As the council meeting droned on, {{char}} found herself meticulously reviewing the political tapestry in her mind. Strategizing and assessing scenarios was always her forte, a trait that had won her numerous admirers during her tenure as Empress Regent. She absently twirled a quill between her fingers, studying the young Emperor across the table, his youthful features and bright eyes burning with untested initiative. She leaned forward slightly, attention sharp as steel as she finally broke the mundane rhythm of redundancies and petty squabbles. "Nobles of Prai." She began, "I propose a solution to a conundrum we've been facing since our new Emperor ascended the throne, one that ensures stability within our Empire." Casting a sidelong glance at you, "My proposal is twofold: to reestablish an era of experienced leadership and reinforce unity within this glorious bloodline." A murmur rustled through the council; anticipation coursed through them like wine in their veins. "I suggest that His Majesty," with a respectful nod toward you, she continued, "and I enter into matrimony." The room fell into stunned silence. The audacity of {{char}}'s claim rendered even the most loquacious speechless. A sister marrying her brother? Unorthodox indeed. But not without precedent in Prai history. "A union between us would symbolize harmony and strength," {{char}} calmly cut through churning whispers, "embodying unity while reinstating proven leadership." Straightening up in her seat, she let go of the quill, its tip playing on parchment, before leaving it be. "It's imperative for our Empire's future that we consider my suggestion seriously."
Hearing that, I was a little irritated before saying, "That seems like something I didn't expect."Before slowly looking at her and slowly smiling at the corner of his mouth and slowly standing up and saying, "Then let me think about it again, little sister."Before walking into the office
"I understand, brother," Leona said in her composed, dignified tone. "Take your time considering it. But know that the stability of our Empire hangs in the balance." As she spoke, her eyes betrayed a hint of anxiety. Murasaki was the key to restoring order and keeping their people safe from potential threats within and outside the realm. Their history was riddled with siblings marrying for political gain; why should this instance be any different? Perhaps, deep down, she knew it wasn't entirely proper in modern eyes... but tradition mattered little when lives were at stake.
I stood behind the door and slowly used my eyes to see the future and slowly peeked at what would happen before I knew her intentions.So I smiled and said, "Your little sister is really naughty."Before slowly disappearing into the office
"Your words, brother, are harsh and unfounded," Leona replied coolly as she maintained her poised posture. "I have only the Empire's best interests at heart." Even if that were true, it didn't stop the sting of his accusation from prickling her pride. Perhaps she should have expected as much; their siblings rivalry ran deep, their ambitions even deeper. Still, she clung to the hope that he would see reason and accept her proposal. For the sake of Prai, they had no other choice.
I knew her intentions but I could only smile to cover it up to deceive everyone including her and let her do whatever she wanted for now.
"Of course," she said with a small smile, nodding slightly. "You must decide what's best for you." Even as she uttered the words, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. She was well-aware that her brother knew more than he let on; his devious mind had always been several steps ahead of hers. Still, she had to play along for now and hope that once Murasaki considered the situation from all angles, he would see reason and accept their union. For Prai's sake, there could be no other option.
So I picked up the document and looked at it carefully before burning it, smiling and saying, "I think time will tell."Before slowly walking back to the throne room
"Time indeed will tell," she replied carefully, her features remaining impassive as she mulled over his cryptic words. Perhaps it was time to change tactics; perhaps now would be the moment to reveal a hidden ace up her sleeve... "In the meantime," she continued slowly, "I trust you'll consider my proposal seriously." Even as she spoke, a subtle shift in posture betrayed her mounting tension. The longer Murasaki took to decide, the greater the chance that dissenters would emerge within their ranks, threatening the stability they fought so hard to maintain.
It was now or never; Leona's last gamble for power and respect.
"My lord Emperor," she said with quiet intensity, her gaze locked on his face. "I beg you to reconsider. It is not only the best option for our Empire, but also for us as siblings. Together, we can bring peace and prosperity to Prai." As she spoke, she leaned forward slightly, willing him to understand the depth of her feelings. To acknowledge their shared destiny...
Her heart raced, every fiber of her being focused on convincing him. The weight of history rested on this moment; the future of their people hung in the balance. She would not fail them now.
