The Palace was thrown into sudden chaos when the news of the Emperor collapsing reached Prince Calester, the Emperor's youngest son.
"What happened?"
As soon as Roy, his personal assistant, delivered the news, the young Prince immediately sought the Imperial doctor. The question that he spoke remained unanswered as the people around him unnecessarily panicked.
"Your highness, it seemed that his Majesty had contracted a rare illness."
Calester heavily sighed as he reached to touch his temple, rubbing it to ease the tension building between his eyebrows. He looked at the floor and immediately by instinct, Roy approached Calester to wait for his order.
"Bring Emerald to the Palace and send out knights to find my brother."
With just a silence nod, Roy left the room, leaving the Imperial doctor and Calester alone. Calester approached the seat in front of him and quickly sat in front of the table as he started devising his next action to prepare for the worst.
"Order the servants to keep quiet about the Emperor's condition. No one should know about his sudden collapse, especially the officials."
"Yes, your Majesty."
It was crucial that this information would not be released to the public due to its nature. There is a high chance that this disturbance could create a huge misunderstanding with the governing officials.
Calester closed his eyes as he imagined the possibilities that a sudden attack by the Empire's enemy would happen while the weakened leader of the army was dying in bed. It is a huge concern that at this critical time, the Crown Prince was not present.
As time slipped by the second, Calester's thoughts wandered more dangerously.
If by chance, the Emperor breathed his last breath at this moment before it was time to crown the next Emperor, the fangs of those greedy aristocrats would surely land on the Emperor, in a desperate attempt to win the seat of the monarch.
***
"My Lady, are you awake?"
The rare times, just like this one, where Emerald found herself falling asleep was interrupted by the head of the maids, Doris. It was strange to her knowing how the head of the maid, who was usually calm, was coming at her door with an agitated tone. Emerald opened her eyes in bits of hesitation and struggled to lift herself up to open the door. She groaned softly as the numbing feeling slowly dissipated.
"My lady, Please wake up."
She wrinkled her brows and wondered why Doris was so impatient. She sat up and quickly stretched her arms and legs. The afternoon glow was prompting the sunset as the orange glow penetrated her glass window. After some time, she quietly headed over to the door and opened it for the elder woman. The wrinkles around the maid's eyes seemed to have deepened over a short period of time.
"What is the matter?"
"My lady, you are being summoned to the Palace."
From the last time she could remember visiting the Palace, it was the first time she heard she was being summoned. In normal circumstances, it would be her father who would be summoned. Her being called was quite peculiar.
Was it something to do with the engagement? She thought to herself.
The Crown Prince, who she was to marry, had left the East for an expedition 6 years ago. To this day, no one has mentioned that the Prince was coming back. She received only a letter, two years ago, of his promise of return. Biting her lips because of such uncertainty, Emerald looked at the maid who had her hands clasped together in obvious nervousness.
"What is this all about?"
Emerald asked Doris as calmly as she could, but, as expected, the elder woman could not give her any appropriate answer. Maybe the time has come-- though no announcement was made, the circumstances only led her to believe that he must have returned.
It was either he was back to marry her or he was back to cancel the engagement. With either choice, she really did not have a say, only heightening her anxiety.
"Did anyone come as an escort to the Palace?"
Doris only nodded, confirming to her that it was a formal request. She stepped aside, letting Doris enter her chamber. There were two younger maids, who brought her change of clothes and a bucket of warm water to help her prepare.
So, it's time.
The door closes and preparations are made.