Legacy

Leaving the city of Chorrol behind, I couldn't help sigh with relief. "Thank the Nine that's over. We're heading home now, right?"

Serana laughed lightly to herself beside me. We were in a covered carriage, at the suggestion that we would look more regal, which would be more acceptable to the nobles of Cyrodiil. I didn't particularly care about looking regal, but I was told appearances meant everything to these people, so figuring I had to at least try and keep them on my good side and look Imperial, I followed the advice.

"Had enough, Ragnar?" she finally asked.

"Listen, I'm glad we made Chorrol our last stop, considering it's my old home, and my reception there was always going to be better than anywhere else. I don't know about you, but we've been on the road for a while now. I want to sleep in our own bed."

She snuggled into my side while adding, "I agree. We need to make the palace our home."

"How do you think this trip has gone, as a whole?" I wondered. Although I'd asked my advisors always to be honest, the one person who would never sugar coat the truth would be my wife. Another one of the million reasons to love her.

"As well as can be expected. The nobles were always going to be hard to crack. I have a feeling they walked all over the previous Emperor. I think they've all understood that you won't be as easily foiled. In fact, I think you may have even put the frighteners into one or two of them. As long as they co-operate, I think you'll be fine."

"I wonder if Marcus has finished his tour yet. After suggesting that he stick to the west, I'm hoping he'll be back."

"Marcus?"

I looked down, meeting her eyes. "Tullius. You didn't know his first name?"

"I didn't know you were on a first name basis now!"

"Ha! No, I'm just called 'sir' nowadays, but it's easier than calling him 'Field Marshal' all the time."

"Bet he finds it strange taking orders from someone he used to order around."

"A lot of all this was his idea to begin with."

"I'm sure it didn't take too much twisting of the arm to get you to agree though."

"No, it didn't once he and Jarl Balgruuf explained the advantages." Holding her tightly, I leaned down and whispered into her ear, "Plus, I wanted to make you my Queen."

Leaning up to kiss my cheek, she just whispered in reply, "Think we can have some fun in here?"

I looked left and right. "Close the curtains."

We were dressed by the time we arrived back at the Imperial Palace, opening the curtains as we approached the city gates so we could greet any crowds that may have formed. I guess my rule was still popular, as people stopped and waved as we passed by. Once the carriage pulled to a stop and the door was opened, Serana was escorted out first before I stepped down, stopping to take a deep breath. Then I looked to my left at the coachman, stepping closer to him. "You didn't hear anything untoward during the journey?"

"No, sir."

"Are you sure? You can be honest. That's all I ask of anyone."

He kept his face blank but met my eyes. "You obviously love your wife, sir. It's good to know." I laughed, which helped the coachman take a sigh of relief. "Better than hearing arguments, sir."

"You used to drive the previous Emperor?"

"Yes, sir."

"And he argued a lot?"

"I don't wish to speak ill of the dead, sir, particularly as he was the Emperor, but when with his wife, there were arguments. Many arguments. It led me to believe that he was unfaithful."

"Interesting. You're a good source of information. What's your name?"

"Lucius, sir."

We shook hands. "Well met, Lucius. So, do you like your job?"

He beamed with pride. "Of course, sir. I am the official driver of the Imperial family, transporting the Emperor and Queen across the Empire. It helps that I am also well paid for the position." He thumbed to his left. "I also love looking after the horses, sir. Me and my son do that."

"You know Lydia, my Chief of Staff?" I paused. "Of course you do, she would have spoken to you numerous times. If you ever need for anything, you speak to her."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

"And the boy, is he learning?"

"Yes, sir. His letters and numbers. He's still young, yet to know what he wants. But he has an interest in horses already."

"How old is he?"

"Past his tenth winter, sir."

"You're aware of the recent proclamation regarding those who reach 14?" Lucius nodded. "I'll remember your son when he's 14. If his interest in horses remains, perhaps we can find something suitable for him at the time?"

"That would be great, sir. Thank you again, sir."

"I'll let you go, Lucius. Nice talking to you."

He offered the usual salute. "You too, sir. Not often an Emperor stops and talks to me."

"You'll find that I'm a different sort of Emperor."

"Indeed, sir."

Lydia was waiting for me inside. She had travelled with us around Cyrodiil, but she'd already been to her office and I found myself inundated with scrolls. "No rest for the wicked," I muttered, "Can they not wait until tomorrow morning?"

"I guess it is late and we've had a long journey, sir."

"I just want to have dinner and relax tonight, Lydia. We'll get back to the running of the Empire first thing tomorrow morning. After we've had breakfast."

"Of course, sir."

