, leave the room, except for the guards and the Princess’ handmaiden,”
Footsteps gradually receded until the only audible sounds were their own held breaths. She stared at the shattered pieces of glass on the floor that seemed to mirror her. Only the hushed breaths and echo of the news lingered in her mind as it repeated over and over. She clutched her handmaiden’s hand tightly, seeking solace in the familiar touch. After all, her handmaiden is the closest thing she has to a family right now.
Her gaze, still distant and shocked, slowly began to refocus. The weight of the news hung heavily on her shoulders, as a tear was shed, as the mixture of disbelief and sorrow had finally taken its toll.
Aresa then took the papers from her and handed them to his father and the jewel’s council. “Every one of us, including those in the Imperial Council and Imperial Government, is beneath the Lluch house. To summon a Lluch or to request to be in their presence requires the highest of respects — hosts coming to the Imperial Palace themselves. To send this letter is an insult. Not only to the house of Lluch but to the very heart of the Empire,” Aresa explained, his frustration was evident as he crumpled the paper and cast it to the floor, venting his anger with each stomp. “This is an outrage. It’s like they are declaring a coup without directly saying it,” he added.
“Don’t think for a moment that I’m unaware of that?” The lakan datos answered his son. “Menoich is being too hasty. This is very unlike of him,” he added.
“The Princess will answer this letter, with the Imperial Remolus Army behind her. We cannot trust the Barceneim Imperial Army from here on out. That includes the Imperial Guard,”
“We cannot do that. You are only going to make things worse for the princess,” the handmaiden suddenly objected.
“And what gives you the idea that they will willingly handover the reigns of the Empire to Her Majesty, Emerys?” Aresa questioned her.
“Well — that’s not what I’m saying. I’m only saying that there might be another way for the Princess to claim the throne,” Emerys suggested as she consoled her.
“I’m afraid that we will need the support of either the Imperial Council or the Imperial Court for her to ascend without a hitch,” a jewel councilor suggested, adorned in a colorful yet, breathable garb.
“Ha! Don’t make me laugh, Councilor. By now, I’m sure that Menoich already has the council and the courts in his hand. Ascension by conquest is the only answer now,” Aresa scoffed.
“Stop it!” she suddenly shouted, her voice cutting through the heated discussion. All eyes turned to her as she stood there, facing the floor. Her hands were clenched into tight fists, trembling with the force of her emotions. In a whispered plea, she repeated, “Stop it,”
A heavy silence hung in the air as both the lakan datos and the yaen approached her. With a gentle touch, the datos consoled her and guided her to a seat.
“The laws of the land are absolute,” she uttered. Her shaky voice still carried the weight of profound understanding. “But what the lakan datos mentioned is indeed another way,” she then turned to the yaen, as tears streamed down her face. “But I was hoping to avoid to have the people grieve for people who need not to die,”
Aresa bowed his head. She could see the remorse on his face. “Forgive me, your Grace,” he said as he took a step back, giving her the space she needs.
“I just can’t sit idly by either while the Empire tears itself apart. What’s most heartbreaking is that it is starting from the very heart and soul of the Empire. And I am the cure,” she uttered as she calmed down, trying to regain her composure.
“But, your Grace, it is too dangerous,” Aresa interjected, concerned with her current situation. “With your brother raging against the Empire right now, you are the only heir left to the throne. If you die or abdicate, it will be the end of a United Trasidar Empire as we know it,” Aresa explained.
“I know that,” she responded, with a hint of frustration. “I’ve studied the laws here in Remolussium for years. I practically know the books page by page, there’s no other way. I’m even barred from ascending unless I have a husband. But we both know that won’t happen anytime soon,” she explained as she tried to calm herself down.
Everyone, including the lakan datos, turned to the yaen. She noticed what they were trying to imply. Sensing their scrutiny, she immediately shot down the idea right then and there, “Don’t give that look, Lakan Datos Fontanar. We all know your son prefers the company of men instead of women. I will not force someone to marry me just so I can take the throne.”
She then turned her gaze to the yaen, “Aresa, you are one of the best warriors and generals we have in the south. You served under my brother on the front in the past as well. I will not force you unto something you cannot fathom to do yourself willingly.”
Without hesitation, Aresa rushed forward, dropping to one knee in front of her. “But if it’s for the country, I will be willing to do it, Milady,” Aresa said with his unwavering determination.
