***
A lone figure rode into a well-guarded residence unhindered. He dismounted his horse with a flap of his wide sleeves and rushed away ignoring the bows for others he passed. He navigated the intricate courtyards till he arrived at the entrance to a courtyard. There, a lavishly dressed lady awaited him. From her attire to the gold hair ornament she had on, it was clear to the man arriving that she was a serving lady. She bowed to his arriving figure as the courtyard's large oak doors opened behind her.
"Young Master Ru, Her Majesty is expecting you," she said and led the way in. She led him through the courtyard to a receiving room where an elderly woman dressed elaborately was lounging.
The man saw her lounging figure and let out a slight sigh before bowing to her.
"You said it was urgent, great grandmother," he walked to her side and took a seat.
"If I did not say so, would you have returned?" she asked, "What did you think was wrong to return so fast?"
"You are old, great-grandmother," he said casually.
"This boy, actually expecting that I die?" she said and waved away the servants from the room and they bowed and left.
"What was so urgent?" he asked with a sigh.
"I am leaving," she said and he paused.
"We you not just boasting of your good health?" he asked.
"No, Little Ru, I am leaving with your aunt Vion," she said and he paused.
"I am assuming you will not be returning from this journey," he said solemnly.
"You are no more a child to be missing your great-grandmother like this," she said and the man looked away.
"Remember what you promised me, Little Ru," she said.
"You know I was much younger when I made the promise,"
"-That you will make sure the empire survives. Little Ru, you can't be unfeeling about this," she said and he rested his back on his seat with a sigh.
"Your Aunt and I no more around, the Empire is prone to fall by your uncle's hands," she said.
"It is his empire,"
"It could be yours," she said and he raised a brow.
"But you don't care for it at all," she said, "If you were female, you would be a Thraine, Little Ru. But the Holy Lady was merciful," she smiled sadly.
"There is a blonde child in the palace, begging for your approval, grandmother. You could help her get her goal and you know others will stay away from the empire when you are gone if there is another Thraine," he said.
"By now the first prince should have broken into the palace with his army. After this is solved, follow me to the palace," she said and he sighed.
"A revolt? Right now? This is why I stay away,"
"This is why you cannot stay away," she said and made to get up. He rushed to her side and helped her up and they made their way out. He opened the door to find a carriage waiting for them and servants, guards and maids bowing at the side.
"We should wait till the fight is over," he said.
"Your uncle was expecting him. It will be over sooner than the third prince's rebellion," She said and let her maids help her unto the carriage.
"You are coming with me, Little Ru," She said and he got on her carriage with a sigh and it rolled away.
"Will Aunt Vion make an appearance?" he asked as they rode towards the palace.
"Your Aunt Vion, when has she ever cared about this empire?" she answered.
"When have you?" he retorted and she slapped his back.
"Your sharp tongue has gotten sharper," she said.
"How will I be able to beat emperor uncle in an argument if not?" he replied.