Chapter - 34 The emporer's Dilemma and the Orphanage Mystery

** The Emperor's Dilemma and the Orphanage Mystery**

Veronica sat poised before her mirror, her reflection a vision of serene beauty. Rose, her faithful maid, stood behind her, delicately weaving a silver comb through Veronica's golden tresses, the strands gleaming like the sunlit fields of yore.

Veronica's thoughts drifted to the previous day's momentous exchange. Marcus, the emperor, had entreated her hand in marriage. Her heart swelled with secret delight, for her affections towards Marcus were genuine. Yet, the prospect of ascending to the role of empress held an allure that was intoxicating in its own right.

"What contemplations occupy your mind, my lady?" Rose inquired, her voice a soft murmur that broke the silence. A playful glint danced in her eyes as she continued, "Your cheeks are alight with a rosy hue. Perchance, are your thoughts wandering to His Majesty?"

Veronica's gaze held steady upon her reflection, a visage of composed grace and undeniable allure. The sight pleased her deeply, a silent affirmation of her unmatched beauty. Her flaxen hair, reminiscent of the former emperor's, was a testament to her indelible connection to the royal lineage. None could dispute her claim to the title of empress, for her appearance alone spoke volumes of her noble blood.

As she sat there, an air of thrilling anticipation enveloped the room, the future unfolding before her like an ancient prophecy awaiting its fulfillment. Veronica knew in her heart that destiny favored her, and she was prepared to embrace it with open arms.

Marcus sat amid a fortress of documents, his brow furrowed in concentration. The morning sun streamed through the windows, casting long shadows upon the grand table. Suddenly, the herald's voice rang out, heralding the arrival of Alexander.

"Good morning, Your Grace, may the sun ever shine upon you," Alexander, the swordmaster, greeted Marcus formally.

The two were the best of friends, and formality soon gave way to familiarity once the guard had left the room. With a mischievous glint in his eye, Alexander couldn't resist a jibe.

"So, the saintly emperor is finally to have a woman in his life," he teased with a smirk. "There are rumors swirling that our emperor is not inclined towards women. Could it be because—"

"Is your training too light?" Marcus interrupted, his tone severe but eyes twinkling. "Shall I send you to the desolate lands to toughen up?"

"No, no, Your Grace!" Alexander replied hastily, the color rising to his cheeks. They both chuckled, the camaraderie easing the tension.

But then Alexander's tone shifted, growing serious. "Marcus, what do you truly feel for Lady Veronica? You might see yourself as her protector, having taken her under your wing, but it's clear to all that she loves you. One day, she will expect those feelings to be reciprocated. Are you certain about this marriage?"

Marcus remained silent, his thoughts a turbulent sea. Alexander pressed on, his voice earnest. "Whatever your decision, I will stand by you. But remember, you are the emperor. The woman you marry will become the empress, the mother of Eldoria. Her children will be the future of this empire. Do you believe Veronica is the right choice?"

Marcus met Alexander's gaze, his voice steady but contemplative. "Veronica has endured much, controlled by her mother, Concubine Catherine. Yet, she is of royal blood, the former emperor's daughter. The royal lineage flows through her veins. As for the future, when Anaya comes of age, she will be the crown princess and, later, the empress of this empire."

Alexander was taken aback, his thoughts momentarily scattered. He knew Marcus's deep affection for his sister often clouded his judgment. The room grew as silent as the grave, an oppressive quiet settling over them.

Their solemn exchange was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Your Highness, Chancellor Verro seeks an audience," a guard announced.

"Let him enter," Marcus responded, nodding.

Chancellor Verro entered the room, bowing deeply to Marcus before extending the same courtesy to Alexander. "Your Grace, I bring a report concerning the former emperor's connection with House Tiberius," he began, his tone grave.

The mention of Duke Tiberius immediately caught Marcus's attention, his eyes widening. "What have you discovered?" he demanded.

Verro continued, "Through my investigation, I have uncovered that Duke Tiberius sponsors an orphanage under his name. This orphanage once housed fifty children a decade ago, but now only twenty remain. It is said that ten years ago, a fire ravaged the orphanage, claiming the lives of twenty children. Ten others, severely burned, were sent to the temple for healing, while the remaining twenty still reside at the orphanage. What is peculiar is that these twenty children are all of similar age, around eleven to twelve years old."

Marcus and Alexander exchanged a glance, a shared understanding passing between them.

"So you are saying that ten years ago, these children were mere infants, around one to two years old?" Alexander inquired, his voice laced with suspicion.

"Yes, Count Verro affirmed. "And stranger still, the children who perished in the fire were seven to eight years old, while those sent to the temple were four to five years old."

Marcus's expression grew more intense. "This cannot be mere coincidence. There must be more to this."

"Chancellor Verro, I place my trust in you. You must uncover the truth of what transpired ten years ago with the fire at the orphanage. Furthermore, investigate the fate of those ten children sent to the temple," Marcus commanded.

Verro bowed again. "As you wish, Your Grace. I shall leave no stone unturned."

The gravity of the situation hung in the air, the room thick with unspoken questions and the foreboding sense that the answers would unravel more than they anticipated.