Chapter 11

In the middle of the throne room sat alone the Empress of Acriestelion in deep thought. The rays of light reflecting the golden room became the Empress's only clue that it had already been noon by the time she awoke.

What was I doing again? The quiet repetitive sound of sand in the hourglass filled the silent room. For a moment, it felt like a gap had been taken away from her day spent within the palace walls. The preparations for the Regions arrival should be done by now, and so should the return of the crown prince. And just like clockwork, a heavy creak came from those double doors, turning aside to reveal a young man adorn in Acriestelion's signature colors. His blonde hair darkened into sunset hues from the dimming lights of the room. A pair of turquoise eyes, ones resembling the symbolic peacocks of Acriestelion, immediately spotted his sister in the middle of the throne room, confused.

The crown prince, Adelai Acriestelion. Aminesria let out a brief sigh, massaging away the headache she had from her sleep. It seems like her little brother has come back from his expedition.

"Prince Adelai, you're back," Aminesria got up from her seat but immediately sat back when her feet stumbled from her weak state. Adelai cowered at that, not used to being called by the title given to him not too long ago. But seeing his sister's state, he rushed to her side to hold her up. When he got to her side, she raised a hand to stop him from moving any further. A silent motion of refusing his help. Seeing this, he couldn't help but bite his lower lip in concern.

"I'm back....From the expedition. Unfortunately, I couldn't gather much information from the outskirts about what you asked for." Adelai said, pulling out a sheet of paper, most likely filled with what little detailed context he had found on his expedition. Nonetheless, Aminesria accepted the sheet of paper with a gloved hand.

"Did you really find nothing about the Eckleis Empire? No history book? No hidden researches? No nothing?" Aminesria asked, her emerald eyes darkening under the setting rays of the sun through crystal clear windows. Adelai merely confirmed her questions with a nod.

"It seems everything within the Eckleis Empire was destroyed in the fire, it barely left any readings. I couldn't even salvage a single portrait of the previous royal family. It's as if the former crown prince made sure the Eckleis Empire didn't ever exist," Adelai reported, a hint of awe mixing in his terror-stricken discovery. The Empress continued to massage her head with her other hand as Adelai spoke. If that were the case then there was nothing to be done with it now.

"We've got no choice. I'll have to go see for myself if I want answers," Aminesria stood up from her throne. Adelai was quick to move to her aid,in concern, just in case she fell again but fortunately, she hadn't. But another concern came when Adelai heard her say those words, and his turquoise eyes glared in hesitation.

"Sister...about that, you can't do that either." He said, solemnly. Aminesria raised her head at her brother in confusion. For a moment, Adelai second guessed himself if he should tell his sister or not before he decided to speak.

"The Empire of Eckleis... it's gone."

"What do you mean it's gone?" Aminesria had slowly lost her patience as she demanded an answer from her brother. Her piercing gaze made for a steel blade ready to slice open the answers out of Adelais mind.

"When I got to where the previous empire was located, I couldn't find any artifacts nor relics from the empire. It's concerning but not even rubbles remained..." Adelai took a deep breath and swallowed the lump forming in his throat before he continued.

"The Empire of Eckleis has been replaced with a large lake."

A lake... The remains of Empire Eckleis has been reduced into a lake?

"How could this be? Are you sure you had the right location?" Cold sweat began to run down Aminesria's back as she held Adelai in place. A hint of fear clouding behind her vision as she stared at her brother for answers. But the hesitant gaze Adelai gave at the cold floor was enough confirmation she needed.

So Empire Eckleis has fully disappeared from history. She scoffed at the ridiculous thought. Who knew all that glory and brightness could be easily flushed out by a treacherous crown prince? All of it was easily gotten rid off in a blink of an eye to the point not even a pebble from the palace walls could be found.

"Sister...one more thing," Adelai paused as soon as Aminesria stared at him with her piercing gaze, as if a tensioned wire had finally snapped within her, and her hold on him tightened as she drew closer to the alarmed man.

