"A letter left for those that remain"
.
.
.
.
the door opened making a small chime as the bell swung. A small dimly lit bar greeted me it was quiet only a few conversations could be heard the atmosphere made me relax a bit but I still felt the weight of the events on me. i made way to one of the bar stools. I hadn't yet returned home still dressed in black and my hands trembling. As I sat there a bartender on the other side of the counter came to me.
"I didn't think I'd see you here today, bad day?"
It was riean and old co worker of mine when I worked for my father.
"I didn't plan on coming here" I responded my voice wavered he paused at my response he seemed concerned but didn't pry. "I didn't know you were working a shift this week don't you have trades to do?"
I muttered looking up at him he had his usual smile and his purple eyes glistening in the lighting.
"Oh I finished up early and decided to come here"
He passed me one of my regular drinks and I immediately drank it. The drink burned as it went down, but it didn't help. Nothing did. Not the alcohol, not Riean's small talk, not even the brief comfort of familiarity. I wasn't here for solace, though. Just a distraction before I faced the inevitable.
"Thanks for the drink you know where to send the bill, I'll take my leave"
I lifted myself off my chair my body aching from exhaustion there was still one more thing I had to do today before I could even think about anything else. Riean nodded watching me slump over to the exit.
The carriage ride to Theo's manor was a blur as I looked outside all the colours mixed together,even the walk to his room I couldn't remember. My body felt like it would collapse any moment, I came to Theo's room to grab a few things before his will was read out to the family.
Entering his room it looked so familiar, the warm breeze flowing in blowing against the picture on his wall. The pictures were full of happy moments with his family, their bright smile he looked truly happy I couldn't help but wonder what he was like with others, i can only imagine. There was only one picture far from the other it caught my eye immediately, a picture of us on my graduation day, Theo took this picture before I left school— I didn't think he kept it…
I quickly sorted through his things not wanting to stay more than I already have,evening soon set in. After I had finished I sat down at his desk to sort out the last thing his paper. As I looked through them I saw an envelope addressed to me,it was unmistakably his handwriting. we hadn't sent letters to each other frequently it was probably just one he couldn't send in time.
Sitting at the desk, my fingers traced the edge of the envelope. Theo's handwriting stared back at me—a loop here, a jagged slash there. How many times had I mocked his messy writing? My hand hovered, reluctant. The seal cracked with a soft tear, and I unfolded the letter. As I read, my heart sank. Each word carved into me like a blade. By the end, my chest felt hollow, my breathing shallow.
Dear Noe,
If you're reading this, I'm gone. I'd apologize for leaving you with this mess, but we both know I've never been one for apologies. My absence doesn't absolve you of what must be done. In fact, it makes your role all the more critical.
Let me be clear: I didn't die by chance. I planned this. Every move, every detail, was calculated to bring us to this moment. And now, it falls to you to finish what I started.
Take down the monarchy. Bring freedom to the people—something we've been denied our entire lives. I've laid the foundation; you only have to follow the steps I've left behind.
It's won't be that hard you've seen my plans first thing when we were young, or did you not care enough to look?
You're probably thinking of refusing. That's fine. But understand this—if you don't act, I will expose everything. The truth about the former emperor's blood on your hands. The truth about what you did for Father. The truth about the life you've so carefully hidden. You'll lose the future you've worked so hard to build.
And just in case that isn't enough to persuade you, I've made arrangements to ensure the people you care about suffer if you falter. Your old friends, your allies—they'll pay the price for your cowardice.
You may hate me for this, and that's fine. But remember: this isn't about you or me. This is about a country on the brink of change. Do your part, and you'll be the reason it thrives. Fail, and you'll be the reason it falls.
Go to the Duchess's house on the 7th at 1 PM. She'll have the answers you need. Don't be late, Noe. Time waits for no one.
I know you'll make the right choice.
-Theo
I stared at the letter, Theo's words cutting deeper than I'd thought possible. What kind of man would do this—sacrifice his life for a plan so insane? And what kind of brother would drag me into it?
Shaking,I shoved the letter into my pocket, but my hand lingered there for a moment. Somewhere beneath the anger, beneath the exhaustion, there was something else. Regret, maybe. Or a fleeting memory of the brother I thought I knew.
Slamming the door behind me, I headed home. This would have to wait until tomorrow. I wasn't ready to face any of it—not yet.
Tomorrow, I'd face it. Not for Theo. Not for his plan. But because running had never been an option—not for people like us.
.
.
.
.
.
END