I fall face-first onto my bed, thoughts racing through my head. "What in God's name is happening here?" I mumble to myself. I spoke to Father, hoping it would answer some of the questions that I had, but I ended up with more questions than I started with.
Before Father could answer more questions about my ancestry, he was called away for some urgent business. All I can do now is wonder about what happened in the past that led to this.
Although I have a lot of unanswered questions, I don't have time to dwell on them today. To celebrate my entering adulthood, Father has hosted a huge party, where all sorts of important guests will be attending.
I got off the bed, stretching my arms. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a package on my desk. I walked to it and examined it. Noticing nothing odd about it, I tore open the outer cover, only to find a set of neatly folded clothes. The blood-red suit caught my attention, and I knew I wanted it. While I was admiring these clothes, I saw a card that was placed beside them.
'Don't be late'
I smiled. My father knew exactly what I liked. I felt a little silly, being that predictable. But if I am getting whatever I want, then why complain? I bolted the door and changed into my newly acquired outfit.
This was the first outfit that I had any appreciation for. Not only were the feel and fitting impeccable, but the colour and design looked even better now. I fixed my sleeves as I walked out of the door. I glanced at my pocket watch. I had to be at the ballroom in ten minutes, and I wasn't planning on being late.
As I walked into the huge party hall, I could feel the heavy presence in the room. Many notable figures were attending this event, which didn't make it any easier to deal with how uneasy I was. But right now, I couldn't stop to think about any of this.
"A very happy birthday to you Lord Herz!" A small group of girls had gathered in front of me. I recognised a few of them as the daughters of Father's subordinates. "Thank you very much", I smiled back. I heard a few squeals from the back of the crowd, but I have gotten used to these. 'Fan girls,' I thought to myself. I spoke to them for a few minutes before I went to greet the other guests.
An hour into the party and it didn't seem to get any easier to deal with the guests. I walked to the balcony to catch a breath. I leaned against the railing and admired the crescent moon. Birds had stopped chirping, and the crickets had begun singing. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the cool wind blowing into my face.
While I was enjoying my time alone, I heard footsteps behind me. I turned to the sight of a boy my age. His golden hair, neatly combed, partially cover his purple eyes. His blue suit could only be described as elegant, and his sheathed sword was placed into his buckle. There wasn't one person in all of Kartenia who wouldn't recognise him.
I bowed down to him, "It's an honour to meet you, Prince Magnus." The younger prince of Kartenia, Prince Magnus was a Master of Politics and strategies. While he wasn't able to keep up with the older prince in terms of strength, he made up for it with his intellect. With the support of a lot of the emperor's men, his ascension to the throne was almost guaranteed. "Please, raise your head, Lord Herz." He spoke in a friendly tone. I stood up straight.
"Happy Birthday to you." He smiled. "Thank you very much, sir," I replied. "Sorry for not wishing you earlier" he continued, "With all the people crowded around you I didn't get a chance to speak to you."
Suddenly, his smile vanished. "Lord Herz, I wish to speak to you regarding an important matter." I looked at him. "As you are probably aware, my father – the emperor, is currently very ill, with very little hope for survival. For the past month, he has been in intensive care, but it doesn't seem like it's helping him too much. Unfortunately, he has chosen to not declare an heir, as he still believes that he can rule the country for another fifty years. The doctors believe that he does not have a lot of time left, but their concerns have all fallen on deaf ears."
"The nation is already struggling without a very active king, so I think you can guess what would happen in case of his passing." My eyes widen, which the prince seemed to notice. "That's right. A war for succession. While I do respect my older brother, I do not believe that he is capable of running the country. So, all of that being said, I, Magnus Longshard, ask for your support in the battle for the crown."
Despite acting surprised about Prince Magnus' speech, I was already expecting him to approach me. While I was caught off guard by how early he decided to make his move, I was prepared with a response for him. "Sir, despite everything you have told me right now, I cannot support you in the battle for the crown." This didn't seem to be the response that he was expecting. "I think I misheard you, Lord Herz, would you mind repeating that for me?" He laughed nervously.
"I said that I cannot support you in the battle for the crown." I could clearly see the anger on his face, but he quickly regained his composure. He coughed nervously, before continuing, "Lord Herz, I don't think you understand how important it is to take a stand in this battle. The country is already falling apart, and if we don't have a new ruler soon, our enemies will start making moves."
"While I do understand what you are trying to say, as I said before- ", I was cut off. "If you understand then why?" he shouted. I was trying really hard to be polite with him, but he was making it very hard to continue. "If it is money or fame that you are looking for, then I can guarantee you that you will be rewarded properly. I can also increase the area controlled by the Herz family. I will do anything in my power to get whatever you need."
"Sir, I don't think you understand. I have to decline your offer." He was almost at his boiling point. "I know. The relics. You must want one of the relics of Aquarin." He laughed out maniacally. "If I become the ruler, I can get you one, no, as many as you want!"
"While that is an extremely enticing offer, I still have to decline." I was getting really tired of this. "Why?" He whimpered, "WHY?" He shouted out at the top of his lungs.
Guests had started surrounding the balcony, trying to see what the commotion was all about. There were some whispers, while some of the younger prince's supporters were worried.
"I offered you everything that you could have ever wanted. I offered you money, power, and even national treasures. SO WHY WON'T YOU SUPPORT ME?"
"It's because you targeted the wrong person, little brother." All eyes turned towards the voice. The crowd surrounding the balcony parted. A tall man, with a fair complexion and golden hair, walked in. He was dressed in a blood-red suit, not much different from mine.
"It's Prince Leopold!" Someone exclaimed. The crowd broke into murmurs before someone shushed them silent.
The prince walked straight to me and gave me a tight hug. "Sorry for being late."
"No problem," I smirked, "Bestie."