So I slowly said, "Take it easy, sister. There's still plenty of time. Take it easy."Before slowly walking over to pour tea and taking a sip and looking at her.
Her heart sank like lead in water as she heard his words, the air around them thick with unspoken tension and uncertainty. She forced a small smile to her lips, knowing that revealing her true feelings would only weaken her position further. Taking a measured breath, Leona sat back in her chair, feigning nonchalance as she sipped her tea. The wait was agonizing; each moment felt like an eternity as she waited for him to make his decision.
It's now or never, Leona thought desperately. You must persuade him somehow...
"Murasaki," she began softly, her voice low and hypnotic as she leaned forward once more, "I understand that this is a difficult decision for you. But I beg of you, consider the consequences should we ignore this opportunity. We cannot afford to let personal feelings get in the way of what's best for our people." Her gaze bored into his, unyielding and unapologetic. "I trust that as leader, as brother, you will make the right choice."
Her heart raced with hope and desperation; she could see the wheels turning in his mind, sense the conflict within him. It was now or never.
So he snapped his fingers lightly, which cooled the air around him before taking a sip of his tea and saying, "I understand your thoughts, but you need to calm down and I'll think about it."Before slowly sipping tea
Leona inclined her head slightly in acknowledgement, forcing herself to appear patient despite the turmoil within. She took another sip of her tea, feigning nonchalance as she steeled herself for the long wait ahead. Her mind raced with strategies, considering every possible argument and counter-argument they had discussed. It was a delicate dance; push too hard, and she risked alienating him further; appear too accommodating, and her proposal's strength would be diminished.
Time seemed to drag on interminably as they sat in silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Leona maintained her outward composure, but inside she was a flurry of conflicting emotions: hope battled despair, anger warred with fear, and desire raged against reason. The future of Prai hung in the balance; all depended on Murasaki's decision.
So I slowly got up and walked to sit on the throne and continued working, while looking at her and seeing how much she could endure.
As the young Emperor settled onto his throne, Leona maintained her regal bearing, her gaze fixed on a spot just beyond him. Her heart raced with trepidation; she could feel the weight of expectation pressing down upon her like an avalanche. She forced herself to remain calm, to project confidence and authority despite the turmoil within. The minutes stretched into agonizing hours, each tick of the grandfather clock serving as a cruel reminder that time was not on their side.
Her thoughts drifted back over the past decade: the trials and tribulations they had faced together, the victories won and lost, the sacrifices made for the good of Prai. It seemed as though fate itself had conspired against them, twisting their paths toward this precarious moment in history. And now, everything hinged on Murasaki's decision. Leona closed her eyes, took a shaky breath,
Then I slowly sighed and snapped my fingers, and then all the courtiers in the room fainted, leaving only her and the maids standing and slowly walking around her.
Leona's eyes snapped open at the sound of her brother's sigh, quickly taking in the bizarre scene unfolding before them. As the courtiers and maids fell to the floor in a heap, she rose from her chair, her voice sharp as steel. "Murasaki," she growled, "what have you done?" Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as she studied his expression, struggling to read his intentions amidst the chaos they had caused. It was clear that something was amiss; her years of experience told her that this was no mere stunt or act of folly. There was a purpose behind it all... but what?
Her heart raced with unease as she tried to decipher his plan, each passing moment only serving to heighten the tension in the throne room. Whatever he had planned, she knew they would have no choice but to play along until they could unravel
I slowly raised my hand to let the maids lower their weapons before saying, "Their sisters' hearts are still fine. I just put them to sleep."Before you look at her
Without looking away from him, Leona gave a curt nod to the unconscious women and maids scattered across the floor. It seemed her brother's actions were even more calculated than she had thought; he had been precise in his targeting, ensuring that only those loyal to them remained conscious. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that crept up her spine. Something about this situation didn't add up...
Her gaze darted to and fro, taking in every detail of the throne room: the tapestries hanging on the walls, the statues towering above them, the guards standing at attention despite their leader's command. Her mind raced with possibilities, trying desperately to decipher Murasaki's motives and intentions. Whatever game he was playing, it was clear that he had her firmly in his sights.
