Time Passes Slowly

"Daddy, can I come with you to work today?" Colvyr's sweet voice woke the Emperor from his slumber. 

"I am sorry," Nanny called from the doorway. "The little prince asked to see you, and when I said you were sleeping, he ran past the guard." 

"Junayd would never have let you pass," Devrim squinted at the child. It was hard to believe he was almost three years old. 

"They cannot catch me!" Colvyr grinned. "I'm too fast!"

Devrim knew that his guards were unwilling to accidentally hurt the prince, so they had let him through. He didn't mind. 

The Emperor grinned mischievously. "They may not be able to catch you, but I can!" 

His arms shot out from the covers and took hold of the squirming child. Before the prince could react, he was flown through the air and landed next to Devrim on the bed. The child was showered with tickles. 

Colvyr laughed uncontrollably. 

"Stop!" he said at last. 

Devrim released his captive and leaned back onto his pillow. "I am the winner," he announced. 

The prince crawled up and lay on the pillow next to his father. "One day I am going to win!" 

"I am sure that is true. I have to get in all my victories while I can." The Emperor's eyes twinkled with merriment. 

"You have a very big bed," Colvyr rolled around. "Isn't it too big for just one person?" 

The mirth in Devrim's face faded. "Yes," he answered seriously, "it is." 

The child tilted his head, understanding dawning on his small face. "Do you miss Mama?" 

"Every minute of every day. But I am very glad you can keep me company. I don't know what I would do without you!" Devrim kissed the child's forehead. 

"Does that mean I can come with you?" Colvyr begged.

"Of course you can. It will be quite boring, though. Most of it will be hearing people's petitions." 

"That's alright. Anna gives me sweets. I won't be bored!" The young prince bounded out of the bed. "Get ready! I will too!" 

Devrim yawned. "What time is it?" he asked one of the guards outside of his room.

"Half past the fifth hour, Your Majesty." 

The Emperor groaned. "Of course it is. Please have breakfast brought to my room. And tell them to apologize to the cook for the early hour." 

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Devrim had no desire to be up so early. He had been in a late strategy meeting with General Nurlan about the progress of the Empire's naval fleet. Captain Schwinn and a few others had been hired to oversee the design and development of the new ships, and the meeting had stretched much longer than anticipated.

So although Colvyr was fresh as a daisy, the Emperor crawled out of bed at a snail's pace. There was no use trying to go back to sleep. The prince desired his attention, and it was only fair he got it after not seeing him much the day before.

"Come home, my love," he whispered into the air. He said it often, hoping some Fate was listening and would deliver the message. 

Of course, no answer came. None ever did. But that did not stop him. 

After breakfast, Devrim and Colvyr met up with Anna to enter the throne room together. 

Anna looked regal in the royal robes. Her fiery wig was already in place as it was every day. 

"How is the family?" he asked as he welcomed her. 

"Very well, Your Majesty," Anna smiled at him.

At first, she had been very shy about serving alongside her mistress's husband, but months of practice had made it more natural. The pair parted ways in the evening and met again on mornings when there were public events. 

"Colvyr will be joining us today," Devrim squeezed the little boy's hand, which he was holding.

"I am honored, Your Highness," Anna curtsied before Colvyr. "I think I have a few sweets hiding in the throne from the last time you visited."

"I knew it!" the prince squeaked. "You are the best, Anna."

Devrim was always slightly worried when Colvyr called Lady Anna by her name, but with his childlike speech, it always sounded close enough to "Mama" that no one questioned it. Soon enough, they would, and he would have to find a way around the problem. 

But that was an issue for another day.

This morning was the petitioner's court. Peasants and nobility alike could bring their requests before the Empire. There were other ways to get help from the rulers of Valiant, of course, but this was a way for them to keep in touch with the people they served. 

Once Devrim returned from his journey, the Emperor had decided, with the Council's input, that Anna continue to masquerade as the ruler of the world.

No one knew how long Aurora would be gone, and Mairwen was not there to fill in for her mother. The only other choice was the little prince, and that was not a burden any sane person would want the child to bear. 

So Devrim ruled in his wife's and child's stead, doing his best to keep the peace. 

"Ok, Your Highness. Do you remember the rules?" The grey-eyed man bent down to look at his son seriously.

"No talking!" He said proudly. 

"And stay on the platform. The only people you may leave with are Anna, Nanny, or myself." Devrim told him a little too sternly. 

These days were good, but they also made him nervous. Even though there were many guards, anyone was allowed to enter the palace and present their case. A person who wanted to hurt the Empire could attack the prince if he went wandering around the throne room. 

"Can he remain with me as well, Your Majesty?" A voice asked from behind them. 

Devrim instinctively reached for the sword at his side. No one was allowed in the room behind the throne except royalty. 

He quickly relaxed. "Prince Renat! I am most glad to see you." 

Colvyr ran and hugged the lanky scientist. "Brother!" 

Renat accepted the affection a little awkwardly. It still felt weird to be a part of the royal family when his wife was not there. "The Guardian said I needed to get out of the house for once. It was either here or go to the University. It has been a while." 

Alaron had dealt with the loss of his mother and sister by throwing himself into his work and the family that he had left. That meant checking on Renat almost every day. Mairwen would have been touched. 

"Please join us. We will have a seat brought for you. Colvyr will enjoy the extra company." Devrim dipped his head in gratitude. 

Renat bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I am most honored." 

The four people continued to the thrones flanked by Nurlan and three other guards. 

"Will Advisor Junayd or Chief Zan be joining us today?" Devrim asked the General when he passed to go to his throne. 

"I believe they are both busy with other projects, but I can get them if you desire, Your Majesty." Nurlan offered. 

The Chief and the others had made it back more than a month after their northern counterparts. Not that it was a fair race.

After taking a shortcut to the elves via the Storehouse, the humans had gotten a ride from Wai and some of her companions. The water nymph had been barely a drop when the Magic was finally restored, so she was very happy to take home those who had saved her. 

They had received a message ball two months ago from Brinn that Alvar and Gandr. had arrived safely. 

Everyone had made it home in one piece. 

Well, almost everyone. Two were left behind. 

With a sad smile, Devrim helped the fake Empress into her seat before taking his own. "Shall we begin?