As we walked towards our personal chambers, I asked, "Do you think the tour went well?"

"As well as can be expected. Most of the nobles were co-operative and prepared to listen. Whether you will have their continued co-operation, only time will tell."

"Have you settled into life at the palace?" I noticed the question caught her off guard. "Are you happy here, Lydia? And how are you and Mjoll?"

"It's very busy, sir, but also very exciting." She paused, obviously thinking. "I miss home, but I'm happy to be here, supporting you, sir."

"You and Mjoll?"

She looked at me with a broad grin. "We want to get married, sir."

"When?"

"We haven't set a date yet. We've talked about it though."

"Let me know when you do, and I'll make sure it's all sort out for you."

"You don't have…" She trailed off when I gave her a well-known look. "Thank you, sir."

"I look after my friends, Lydia. Being Emperor, it makes doing that a little easier."

Lydia walked to her own quarters with a slight spring in her step as I entered mine. In addition to the study and bedroom, we also had a reception room, sitting room and library at our disposal, plus a dining room that we never really used. Serana and I were always quite happy to walk to the kitchen to eat, not wanting anything formal except for when entertaining guests was required. That helped us build a rapport with the kitchen staff, in addition to building good relations with others who worked in the palace. I figured I'd never really get used to being treated differently. I still wasn't used to being feted as Dragonborn. Becoming Emperor was something else entirely.

I found Serana in the library and we wandered to the kitchen. I remember Serana used to love cooking, particularly after she was cured and rediscovered her taste buds. The kitchen staff found it strange at first that the Queen wanted to get her hands dirty, but now they let her go whenever she wanted to cook something. It gave at least one of the chefs the chance to sit down and talk to me.

Heading back to our quarters after dinner, we retired to the library, taking a book each while she enjoyed a glass or two of wine while I couldn't say not to a tankard of mead. Our few servants had learned quickly that we liked our privacy and would only call on them when we really needed it. I was left wondering what they did half the time, though the palace was already incredibly neat and tidy, so figured they spent most of their time cleaning.

"Ragnar?" I looked up from book to see my wife smiling at me. "Come into the bedroom in about ten minutes."

I couldn't help the smile in return. "Okay."

Strolling into our bedroom as requested ten minutes later, my wife was laying back on the bed, beckoning me with a finger. At the edge of the bed, she said one simple word. "Strip."

After I'd disrobed, I found myself dragged down onto the bed and pushed on my back, Serana straddling me. "We need to talk, Ragnar."

"You want to talk right now? You know I find you incredibly distracting."

Then she did something that caused me to groan, her to gasp before she smirked at me. "What about now?"

"You have my undivided attention, oh gorgeous wife of mine."

"I've been thinking about your legacy."

"Legacy?"

"You are the first of your line, Ragnar. But if you want the line to thrive, you will need a successor. You need an heir."

"But…"

She put a finger to my lips and shushed me. "Let me finish. You are the first Dragonborn Emperor of the Fifth Era. And I think I'm not the only one that would like to know the Fifth Era will last for centuries. So you are going to need at least an heir, probably one or two spares. Now, as we both know, I can't have children. We could adopt, but I doubt an adopted child will be considered a true heir. No, the heir must be of your blood. So I have been thinking about this since the day of your coronation. We need to find a surrogate or two to carry your child."

My eyes widened slowly with nearly every word. "You're serious?" I asked quietly.

"Absolutely."

"But that means…"

She smiled again. "I know what it means, Ragnar. But it is something I am willing to do to ensure the success of this line. I'm doing it for you. Most importantly, I'm doing it for us."

"The child will be a bastard."

"Not necessarily. We come clean with the Council, explain everything and then we change the law. As long as the child is sired by the Emperor, that child will be considered a legal successor to the father."

I managed to sit myself up with a couple of the pillows so I could look into her eyes. "You're absolutely sure about this? I know you just said you've been thinking about it but… It wouldn't involve you. I mean, the act itself. And what about the child? How will that work?"

"The three of us will raise the child. You, me and the birth mother. Because I have two perfect candidates that I know you would agree to."

"Who?" I asked cautiously.

"Lydia and Aela." I burst into laughter, only for a couple of seconds, before I realised she was serious. "Think about it, Ragnar. Aside from me, who do you hold most affection for? I know you've already had relations with Aela, and I know she would jump at the chance again. As for Lydia, she practically worships the ground you walk on, apart from being one of your closest friends and confidants. And they will think the same as me. They will want to ensure your legacy and would do whatever is needed to keep the line of succession going."

