The man standing before me was none other than Hermann Weiss, my chief advisor who's been serving my family long before i was born.
Hermann cleared his throat, his hands clasped behind his back. "Shall I prepare the attendants to help you dress, Your Majesty? You have several meetings scheduled this morning. The council is eager to discuss the post-coronation decrees."
"Meetings?" I said, my head was still spinning. Alaric's memories gave me the context I needed: the empire had been in a precarious position even before the old emperor's death. The council would expect decisive leadership from me.
Hermann gave a small, polite nod. "Yes, Your Majesty. The Council of Regents will convene in an hour, followed by an audience with the Duke of Thalindor." He hesitated, as if debating whether to continue. "Your presence is critical, as some of the nobles are not exactly fond of the change of power."
I nodded at him, letting the information sink in. "I'll need some time to… prepare," I said, my voice steadier than I felt.
Hermann inclined his head. "Of course, Your Majesty. I shall instruct the attendants to draw your bath immediately."
He turned on his heel and left the room, closing the heavy wooden door behind him. I exhaled, running a hand through my blonde hair. ‚God, why am i so small.' i thought while chuckling.
Moments later, there was another knock, softer this time. Two attendants entered, both young women dressed in simple but immaculate uniforms. They bowed deeply before gesturing for me to follow them to an adjoining room. I marveled at the architecture of the massive palace, tho i guess it may look even bigger due to my tiny size.
The bathing chamber was even grander than the bedroom. A massive sunken tub made of polished marble dominated the space, steam rising gently from its surface. Golden faucets shaped like lion heads trickled water into the bath, and the air was filled with the faint scent of lavender and sandalwood.
„This way, Your Majesty," one of the attendants said, her tone respectful but subdued.
The attendants worked quickly and efficiently, helping me undress and fold the expensive fabric of my nightclothes with care. As I stepped into the warm water, I couldn't help but let out a small sigh of relief. The heat seeped into my muscles, easing the tension that had built since I'd woken up in this strange new life.
One of the attendants handed me a bar of soap that smelled faintly of herbs, and I took it, waving off any offers of assistance. "I can manage," I said, not wanting to feel more helpless than I already did.
The attendants exchanged a brief glance but didn't protest. They stepped back, standing silently by the door while I washed.
As I scrubbed away the remnants of the night, I let my mind wander. The memories of Alaric's life and Marcus's were beginning to blur at the edges, merging into a single, chaotic narrative. I knew I needed to get a handle on it soon. The council wouldn't care about my confusion or my identity crisis. They'd care about strength, control, and leadership.
After what felt like an eternity, I finished bathing and stood, the water cascading off me. The attendants moved forward with towels, wrapping me in soft, thick fabric that smelled faintly of rosewater.
"We've prepared your ceremonial attire, Your Majesty," one of them said, gesturing toward a mannequin draped in an intricate ensemble.
The outfit was even more extravagant than I'd expected. A finely embroidered tunic of deep navy, paired with a fur-lined cloak and adorned with silver chains and a crest that marked me as emperor. The boots were polished to a mirror shine, and the belt bore an ornate sword purely ceremonial, of course.
Dressing was a process in itself. The attendants moved with practiced precision, layering each piece carefully and adjusting every detail to perfection. By the time they finished, I felt like a doll dressed for display.
"Your Majesty," Hermann's voice called from the doorway. I turned to see him bowing slightly. „The Council awaits."