“It’s… just… sudden.” I grumbled as my face felt hot.
“Mentally you both are older, which makes it more palatable. I’m not the most enthused by the idea, but I think it is what is needed for however this mess ends. Moving forward, we need to spare no effort or resource to hopefully come out victorious.” Dad added on with this subtle hint of despair to him.
“Is it that really necessary?” I probed, trying to wrap my head around Dad’s point.
Dad let out a massive sigh.
“Emperor Father Nil and Prince Nox who had the resources of the Imperial Family are dead. Magus Surpreme Praecan, the being at the top of the Institute of Mages, is dead. We need any and all resources possible, you
need any and all resources possible. If you are going to help Nil despite the despairing odds, you should have all the benefits. There is a distinct difference between being his girlfriend supporting him and being engaged to him, especially in Speranza.” Dad answered me with his expression looking a bit crushed.
“Why do you look so sad?” I asked.
“Part of me is wondering what your mom would do in this situation. Trying to navigate this mess feels impossible, and I want to try to protect you from what’s coming the best that I can while also making sure you get what you deserve. I am struggling with what is the proper thing to do as well as what is the right thing to do. My mind keeps going to fighting for Tenebrae because I do think it is the right thing to do, and the proper follow up that is making sure regardless of the in between, should we win, that you get the compensation for the effort. I am just… struggling to think of better.” Dad explained to me. It still felt like a massive step.
“Okay.” I acquiesced, still feeling my heart fluttering rapidly.
“It is what I think is the most appropriate course forward if you are undertaking such risk and effort. I may not be the largest fan of the idea, but I think it is best for you to have it in writing of Archduchess as the fall back.” Dad continued as he shook his head a bit.
“Why does that make you look so defeated?” I checked while trying not to feel too crimson.
“Because that I feel is the best I can do in this situation and it pains me it isn’t more. We are where we are, so I just need to deal with it and work on the path forward.” Dad admitted as he rubbed the bridge of his nose a bit.
“How would we float that idea to the Imperial Family?” I squeaked, thinking of the idea of being engaged to Nil.
“Not float, demand.” Dad corrected. His expression was serious and stern when he said that.
“How would we demand Archduchess at minimum and engaged with the expectation of becoming Empress?” I corrected myself while my heart felt like it was leaping into my throat.
“We would likely want to discuss it privately and quietly with Empress Senna away from anywhere Grisbane may hear.” Dad answered. I nodded in agreement as I didn’t want to deal with that old cindelrock.
“Discuss what where my mom couldn’t hear it?” Empress Senna interjected from the door after she knocked on it. I felt myself jump and feel even redder as I looked at her. Dad looked between me and the door without saying anything, but his expression screamed as he stared at me for a moment.
“Empress Senna, what brings you here?” Dad asked politely as he motioned for her to enter. Empress Senna walked in, closed the door, and pulled out the other chair in Dad’s office.
“I was going to ask about the security details for the funeral processions, but then I overheard the tail end of whatever you and Luna were discussing.” Empress Senna replied as she sat in the other chair. She looked like she barely slept for days.
“I want to stress this conversation does not need to happen now, but I wished to discuss the path moving forward.” Dad explained. Empress Senna looked at me while I was desperately trying to feel less flustered, and then back at my dad.
“I can use the distraction. I understand these last few days have been awful and terrifying and I wasn’t meant to hear this just yet.” Empress Senna confessed. Her voice sounded so exhausted.
“If Luna and I are going to support and fight alongside the Imperial Family against such enemies, she should have the full resources of the Imperial Family. At minimum, once this is over should we win, the title of Archduchess.” Dad informed her. Empress Senna looked at me with the faintest smirk on her face.
“You mean Luna should be formally engaged to Nil with the written guarantee if it doesn’t work out between them down the line her, and by extension you, support is still properly compensated.” Empress Senna deduced. She looked like she was fighting not to laugh.
“That is correct.” Dad confirmed for her, also catching her amusement to the request.
“Explains why she’s so crimson.” Empress Senna chuckled. I felt more embarrassed as she seemed to be taking this quite well.
“This is not the reaction I was expecting.” Dad told her as Empress Senna sighed.
“Because your request is extremely fair in light of recent events. The tragedy made what we are up against brutally apparent.” Empress Senna stated, looking crushed by it all for a second.
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“I was expecting more of needing to discuss and iron out the details.” Dad admitted. His pained expression now had a mix of confusion or maybe better described as a bit of surprise.
“I was concerned with moving forward as trying to look hopeful and strong in the face of a Lord orchestrated attack is difficult; especially one that caused so much damage manifesting out of thin air.” Empress Senna informed my dad, looking back at me with a smile which looked off from how deep the bags under her eyes were.
“What?” I squeaked. My voice sounded an octave above an ungreased hinge.
“Someone appears to be immensely flustered by that.” Empress Senna teased.
“On this discussion, I was hoping tha-“ Dad began.
“Not a chance. You will be the one to tell my mother.” Empress Senna cut him off immediately.
“I am merely a Duke, I feel that is wildly improper and out of position for me.” Dad tried as he and Empress Senna had a staring match.
“Do not sell yourself short Duke Dawnsfield. You have successfully managed to think of a path forward in these trying times and deserve full credit as well as the ability to be the one to discuss your brilliance.” Empress Senna insisted. The air between them was getting tense.