I motioned for her to get off my lap as I turned and sat on the edge of the bed, running a hand through my hair, now keep shorter than before. I felt the bed shake as Serana sat next to me. "I know it's for a good reason, but it will mean sex with someone else. I don't want to be like some of these other Emperor's I've read about."

She wrapped an arm around my waist. "You won't be. It will be for a good cause. Besides, just think of me when you do the deed."

"I might call them your name."

"Honestly, I don't think they'd be offended if you did."

I grabbed her hand and looked at her. "You're absolutely sure about this?"

"I would love nothing more…" Her voice broke for a moment, squeezing her hand for comfort, before she continued. "I can't give you one, Ragnar. I know both of us would love nothing more, but we both know why it can't happen. This is the best and only option available."

"Can I at least sleep on the idea?"

"You can only sleep after you've made love to me."

"Like I'm ever going to say no to that."

I asked for the Elder Council to be convened for the next day at breakfast the next morning, letting Lydia know that Serana and I had an important announcement, and that every Council member would be required to attend. I then asked her and Aela to be available for a meeting with Serana and I after the Council meeting. I could see the curious look on both their faces across the table but I said nothing else except that the matter must be spoken about in private.

Despite sounding so confident in the bedroom when telling me her idea, I could see the nerves take hold of my wife as we waited in the antechamber prior to sitting down with the Council. I grabbed her hand and kissed her cheek, whispering into her ear that I loved her. That made her smile, take a deep breath and calm down. "We'll be fine," I added, "We've got this far together. We've got a lot more to do too."

I heard the noise eventually disappear inside the Council chamber, and then my name was announced again. "Announcing Emperor Ragnar, First of his line, Dynasty of the Dragonborn, on this the Twelfth Day, Fourth Month, First Year of the Fifth Era. Please stand for his arrival."

Serana and I entered hand in hand, taking each of our seats as the Council performed the usual bowing ritual, taking their own seats. Once all was quiet, the High Priest, officially only an observer, began with the usual prayer before the High Councillor took over proceedings. "Your Majesty, the floor is yours. What is it that you wish to discuss?"

I looked around the large table, meeting the occasional pair of eyes. Most of them appeared curious, at least. "Councillors, we still don't know each other particularly well, though I'm sure you've probably gathered an idea of what sort of man I am. The one thing I don't like to do, and one thing I don't think any of us should do, is keeping secrets. I'm not saying we have to be completely transparent, as there are matters that require secrecy, but there is something I must share with all of you, a private matter, as this will impact myself, my family and this new Era as a whole."

I took a deep breath.

"My wife and I are unable to have children." Murmurs began immediately, requiring me to raise both hands as the noise increased. "Please, Councillors, let me finish." Once it was quiet again, I grabbed Serana by the hand, knowing this was hurting her more than anyone. "Before there are any questions, I have known since before Serana and I were married, before I became Emperor, that having children together was not possible. We even spoke of adoption before our lives changed. So, obviously, this poses a problem, as without an heir, my line will die with me."

"Well, divorce her then and find a wife that can provide an heir," a Councillor stated.

I looked around the table for the source of the voice. "Who said that?" I demanded, and noticed the shuffling of people at the sound of my raised voice. It was the first time it had ever happened.

A hand was raised around the table to my left. "It was me, sire."

"You are?" I snarled.

"My name is Tiberius, sire." The voice wavered as he replied.

I glanced at my wife, the anger no doubt flaring in my eyes, as I got to my feet. With hands behind my back, I started to walk around the table in the opposite direction. "Do any of you know what love is?" I held up a hand. "Rhetorical question, you're not required to answer. Me? I don't know. I like to think I do. But what I do know is what I feel for my wife. She's the first one I think about in the morning, and the last thing I think about at night. It also helps she's the first and last thing I see every day. She has stood by my side since nearly the first day we met. She makes me want to be a better man. She has already made me a better man. I've fought and bled across Skyrim for her. To keep her safe and protected. To ensure she can lead a good life. The greatest day of my life wasn't becoming Emperor, it was when I placed a ring on her finger, she placed a ring on mine, and we were announced as husband and wife.

So she can't provide me with children. I've never cared. I married her knowing that fact. It only made me love her even more, simply because she was honest with me about it. I know she was scared that I would leave her because of that news. Not likely. All I ever wanted was for us to be together, to grow old and grey, never apart again. But she has been thinking about succession and my bloodline, and has thought of an idea that would keep the Fifth Era going with my name and my blood."

I stood behind Tiberius, grabbed him by the hair and jerked his head back, taking the hidden dagger from its sheathe and held it to his throat. "But if I ever hear of anyone ever suggest anything like that about my wife again, you had better believe that I will find the deepest, darkest dungeon in the Empire for you, and rest assured you will not be there alone," I growled into his ear.

