The "Imperador de la Muerte" Clan, known as the esteemed lineage of the imperial family, resides in the magnificent "Edrea Palace." This grand structure, meticulously crafted by the clan's revered founder, stands as a testament to their enduring power and influence. The palace is fabled to soar to such heights that it surpasses the very clouds, a symbol of the clan's unmatched eminence. Adorned with the imperial family's signature colors of gold, black, and red, the emblem depicts a dragon, symbolizing strength and sovereignty, perched atop a mountain, surveying its vast domain.

For over 19 centuries, the imperial clan has produced a lineage of formidable rulers, each leaving a distinctive mark on the realm through their unique styles of governance. Notably, among the numerous emperors, only two have been female, a testament to the diversity and strength of the imperial line.

The emperors of ancient times were known for their practice of maintaining very large harems, not only for the purpose of bearing many heirs, but also as a means of consolidating political power among the noble families. It was a customary tradition for noble families to offer their daughters to the emperor in hopes of securing his favor and influence for their clan. However, due to the sheer size and opulence of these harems, it was a rare occurrence for these daughters to even have the chance to meet the emperor. The emperors would spend their leisure time either visiting their harems or engaging in hunting activities, but their primary focus was always on governing the state. An emperor's commitment to working tirelessly from dawn until dusk was crucial in guaranteeing the stability and supremacy of the empire over the noble families.

The imperial family holds sway over all clans, but amidst this dominance, there are other clans of significant power. One such formidable clan is the "Mandar Nashanth," renowned for their expertise in harnessing and controlling the elemental power of flames, akin to the imperial family. The Nashanth clan has a storied history of cultivating close ties with trusted advisors who consistently counsel and support each ruler of the empire. Additionally, they are known for assuming governance over the capital whenever the imperial family is absent, ensuring the continuity of leadership and order in their stead.

The reigning monarch, Emperor Belial Alastor de Deirdre Imperial, was revered for his exceptional wisdom and compassion towards his subjects. Renowned as the embodiment of wisdom, Emperor Alastor's merciful and kind-hearted approach to governance earned him deep admiration and loyalty from the people within his empire.The emperor was renowned for his deep affection for his family. However, behind this love, there lurked a ruthless side: once you were part of his imperial council, not even being his blood could shield you from severe punishment. Although he detested injustice, he was resolute in adhering to the laws. At 68 years old, Emperor Belial continued to rule the empire. His eldest son, Prince Gabriel Armaros de Adira Imperial, was wed to a formidable woman from the Nashanth clan, and together they had blessed the emperor with 3 grandchildren. His beloved daughter, Princess Kali Tanasiri de Adira Imperial, was married to a man of noble lineage and had given the emperor 2 grandchildren. Lastly, his second son, Prince Luscious Ezekiel de Adira Imperial, was married to a woman with a stronger claim to the throne, and they had 5 heirs.

Whenever a new grandchild was born, the emperor's heart brimmed with joy and delight as his family expanded. However, little did he know that his 7 grandchildren would eventually find themselves entangled in a struggle for power, leading to the formation of coalitions vying for the throne he currently occupies.

Years prior to the impending battle for succession, the emperor's children remained unmarried and youthful. His cherished daughter, Princess Tana, held a special place in his heart. His eldest son, Prince Gabriel, was diligently establishing his reputation in politics. The emperor's second son, Luscious, had emerged as the most courageous general under his command, while his youngest child, Tobi, continued to frolic in the enchanting imperial gardens.

Princess Tana is the most beautiful woman in the capital and the emperor's most favored child, whom he wants to give the throne to. She loves archery, painting, and dancing, and spends most of her time with her father, whom she adores very much. She is known as the goddess of love and has the power to control others' minds to her will. She specializes in controlling the (red) flames, just like most of her clan. Princess Tana can be easily distinguished by her ruby red eyes, pitch-black hair, and pale white skin. Her father's ministers often describe her as a rose—very beautiful and fragrant, always wearing red, but very thorny and cunning in politics. She is currently 20 years old and 5'8" tall.