"You keep repeating that...You should know by now that we should grow accustomed to referring to each other by our royal titles. So what's this then? Why do you keep referring to me like that?" Adelai sucked in a deep breath and winced at the nails that dug deep into his arms, the discomfort she caused went through blind eyes before she finally let him go.

Adelai could do nothing but caress the spot where Aminesria's nails had been, in hopes to ease the pain.

"Empress...I..." Adelai began to speak, but soon bit back his words and shook his head. "Nevermind."

Depite his visible discomfort, Aminesria paid him no mind as she made her way towards the throne rooms double doors.

"You should be grateful we've been given this opportunity, Adelai," She spoke, whether the man behind her turned to look at her or even paid attention to her words, she couldn't give a spare thought. As the double doors of the throne room began to close, the last thing Adelai could hear before they shut, leaving him alone in that empty room, was the chilling voice of someone he once openly called his sister.

"Father would be proud of where we are now."

Lively roars of trumpets and melodic cheers applauded throughout the entire parade as a line of huge chariots slowly made way towards the palace of Acriestelion Empire. An ocean of spirited colors made for a good representation of each regions representative. For the northern region, a basking color of blue and white lining, with it's representative holding on to their flag with pride, letting the wind display their symbol in all its glory. Then came the southern region with their blinding orange and yellow chariot, blazing like the flaming sun as they cheered loudly and enthusiastically up on their chariot. The eastern region, too did not dare lose upon the hype as they raised their purple and silver flag up high as they passed through the parade. The western region came last, their wild cheers never faltering through the crown as they waved the pride-filled colors of their region, a scarlet red. People from other regions also appeared for the grand opening ceremony, waving their respective colors in huge banners and flaglets to support their representatives. The vigorous blowing of trumpets didn't end until everyone had gotten off their chariots and began to slowly fill in front of the palace where a podium stood. Each region alligned up front with their flags held up high by their side. Even the palace had been decorated with fresh flowers and flaglets for this special event. Jayus himself stood by the side, facing the regions alongside the other nobles for the opening ceremony. In the end, he had managed the entire preparations. All those nights of coming home late and leaving early have finally come to an end. He sighed in content.

"Are you bored, my lord?" Hera asked with concern written all over his face. He had half expected this already and had brought along some note-worthy stuff he had found at the merchants booth stalls on the way, to keep Jayus entertained through out the whole ceremony. When Jayus noticed Hera reaching for a fidget toy in his saddlebag, he couldn't help the sarcatic laugh he gave when he realized the thought process in Hera's mind. Usually, servants were to wait at the back of the regions for the ceremony, along with the other audience, but for those who would be participating in the tournament to represent their masters would be stood next to the other nobles, just like Hera.

Does he really think my attention-span is that short? Choosing to ignore this unintentional insult, Jayus shook his head before focusing once more towards the empty stage. The sky cleared of any unfavorable weathers, and the empire filled itself with pleasant noise from cheers of crowds. For the first time in almost a year, it felt like the Great Fall was finally behind them.

"I'm just excited,is all. With you joining in the tournament, I wonder if you'll even stand a chance against the regional representatives," Jayus said, a hint of a jest in his voice. Hera merely hummed in response, but the look he gave Jayus spoke of a threat not to chastise him any further. Seeing his quiet response only sparked a fuel in Jayus as he continued, "No, you're right. You would stand a chance, you could probably distract them and baby them to sleep for you to win gold, ha ha ha ha!"

Hera wanted to punch the duke right then and there but managed to hold himself at the last second. In what position was he to hit his master so casually, anyways? He could only scoff it off.

"As if that would work but I guess only you could come up with such grandiose plan like that, my lord," Hera glanced at the Duke's piercing gaze from the corner of his eyes and smiled, "You are very distracting."

His heart skipped beating as his face flushed in embarrassment. Jayus tried to ignore the rapid beating in his chest but found no cure for it at all. Hera had most likely meant it as an underhanded insult, after all. Those vibrant blues no longer paid attention to Jayus, and he found himself silently yearning for Hera to glance at him once more.

