The birth of the baby girl in the House of Arquilie was treated like a victory party for the knights. It was a huge celebration as this was only celebrated when knights returned a victor of the war. This was the first time that the House of Arquilie had conceived a baby girl. To Emperor Callen, atleast, it was worth a big celebration as this was a historical event for all Goldivians.
As soon as the news reached the High Priest, he came down from the sacred mountain and personally met the child in the duchess' arms.
There was an unreadable expression from the High Priest that Alina, the Duchess, sensitively noticed which made her nervous. It was a mother's instinct that made her believe the Priest came down with bad news.
"Radia…" the High Priest once said. "It would be the name of your child. Bright and happy." The High Priest took the baby to his arms and made a small prayer under his breath. When the prayer was done, the High Priest gently returned her to the arms of her mother.
"Death is inevitable to everyone. But, be careful as death may take away the life of your brightness in a blink of an eye."
Alina's heart sank upon hearing the news. She could only interpret that her daughter faces great danger in the future. Immediately, she informed her husband about what the high Priest told her.
"Then, we must always keep her safe…"
***
As soon as Emerald was a little old enough to understand, her mother told her the contractual marriage between the House of Arquilie and the Royal family.
"You will be the Empress one day. The child you will marry will only be granted his title by then."
Her mother's voice still rings true now that she was an adult. It was like a distant memory whenever she hears her mother's voice. But, it was amusing to her that those were the last words she could only recall from the thousands of conversations she had with her mother when she was alive.
***
"I need you to be my wife" Calester said plainly without hesitation as he looked at the small framed woman that stood in front of him with a furrowed brow. The rejection in her eyes was apparent. But, he cannot stop from there.
"What do you mean, your Majesty?" Emerald asked, though she already knew the motive behind those commanding words. She also knew that flatly rejecting Calester was something she can not casually do.
"I am asking you because you are aware of the contract between our family. You should know what it means."
Emerald nodded her head in acknowledgement. But her heart just could not accept that this was all happening to her. All her hopes for the Crown Prince to return were slowly being crushed by this very moment.
"I will marry when the Crown Prince returns…" she said weakly. "Please…." she pleaded as she looked down on the ground, clasping her hands together.
She hesitantly waited for minutes until she finally added, "I will wait for his return…"
"I'm looking for my brother."
The heavy feeling she was engulfed in lifted at the mention of such good news. Her blue eyes finally looked up, seeking for certainty.
"...but, if I can find him. Please give me your hand in marriage."
Like the wind that blew cold air into the atmosphere, her body froze from the words that she heard.
"You can marry anyone… your Majesty. Why are you seeking a political marriage?"
Calester offered no response as he sat on the bench quietly. Emerald, who has grown more anxious that cold sweats were slowly building on her forehead, tried her best to compose herself.
"I believe Calisto will come back. M-maybe he j-just… needed more time."
Emerald stumbled clumsily with her words, trying hard to convince Calester that she was certain that was the case.
"But, I don't have time!"
He growled, rising up from his seat almost immediately. This made Emerald flinch from the unfamiliar character her childhood friend was displaying. It was as if all the patience he held inside had already run out.
"I'm sure that when he hears of your Father, he would be rushing home!" She claimed with affirmation. But, then Calester only looked at her with empty eyes as if his emotions have already abandoned him.
"What is it that you want… to agree?"
"I have no desire other than to wait for the Crown Prince."
Calester clicked his tongue, a surprising act that no well manner noble should do in front of another noble. Calester put his head down and sighed deeply.
"You're really testing my patience, my Lady…" he paused for a moment to carefully deliver his thoughts to Emerald. Then, he spoke, "I don't want to be Emperor. My brother will be Emperor… I am convicted to that belief. Now, If he returns, that's great! The emperor seat will be given to him as my father wishes."
He glanced at the figure of the beautiful maiden as she stood by his side quietly. Then, continued, " But, if he returns too late, do you know what will happen…?"
Emerald knew very well. She swallowed from her dried throat and the image of the Crown Prince flashes before her eyes.
"Calisto will have to fight for the Crown again…" (Emerald)
"And if I become Emperor, I will hand him the seat immediately upon his return." (Calester)
Emerald contemplated for a moment. She looked at Calester in the eyes, waiting to affirm his words. His eyes bore great sincerity and determination as he tells her his motives. Emerald quickly understood that she was trapped as she does not have a say to this. It was clear to her that it was not a matter of whether she would agree or not. But, a matter of when she will agree.
"I need your answer now." he spoke, clenching his fist.
"I don't know what to tell you, your Majesty."
"You have been calling me, Your Majesty. But, all I really want to hear is a yes."
The stubbornness in his voice was pushing her to the edge. He shakes his head, expressing his disapproval over Emerald's repeated rejection. He bent his knees and put his hands to his face, covering his eyes.
"Then, will you allow me to devorce you when Calisto returns to take over the throne?"
Calester hesitated a little and finally said, "Yes"
***
Soon enough, preparations for the wedding were made.