Prince Gabriel is known to be a very cunning man in politics, with strong connections to the Nashanth clan and close to his father's advisors. He is often known as the wisest prince and is known as the god of war. Unlike his sister, who can control others' minds through seduction, Prince Gabriel can control the clans by starting wars and fights with a snap of a finger. He has fair skin like his father, bloody red eyes like his sister, and pitch-black hair. The prince specializes in controlling the (black) flames, just like his sister. He is currently 19 years old and 6'2" tall.

Prince Lucious is known as the emperor's greatest general since the age of 15 and is known as the bravest of the emperor's princes. He holds no interest in parties and dancing but loves to paint with his siblings. Prince Lucious is known to avoid dramas and scandals, unlike his elder sister and fraternal twin brother. He has blue hair, light skin, and ocean blue eyes, and a more muscular and bigger build than his twin, Prince Gabriel, as he spends more time in the battlefield. He specializes in controlling (Blue) Flames and Lightning just like his father. He is currently 19 years old and 6'4" tall.

Prince Tobi is the so-called silly prince of the empire, who roams around the palace day and night trying to set up pranks for his siblings. The prince specializes in controlling water, just like his mother. He has distinct grey hair, red eyes, and fair skin.currently 15 years old 5'9

The story starts inside the Edrea Palace where the emperor is currently holding an imperial meeting...

"Inside the imperial council"

In the grand council chamber, the emperor's ministers engaged in heated debate over the marriage of the princess. The noble families eagerly presented their numerous eligible sons as potential suitors, each vowing to provide the princess with the utmost care and devotion. However, the emperor steadfastly rejected every offer, asserting that the princess would have the freedom to choose her own path and decide on her marriage at her own discretion.

Amidst this discussion, the topic of the emperor's successor arose, causing a palpable stir within the imperial council.

Prime Minister Samson respectfully addressed the emperor, expressing his dissent regarding the proposal to name the princess as the heir to the throne.

Prime Minister Samson, the head of the Nashanth Clan and the prime minister of the emperor, said, "I agree that Her Highness the princess is very talented and has exceptional skills, but Your Majesty, do you recall that our empire, your imperial dynasty, has only had two female emperors?" 

Emperor Alastor responded, "And why is that? My daughter is my most capable child. She excels in politics and martial arts. You yourself have seen her skills in archery. So tell me, why not her?"

Prime Minister: Your Majesty, may I remind you of the history of female emperors? Our founder was the first female emperor and ruled with grace and mercy. Despite her good rule, she was assassinated in her early 30s. The second female emperor was a very ruthless woman who led a rebellion against her father, the emperor, and killed him and her half-siblings, leaving only her full-blood siblings alive. She died of an illness in her mid-40s. Your Majesty, having another female emperor may bring tragedy for the princess.

Emperor Alastor: So, you're suggesting that my daughter is unlucky? *stern voice*

Prime Minister: Your Majesty, I did not say such a thing–

Emperor Alastor: *throws a glass at him* Then why bring up those tragedies if you don't want to curse my daughter!

Everyone in the council knelt down, their voices trembling as they begged the emperor to calm down and show mercy. That day made it abundantly clear that not a single member of his council accepted the princess as his successor. After the tense council session, the emperor sought solace in the imperial garden, wandering amidst the carefully manicured landscape to find some peace of mind.

As he strolled through the tranquil garden, the sound of gleeful giggles reached his ears. Peering into the distance, he caught sight of Princess Tanasiri and Prince Tobi playfully jostling by the edge of the lake. Silently, the emperor approached them from behind, relishing the opportunity to startle them. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he successfully startled the young royals, causing both of them to tumble into the lake in astonishment.

As the prince and princess clambered out of the water, casting annoyed glances at their father, the emperor couldn't contain his laughter. In a lighthearted gesture, he instructed them to dry off and join him for a leisurely picnic. Throughout the picnic, the emperor continued to tease his children, savoring the joy of their lighthearted company.

Emperor Alistor: Are you still mad at me, kids?

Princess Tana: My dress was new, dad *glares*

Prince Tobi: And mom just styled my hair!

Emperor Alistor: Alright, alright, I'm sorry, kids.

Princess Tana: It's okay, dad. Why are you here? Shouldn't you be at the council?

Emperor Alistor: I ended it early today.