Up on the stage, the trumpets blared once more in a different note. Everyone stood still as they gazed in awe at the two figures emerging up on the stage. The Empress and the Crown prince had arrived, basking in the light of the sun, the royal robes and golden colors of the empire were no less elegant to the naked eye. With their blonde hair imitating that of the last rays of sunset, it felt like these Acriestelion siblings were always meant for greatness. The perfect image of a rising Empire. The empress, upon arriving up on stage, went to sit at the red and gold throne as the crown prince walked up the mic up front. Infused with magic, it blared through illusionary speakers throughout the empire for everyone to hear. So this is what the crown prince looks like. He looked like the exact image of the Empress Aminesria. Because of such busy schedule, this had been the first appearance the crown prince had made in almost a year.

"He's so cute! I didn't know such beauty lived in the empire."

"Right? I would had my father engage me to the Acriestelion family before the Great Fall...shame."

"We're quite lucky to have such a face be our Crown Prince. Back then, it was like we had no one to pride on!"

The moment the Crown Prince Adelai had walked on stage, compliments and admiration immediately followed his every move. And each of every compliment had been a jab at Hera's position as former crown prince. If he could spit blood for every jab at his character, he would of died from blood loss right now.

This was Adelai's first appearance as Acriestelion's crown prince. Admittedly, it was nerve-wracking. He had been used to having his sister be the image of the empire and taking lead for all the official appearances like these. However, since their conversation from his return, she had been keen on exposing him to the role of crown prince.

Standing in front of the epected representatives of each region had been, admittedly, nerve-wracking. This was officially his first public appearance ever since the Great Fall and the new rise of the empire. People from the enitre continent had come to experience this event, and now all eyes were on him to officially open the ceremony. As of this moment, Adelai was the image of Acriestelion.

He took a deep breath. "H-Hello...!" Immediately, his face flushed into a crimson red. All that nerve had build up in his throat, and in that moment, his voice had to fail him! Could he have embarrassed himself any further?

"Pfft! W-what was that? A projector malfunction, perhaps?" Someone from within the easter region made up an excuse in hopes others would run along with it as to not embarrass the crown prince any further.

"How cute! A handsome face and a charming personality! A true definition of a prince!" Squealed a girl at her friend, who vigorously nodded her head in agreement.

"All that nervousness must have gotten to him ha ha ha, poor guy." Another chimed in.

Hearing all these commentary, the Empress could only hide her face in her palm, and grunted in disappointment. So much for a first public appearance. Adelai could feel the heat from his face travel to his back, it practically radiated from his body, even those who stood from afar could see the heat waved surrounding him in his embarrassment. Adelai coughed up whatever lump was left in his throat before he started once more.

"Greetings from the Star Behind the Sun, I welcome those who are close and those who have travelled from afar," Adelai spoke, ridding any trace of the embarrassing prince from just a moment ago. In his relief, everyone had been sympathetic and immediately stood still, all eyes focusing on his figure, listening in respect and awe as he continued. "I am Acriestelion's Crown Prince, Adelai Acriestelion. As many may know, this is officially the first public appearance I've made since becoming the crown prince, and I couldn't have been any more honored to have it be the time where I open the ceremony for Acriestelion's first annual event. To be standing in front of such amazing people, I can tell we will all have a great experience throughout this entire time."

Adelai took a deep breath. Good. Things have started to move smoothly.

"This tournament is not held to determine who may be the best amongst all of us. Not to determine who's the strongest, or who's the coolest— Well, we all know it's simply not me, right?" Adelai pointed to himself, a little jab at his broken voice at the start of the speech. Luckily, everyone laughed at that. "But this event is to remind all of us of one thing: At the End of Every Despair, is Hope waiting at the bottom of the Box. I am proud to say, I am glad to be able to see you all here today, smiling and thriving, after what happened in the Great Fall. Although, many of us have lost precious things during the disaster, I want it to be known to all that my heart goes out to every one of those who suffered." Hera couldn't help that sinking feeling in his chest knowing he had been the reason for the Great Fall's occurrence. Nonetheless, what's done was done. And there was nothing he could do to undo such tragedy.