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She was touched of course, but like she said earlier. She will not force anyone to do anything they are against doing. She knew he was a worthy candidate, but she would not have it done under her own watch.
“I said enough about this topic. I know you have your own ways of getting a son or daughter despite your preferences here in Remolus, but I will not force someone to marry me. Is that understood?”
“Yes, your Grace,” echoed throughout the room as their unanimous agreement hung heavy in the air.
As a solemn silence, an uneasy silence settled in, the lakan datos spoke. “I have an idea, your Grace. But I’m afraid that this will only work if we do it my son’s way, but still, hopefully in a diplomatic way,” Fontanar explained.
She nodded, “Tell me your plans, Lakan Datos,”
The lakan datos then went in front of her and, along with his son and the council, kneeled in front of her.
“From here on out, we pledge our allegiance, our loyalty, and our love to you, Princess Tamara Lluch as the entirety of the Southern Jewels, the entirety of the Remolus Principality shall answer to the one true ruler of the Trasidar Empire, the future Queen Empress, Tamara Lluch,” the lakan datos declared, a solemn oath declared by a noble leader.
“All hail, her Imperial Majesty, the Queen Empress Tamara Lluch!” Aresa boomed through the room and soon the councilors followed.
“It will be an honor to serve beside you, my Empress,” Emerys suddenly said as she kneeled on her side as well.
Stunned by the sudden turn of events, she found herself at a loss for words “Rise,” was all that she uttered. “Please know that I do not yet wish to be Queen, but please be patient with me as I lead you as your new Crown Princess.” Her gaze swept across the faces before her, each one carrying a story of loyalty, uncertainty, and perhaps a glimmer of newfound hope.
“We will rise together,” she declared, a spark of determination ignited within her. “And make sure that we stand united in these troubling times. I will have my brother answer our lingering questions. That I promise you.” As the words left her lips, a surge of conviction coursed through her.
Her commitment was guide her people through the storm that loomed over the horizon. Even she herself is not sure yet if she could lead, or if she wants to be the Queen Empress. All she knew, however, was that she was being called. The journey ahead was uncertain, but in that moment, she would embrace the role fate had thrown upon her.
Everyone rejoiced the occasion. She held a smile that at least puts everyone at ease. The applause began to die down as the lakan datos spoke.
“For our plan, your Highness, this is what we will do,” the lakan datos began, his voice steady as he outlined the path forward.
The plan was explained to her in detail, but her mind was elsewhere. As the weight of the discussion lingered, she found herself drawn to the intricate tapestries that adorned the walls, their colors and patterns providing a momentary respite from the complexities of leadership. The room’s silence mirrored the conflict within her.
Emerys approached quietly, concern etched across her face. “Your Grace, she began, “Night is upon us and we are nearing the closest town. We should be able to rest before continuing our journey back to the capital.” A warm smile accompanied Emery’s words.
She only nodded appreciatively, welcoming the distraction from the political intricacies. The carriage’s rhythmic movement set the backdrop for her contemplation.
Abruptly, the carriage slowed, and Emery’s voice cut through the air. “Princess Tamara!”
Startled, she turned her attention to her handmaiden. “I’m sorry, Emerys. What is it?”
“I’m sorry, your Grace, but I’ve been calling you for quite some time now. You seem to be in distress.” Emerys pointed out. “Are you still thinking about what happened back in Remolus, three weeks ago?”
She met Emery’s gaze, the genuine worry grounded her. “It’s okay, Princess. We will be able to rest soon.”
Emerys’ reassuring smile accompanied her words. As the carriage slowed, both women exchanged curious glances. Emerys peered out the window, her expression changing as she observed smoke rising from a nearby town.
“What’s going on?” Emerys asked their guards. “Princess, please take a look,” she urged.
Tamara glanced out the window, her eyes narrowing as she observed smoke rising from a nearby town. “What town is that? Is my brother attacking?” the sudden turn of events brought a surge of apprehension.
“Fortunately, I believe that not to be the case, your Grace. It’s the small town of Byiron,” the guard answered.
“Then we must hurry; the town must be in trouble!” she commanded, and they moved onward with haste.
As they approached Byiron, she, initially hopeful for a random outlaw encounter, couldn’t ignore the sinking feeling in her heart. The closer they got, the more evident it became — these were imperial soldiers.