Prince Tobi: Why did you lose your temper again? *laughs*

Princess Tana: Tobi! You are not to interfere with state affairs!

Prince Tobi: But!

Emperor Alistor: Tobi, listen to your sister. You are to abide by the rules. You can't speak to me in public as your father, but rather as the emperor. You may still address me as father or royal father, but you must still act as a subject.

Prince Tobi: But dad! I'm already 15, yet you still haven't allowed me to join your council. I don't understand! Achi! (meaning older sister) joined when she was 9! Gabriel joined at 15 and Luscious joined at 14! How come you haven't let me join?

Emperor Alistor: Tobi, I haven't allowed you in my court because you aren't ready yet.

Prince Tobi: Dad, I've been studying well!

Emperor Alistor: Tobi, I'm not stupid. I know you aren't attending your classes. Your mother and I are very worried about you. You're always very hot-tempered, son. You won't be able to handle the imperial court. *he said concerned*

Prince Tobi: Fine! *he got up and stormed off*

Princess Tana: Tobi! Tobi!

Emperor Alistor: It's alright, leave him be.

Princess Tana: He's been getting more spoiled recently; all he does is wander around the palace.

Emperor Alistor: You know your brother, he just wants to be like you guys. Leave him be for now.

Princess Tana: But be honest for me, dad. Why did you end the council meeting early today?

Emperor Alistor: The ministers are asking me to choose a husband for you. *scoffs* Those fools really think I'll force you to marry their sons.

Princess Tana: Is that all?

Emperor Alistor: *sighs* No, there's one more thing...

Princess Tana: What is it, dad?

Emperor Alistor: The prime minister and the council keep disagreeing about making you my heir... That audacious Samson is starting to get on my nerves! Don't worry, my child, I'll do everything for you to have my throne.

Princess Tana: Dad... I think it's time you stop trying.

Emperor Alistor: What? Why would you say that, my little princess?

Princess Tana: It's been like 11 years of you trying? Dad, it's alright... I've accepted it for some time now.... I don't want you always stressed because of me. Maybe they're right; I'm not supposed to be the next ruler.

Emperor Alistor: *sighs* My dear daughter... I have failed you many, many times. I'm sorry.

Princess Tana: It's alright, dad. At least I won't have a lot of problems when I'm older. I don't want to have any wrinkles, you know? *laughs*

Emperor Alistor: *laughs* My precious girl. Thank goodness I don't have any problems with you. Those brothers of yours are really something when it comes to trouble.

Princess Tana: What? Why? 

Emperor Alistor: Your brother Gabriel is gonna start stirring up trouble again.

Princess Tana: What do you mean?

Emperor Alistor: Gabriel is very skilled in politics, I'll give him that, and I'm very proud of him because of that, but... He can't hide the fact that he is eyeing the throne.

Princess Tana: Did he disrespect you again? Did he say anything offensive?

Emperor Alistor: Gabriel has been getting close with the prime minister... As you know, my prime minister Samson is the clan leader of the Nashanth clan. Out of all the noble families in the capital, the Nashanth clan has the most power after us. I fear Gabriel will be influenced. Samson is a very cunning man. I know him well; I studied with him when I was younger. Considering Gabriel's scheming side, I do have a fear that he will do something that will harm our clan.

Princess Tana: I know Gabriel. He is quite scheming, but he won't do anything to hurt us, Dad. We're his family. But you are right, him getting close to the Nashanth clan isn't too good. Has he done anything stupid recently?

Emperor Alistor: Not much, just a few temper tantrums, said the servants.

Princess Tana: How about Luscious?

Emperor Alistor: That brother of yours rarely looks me in the eye. He is always either bowing down or kneeling. Out of everyone, I must say he is the most patient and obedient. But I feel bad for him. At 15, I sent him out to battles. I fear that he has some harbored hatred against me... I haven't treated him very fairly.

Princess Tana: To that, I have no say... But why don't you try spending time with him?

Emperor Alistor: I don't know what he likes... *embarrassed and disappointed*

Princess Tana: *laughs softly* It's alright, Dad. I'll tell you his hobbies. *smiles*

Emperor Alistor: Thank you, my child. *smiles* I also do think it's time for me to spend some time with Luscious. I've missed him so.

T.B.C