"Despite things that have looked glum on one side, all of us are still here today to experience the coming of a new Empire. Acriestelion will be sure not to fail it's people. I, as your Crown prince, will assure that." Adelai spoke of such great promise that moved the sea of people into tears. "On a more important note, I do hope this event will bring us closer to each other through the entire time we spend together. May we all extend our sportsmanship and play a fair ball. Long Live the Star!"

"Long Live the Star!"

In an entire open field, many of the regions began to set up their gigantic tents and colorful flags, and after they had set up, those representatives immediately roamed around the premise to enjoy the fair and booths. A lively display indeed. Among those roaming around the area had been Jayus and Hera themselves. Technically, Jayus would have needed to gather with the rest of the nobles for a little meeting but after the opening ceremony, Hera had been silent the entire time. It was gradually concerning. Jayus wondered if taking him out to see the booths and fairs was a good idea, seeing as Hera blankly skimmed through every booth they had passed.

Maybe I should just take him home. Jayus glanced at the preoccupied man beside him. Perhaps, Hera had become tired through the ceremony. If not, then Jayus failed to think of any clever reason to pinpoint Hera's despondent sentiment.

Did he not want to join the tournament anymore?

Is he tired?

Bored, perhaps?

Maybe he's hungry? I know lots of people who shut down when they're hungry but that can't be. If anything, Hera is the type to talk more when he's hungry.

Or maybe.... A dawning thought cascaded over Jayus mind. It couldn't be...right?

Is Hera angry at me?

Hera is never the type to be angry, Jayus has more memories of Hera tripping on air than of Hera getting angry. But if there's no other explanation then it must be it!

Was it something Jayus had said? Perhaps the little banter earlier had meant more to Hera than Jayus originally thought. Not finding the answers had Jayus gripping on his hair.

Unbeknownst to him, through his entire meltdown, Hera had began to wander off into one of the stalls and picked out a beautiful crimson tassel. By the time he had returned, Jayus still stood in the middle of the street, staring into space like a broken record waiting to be rewinded.

"My lord, I got this for you!" Hera excitedly handed him the tassel he had just bought, "A thank-you gift for the wooden miniature you gave me a while ago. I hope it's to your liking, if not you can stash it away."

At the sound of Hera's voice, Jayus snapped out of his thoughts and hurriedly tried to process what Hera had said. So he's not mad at me? Although, Jayus didn't understand it, he wouldn't turn away a gift from Hera either. With both hands open, he cradled the tassel in his palms as if it were some precious fragile treasure. Is this...a sign from god?

Jayus stared at the tassel for a moment. Hera had most likely chosen it because it matched Jayus's eyes, and an orange gem held the dangling tassel in place. It was very pretty, overall. "Thank you,"

Hera only smiled in delight.

In his state of euphoria, Jayus failed to notice a strange cloaked figure walk up to them. Their pale face hidden behind the dark cloak as they approached with purpose. Only when they were close enough to hear did Jayus finally take note of this strange figure. And only then did she push down her hood to reveal her light blonde hair. It fell all the way to her waist like waves of golden rivers, and her blue eyes, which almost seemed translucent under the light, stared at Jayus in great awe.

Jayus regarded her with confusion. He hadn't met this lady before, so did she have any business with him?

"Can I help you?" He asked. It was only when he didn't receive a response from the young lady did he finally realize she hadn't been staring at him at all, but rather at the person behind him. Hera.

Hera seemed shocked to see this girl instead of having the same confusion Jayus wore. For a moment, he was stunned into silence. "Felicity?" Hera said. Unsure whether he could be right or wrong.

"It's you..." This girl, Felicity, uttered in disbelief before her eyes swelled into tears.

"It really is you...!"