“But this is a matter of the Imperial Family. It even involves potential future succession and bloodlines. Such important matters should be brought up and addressed by the current members of the Imperial Family.” Dad retorted pointedly. Empress Senna didn’t look mildly moved whatsoever by his point.
“It would be improper for me to discuss your idea and proposition in such a manner. Given the subject matter and importance of the conversation, I feel all points of discussion should come from the originator.” Empress Senna argued back. I could almost see the sparks in the air between their staring match.
“Empress Senna, please do not force a Duke into a position that is unbecoming of the stature simply because the matter may be difficult with the desired individual.” Dad told her because he clearly didn’t want to be the one to tell Grisbane.
“It is not unbecoming. You are an important individual of prominence who has devised the plan for the future in these trying times. You deserve full credit and recognition for it.” Empress Senna replied, clearly digging in her heels.
“Please reconsider your stance, Empress Senna. How would this look from the outside if it is brought to light that I am the one who brought up such a discussion? Maintaining proper image and decorum is even more important in times like these.” Dad attempted while Empress Senna looked like she sucked a lemon.
“I am the Empress and I am ordering you to be the one to tell my mother.” Empress Senna declared. Dad let out a defeated sigh.
“Really?” Dad sighed at her, looking wildly unamused.
“There was zero chance it was going to be me. I am nipping that dissent right here and now.” Empress Senna defended herself, not showing a hint of feeling ashamed by her actions.
“Here are the plans for the security for the procession.” Dad told her with nearly gritted teeth as he handed her several binders.
“Thank you, Duke
“You are so welcome, Empress
“Luna, when Nil wakes, if you would like, you can be the one to tell him and get his opinion on the matter.” Empress Senna told me politely as she stood up.
“Ya.” I said, sounding like Nautilus for some reason.
“I see you both at dinner then.” Empress Senna declared before opening the door and leaving.
“Can’t believe she used her title for that.” Dad grumbled once she was out of ear shot.
“Really?” I asked, sounding a bit surprised. He gave me an unamused stare as that was all I could imagine her doing to avoid having to be the one to tell Grisbane that information.
“I need to get a bit more work done, I will see you at dinner dear.” Dad retorted with a bit of a sigh.
“Okay, see you at dinner.” I gave him a hug before leaving.
I went up to Nil’s room, feeling my heart beat faster and harder with each step I took. My face felt so hot. Nil would still make it romantic somehow, the dork was surprisingly good at that; I smiled as I thought about what he’d say when it was made official. It took a few minutes to reach his room, where Nil was still motionless on his bed breathing slowly. I sat next to him and began stroking his hair while I wondered a little bit how long he was going to be asleep. It was a complicated set of emotions as I looked at him, because I remembered the agony and despair he was in before going comatose. I sat there stroking his hair for a little bit before going back to training my
“I’ll be back later.” I told the unconscious Nil as I headed to what was likely going to be an eventful dinner.
I made my way to the dining hall where everyone was. Nez looked like he had been crying nonstop as his normally pearl like skin on his face was red and puffy. Emperor Azzeck didn’t look any better, sitting despondently in his chair just staring at the table. Grisbane and Surdel were sitting at the table, looking guiltily around at the despair in the room. My dad was stewing in his seat while Empress Senna smiled at him while darting her eyes between him and Grisbane. Nautilus was sitting next to Helga rocking her chair on the back legs, along with Chancellor Cesar, Cleo, and their son Julius joining for dinner but looking uncomfortable. Riva and Ein were both sitting at the table, looking sad at where their grandfather and uncle used to sit. Emperor Mother Poam sat quietly, looking like she was struggling to keep it together as well. I felt pangs in my chest as I saw them all. Empress Senna looked at my dad and cleared her throat. Everyone looked at her, and then followed her stare to my dad who let out a massive sigh.
“I am unsure if this is the proper time t-“ Dad began, trying to escape the discussion.
“I feel we could all use the distraction, worry not.” Empress Senna cut him off while giving him a sterner stare.
“Moving forward, I think it should be drafted that after all of this is over, Luna is to be awarded the title of Archduchess if things do not work out in their relationship.” Dad tried, dancing around the crux of the issue.
“I do not think now is the time to decree an engagement between Luna and Nil. While the drafting agreement of a title is warranted in recent events, it would be inappropriate for them to be seen as a couple.” Grisbane of all beings replied. Everyone’s jaws collectively dropped as Nautilus had to catch the table to avoid falling over. I must have misheard her; Dad looked dumbfounded as he was trying to think of the next words.
“Did I have a stroke?” Surdel asked the table as he slowly turned to face his wife.
“Such actions would be improper.” Grisbane reiterated. What the forl was going on?
“You realize I am agreeing with your previous point of view about making sure the Crown Prince has a fiancée and a secured future?” Dad checked with an expression like he was questioning reality.
“I am fully aware. That was then, now I have a different opinion.” Grisbane replied calmly. Chancellor Cesar looked between Empress Senna, Grisbane, and my dad, desperately trying to find the correct words.
“What?” Dad asked. It was the only thing he could think of, not that I could blame him.
“Please elaborate, Mom.” Empress Senna requested while looking utterly baffled by this turn of events.
“The Imperial Family cannot look weak nor desperate, now of all times. Announcing the engagement would appear pathetic, especially given who the partner is.” Grisbane explained calmly. Oh, she wanted to fight.