Letting go of Tiberius, I sheathed the dagger and looked up to see a table of shocked faces. "I apologise, Councillors. That is not like me. I know I don't need to apologise, but I thought it best that you understand how much I love my wife. Now, if I may, I would like to explain her idea."

"I can do that, Ragnar," she called. I looked across the table, unsurprised to see her wiping her cheeks, smiling at me as I walked towards her.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded before standing up as I sat down. "Councillors, as explained by my husband, I cannot bear children. So the idea I had is that we will find surrogates to ensure an heir."

"Technically, that child will be considered a bastard," the High Priest stated.

"Martin Septim was a bastard, was he not? He is now considered one of the greatest Emperors, even though his reign lasted less than a day, considering his sacrifice at the end of the Oblivion Crisis. We have come to you being honest about the issues, Councillors. And we believe an agreement can be reached to ensure any child produced by my husband through surrogacy shall be considered of noble birth and therefore entitled to be considered an heir and the next Emperor of the Fifth Era."

"The Queen makes a good point about Martin Septim. Without him, everything would have been lost," the High Councillor stated, "And you would be okay with this, Your Highness?"

"I am willing to do whatever is required to ensure the success of this era. The Emperor has more reservations about it than myself, but I know that is only because of his undoubted loyalty and love for me. I knew when he expressed those vows, he meant them for this life and the next."

"How would the child be raised?" the High Priest asked.

"The Emperor and I would raise it, but we would like the birth mother to be involved. We both understand the bond a mother has with the child as it grows in her belly. We can't just wrench the child away because we desire an heir."

"That would be unusual," one of the Councillors said.

"But needs must," added another, "We can't afford this Era to end quickly. The Fourth Era was nothing short of an unmitigated disaster. The Emperor is already bringing order to the chaos. His work must continue, and he must have an heir."

"A bastard, for want of a better term, could still make a good Emperor. We've had them before, at least this time we will be aware and ready for the succession. I assume the child would be Dragonborn, Your Majesty?" another Councillor asked.

"Obviously, there are not many people who know, but I believe the child will have my gift. We'll find out for sure when the child is born and old enough to learn."

"Any other questions or statements?" the High Councillor asked. "Cassius, does the priesthood have any objections to the idea posted by our Queen?"

"Considering the circumstances, no," the High Priest replied, "We accept that needs must to protect the bloodline."

"Very well. Your Majesty, the Council can only thank you for coming here today and your honesty. It was not required, but your openness with the Council will only continue to foster good relations between yourself and us."

"That was the whole reason why I called this meeting, Eustace. I don't want secrets, as they generally fester into events that cannot be managed. As I said, I want to be as honest as possible."

"May I call this meeting adjourned?" I nodded my ascent, and after the closing prayer, the Council closed for session. Many of the Councillors disappeared but I wasn't surprised when Tiberius approached, still with the look that I'd frightened the life out of him.

"Your Majesty…"

Folding my hands behind my back, I said, "It is okay, Councillor. You were merely expressing your opinion. Perhaps vocalising it in such a way wasn't helpful, and was bound to anger myself, but perhaps I shouldn't have let my emotions get the better of me either."

"I was wrong, sire. And I apologise to you as well, Your Highness," he said, looking to my right where Serana was now standing, "I think each one of us now completely understands the depth of love he has for you. It is… refreshing to see and hear."

"My love for him is the same, Councillor."

"Good. And for the record, I find your idea acceptable."

"Thank you, Councillor," I stated. He saluted, turned and disappeared with the rest.

Serana grabbed my hand, turning me to face her. "I loved every single word you said," she whispered, "Come on, we should find Lydia and Aela and let them know."

Lydia was in her quarters, looking over a couple of scrolls, so after collecting her, we went looking for Aela, finding her in one the gardens, firing a few arrows into a nearby target. The two were curious as to what Serana and I wanted to talk about as we led them into our quarters, eventually taking a seat in the sitting room.

"We have a couple of things to tell you. And a very important question to ask," I said.

They both nodded, and I looked at Serana. She nodded before saying, "Ragnar and I can't have children." Unsurprisingly, Aela immediately reached for her hand. The two had obviously developed a close friendship over time. "We've known for a while now," Serana added.

"How long have you known?" Lydia wondered.

"Since before we were married. It was never going to be a problem until now."

"That's obviously going to be an issue regarding a succession," Lydia said, "So why are you telling us?"

Serana and I shared a glance, before she replied. "We are looking for surrogate mothers to provide Ragnar children of his blood so he can have an heir."