As they entered the town, she surveyed the scene with a heavy heart. Streets once bustling with life were now littered with soldiers seizing valuables, and they coerced the townsfolk into forming lines. The soldiers noticed her arrival and cleared a path for her towards the town center.
She disembarked along with her handmaiden as she saw the surrounding cruelty. It shouldn’t be like this, deep in the empire. She can’t hardly believe her eyes as she slowly panned around what was supposed to be the town square. The guards stayed on their horses except her captain. As the captain of the occupying soldiers approached, a disconcerting grin was all over his face, and she felt unease the moment she laid eyes on him.
“Princess Tamara, we’ve been expecting you. We have already prepared the town’s council hall for your stay for the night,” the captain announced, while two mounted soldiers readied themselves to escort them.
“Thank you for your humbleness, Captain,” she said as she curtseyed to him and then looked around. “If I may ask, what is going on here? Did they revolt or something?” her inquiry held a mix of concern and disbelief, grappling with the reality of the imperial soldiers causing the distress within their own lands.
The soldier laughed, joined by his comrades, “No, your Grace, if they did, the town would’ve been burning by now.”
“Burning? Then what do you call this? Do you think of us as blind? The town is burning!” Emerys snapped at the soldiers.
She quickly intervened, holding Emerys by the arm to quell her rising anger. With a subtle gesture, she lowered her head, prompting Emerys to clear her throat loudly. The soldiers, sensing the tension, snapped to attention.
“My Princess, it’s because they are refusing to obey the Arch Chancellor’s orders. We have orders to deliver the necessary valuables back to Tamara for safeguarding in the capital. Basic resources really, you wouldn’t understand if I get to specifics, your Grace,” the guard explained, still with a grimace in his face.
She grabbed her skirt tightly, felt a surge of anger at the dismissive tone. As the captain conversed with her captain of the guard, frustration welled within her. She grew angrier because it seemed her captain failed to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
“Is it necessary to have these men fall in line like prisoners, then?” Emerys suddenly spoke, seemed to be surprised for what her handmaiden did. The captain of the soldiers snarled at her.
“You don’t talk to me like I’m your equal, girl!” the captain snapped at Emerys.
“She is my handmaiden. Her questions are my questions. You snap at her again and that means you are snapping at your princess. Do you hear me?” she asserted. Her voice wavering, her guards standing ready.
The captain resisted at first, belittling Emerys, but eventually relented. “Then the Princess can talk on her own behalf.” He said as he sighed.
She then continued with her inquiry, as she was confused as well in the first place. She clarified, “Why so? I believe we have enough men in the capital and the other regions, right?”
“Most of them are being concentrated on Tamara, your Grace. The others are being sent to reinforce Huertian,” the captain explained. As the revelation unfolded, the town elder approached her, quickly kneeling before her.
A commotion ensued as the elder begged for mercy, but the soldiers intervened harshly.
“Let him talk!” she ordered, to which the soldiers stopped and allowed the old man to crawl back to her.
The old man begged at her feet. She looked around as some townsfolk walked closer. They were crying, the children, the women, the men that were conscripted. She turned her eyes back to the old man as his head still facing the ground as he held her foot with shaking hands.
“Princess, help us! They are treating us like slaves! They destroyed the houses of those men who fought and threw them in cage wagons. The children and women are being left alone on their own. Taking nothing but their clothes! Please, your Grace, help us! Help my town!” the old man cried.
Before she could respond, the captain silenced the elder with a kick, displaying a callous disregard for their plight. “Shut up, elder! You had your chance of a peaceful way of dealing with this. Now we will do it our way! Take him away!” he ordered.
She only looked at the old man, whose eyes were those of defeat. It’s like she disappointed him. Disappointed in her. She looked around at the other people as well and now they have turned away, avoiding eye contact.
“Milady, my men will escort your party to the council hall for your rest. There, you will have food and a nice soft bed to lay on,” the captain said and signaled to his men.
As they made their way towards their residence that night, the people there turned their heads away. Her heart sank with every step. Her lips shook as she held her tears from shedding. She held the side of her skirts as she could as she tried to stay calm as long as she could.
She was speechless as she heard the cries of children, women and men begging not to be separated from their families, and their loved ones.
Locked in her chamber that night, the cries of the families being torn apart echoed outside. She hugged herself tightly, attempting to block out the heart-wrenching sounds. Throughout the night, she remained silent, unable to escape the torment of the unfolding tragedy just beyond her chamber walls.
End of Chapter V