"Okay," Aela stated immediately.

Serana and I couldn't help laugh at her eagerness. "Lydia, we only ask you because of your close friendship with us. But it is a big decision, and obviously not one you will take alone. I understand your relationship with Mjoll is taking the next step?"

Lydia looked at me. "You told her?" She then obviously thought for a second. "Of course you did, she's your wife." Looking back at Serana, she continued, "If I was single, I'd reply the same as Aela. Yes, straight away. But I must discuss this with Mjoll first. Though I doubt she'll be anything but agreeable."

"Are you sure, Aela?" I asked. The look she returned suggested that was a very stupid question. "Okay. Good. And you don't… you know… have any problems considering…"

"No, Ragnar, everything is in working order."

"Ah, I know what you're talking about," Lydia said, before looking at Serana, "Forgive me if this is insensitive, but do you know why you can't?"

Serana glanced at me before asking, "You don't know?" Lydia shook her head. "You never told her?" she asked of me.

"No. I didn't think it was important. And by the time Lydia returned, you were cured."

"Cured?" Lydia wondered, ever more curious.

"I was a vampire," Serana stated bluntly.

To say Lydia was stunned would be an understatement, her jaw dropping wide as she looked between my wife and I in amazement, and also complete silence, for at least a minute. Then she asked, "But you're cured?"

"And that is why I can't have children. I'm as human as you and Ragnar, but the disease…" She trailed off and sighed, Aela squeezing one hand in comfort, myself squeezing the other. "I know this must come as a great shock, but after I was cured, it was never considered a big deal. Ragnar and I just wanted to get on with our lives."

"I didn't even know it could be cured." Then she leaned forward and playfully slapped my shoulder. "And you should have told me!"

"There wasn't a good time," I said, "And I didn't really know how to say 'Oh, Lydia, by the way. I met this vampire the other day and I'm head over heels in love with her. Sounds like a good idea, right?'"

"Well, I guess if you put it that way." She got to her feet and hugged my wife. "I wish you had told me earlier, but I can also understand."

"I'm sorry," Serana whispered, "No more secrets, I promise."

"I'd better go talk with Mjoll," Lydia said upon breaking the hug, "I'll let you know as soon as possible."

"Of course, Lydia. And, rest assured, there is no pressure. If Mjoll is concerned, or doesn't like the idea, please be honest with us," Serana stated.

Once Lydia departed, we returned our attention to Aela, who asked, with a mischievous grin on her face, "So, when do we get started?"

A week later I was standing outside Aela's personal quarters with Serana. I had now convinced myself this was a good idea, but I still felt a sense of hesitation. Serana and I had spent all week talking about the benefits and potential pitfalls of what I was about to do. I could only assure her that, after everything, I would probably end up loving her even more, if that was possible.

"Don't just do the deed and leave," my wife ordered.

"What?"

"Stay the night. This child should be brought into being through love and compassion. Make sure it isn't just a mechanical process. Use the affection I know you have for her." She read my face, so explained further. "Make love to her like you do to me, Ragnar."

"Oh…"

"Tomorrow night, I'll come in afterwards." I know I smiled as she just pushed me gently. "Not like that, Ragnar. But while I can't have what is about to happen occur on our marital bed, I can only put up with you not sleeping by my side for one night. So, I'll come and sleep with you two afterwards tomorrow."

"How many nights am I doing this for?"

"Five nights. We must make the most of the short time that Aela is capable."

It was a weird five nights. The first night with Aela was always going to be a little awkward, but it was also a reminder of our time together so long ago, so after the initial nerves and awkwardness, we then enjoyed ourselves, though Aela could also read me like a book, and told me to stop feeling guilty. The next four nights were easier, and Serana was true to her word, politely knocking on the door and joining Aela and I to go to sleep. Sleeping in a bed with two women was… I won't lie, a real ego boost, but it was a pleasant feeling to share myself with the two women I adored the most.

Unsurprisingly, Mjoll near insisted Lydia help us too, so a month later, it was the same thing. Lydia and I were both very awkward, as we had been friends for a long time, and knew what we were about to do would definitely change that, no matter what we thought or hoped. With Lydia, though, while I didn't just do the deed and leave, Mjoll would eventually come into the bedroom, allowing me to return to my wife.

Around three months later, Serana and I were sitting in the library, discussing an idea I had regarding the practices of magic when there was a knock at the door, it opening to reveal Aela. An enormous smile spread across her face as she approached us, a hand unconsciously rubbing her belly. Serana and I looked at each other, grinning, as Aela made an announcement.

"Ragnar. Serana. I am with child."