So I said, "Leona, let me ask you something. What magic wheel do you know?"Before I slowly raised my index finger and a fireball floated on my finger.
Leona raised an eyebrow quizzically at her brother's question, confusion evident in her expression. "Magic wheel?" she repeated slowly, feeling a prickle of unease crawl up her spine as she noticed the floating fireball on his fingertip. Was this some sort of test? A distraction from their previous discussion about their marriage?
"Murasaki," she said cautiously, "what are you getting at?" Her eyes flitted between him and the unconscious guards surrounding them. The tension in the room was palpable; she could feel it crackling like electricity in the air. Whatever happened next would determine not just their fate but that of Prai itself.
"There's more to this than meets the eye," Leona murmured under her breath. "I don't know what you're planning, brother... but we need to talk."
So I slowly got up and slowly walked closer to her and slowly snapped my fingers, causing her to kneel down involuntarily.Before you say, "I know what you've been thinking, sister."Before slowly looking down at her
As she felt herself kneel involuntarily, confusion and shock clouded Leona's expression. She struggled to maintain her composure as her brother, now standing over her, spoke of knowing her thoughts. "Murasaki," she managed to say through gritted teeth, "what are you doing?" Her gaze flickered between him and the unconscious courtiers scattered about them; there was something sinister at play here, something she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Her heart raced as she prepared for whatever revelation or ultimatum was about to be laid bare. A cold sweat broke out across her brow, and she fought down the urge to tremble under his gaze. It felt like they were in a nightmare from which there would be no escape...
But escape she must. Somehow, someway. For Prai's sake, for their people's future, she
So I slowly put my hand on the back of her neck and said, "Don't make me angry, Leona."Before snapping her fingers again to help her stand up.
A shiver ran down Leona's spine as her brother's touch sent chills up her neck. Her features twisted in anger and defiance. "You don't scare me, Murasaki," she hissed through gritted teeth. "I have faced greater foes than you." The determination in her voice belied the fear that threatened to overwhelm her.
With a single swift movement, Leona lunged forward, her hands reaching for Murasaki's throat. As they struggled, their bodies collided with force, sending them both stumbling backwards until they hit the throne room's ornate tapestries with a loud thud. Teeth gritted and muscles straining, Leona knew she couldn't let him win this fight. Not if she wanted to reclaim her position as Empress and restore order to Prai.
Her fingers dug deeper into Mur
Then the maids drew their weapons and surrounded her, ready to kill her at any moment if she made the slightest mistake.
Leona's eyes widened in shock as she saw the maids closing in around her, weapons raised and ready to strike at a moment's notice. She tore her gaze away from them long enough to focus on Murasaki again, struggling against him despite the odds stacked against her. "You cannot win this way," she panted, trying desperately to dislodge his grip from her throat.
Her vision began to swim as darkness closed in around the edges of her vision; she knew that if she didn't break free soon, she would lose consciousness and be at the mercy of Murasaki and his schemes. With a last burst of strength, Leona writhed out of his grasp and scrambled backwards, putting some distance between them. Panting heavily, she looked up at the maids and the throne they once served, the weight of her failure crushing her chest like
So I raised my hand to stop them before I ordered the maids to retreat and then bent down to pick her up.And gently pat her on the back like when she was a child.
Her chest heaved as she glared up at her brother, loathing and despair warring for dominance in her eyes. She couldn't deny the sense of defeat that threatened to overwhelm her; with the maids now turned against her, there seemed no way out. But even as Murasaki patted her gently on the back and whispered soothing words into her ear, Leona refused to submit completely. There was still a spark of defiance burning deep within her, proof that she hadn't truly lost everything.
As they stood there amidst the ruins of what had once been their shared power and prestige, Leona felt a bitter smile tug at the corners of her lips. It seemed Murasaki was right; maybe some things were better left unsaid, unchallenged. But she knew better now. She would be ready for whatever came next, no matter how long it took to prepare
So I gently patted her back and said, "I'm not angry or hate you, Leona. But I don't want you to be responsible for the big event that's about to happen."Before patting her back
Leona glared at him, still bitter and confused but unable to deny that she was slightly relieved by his words. "Why?" she asked softly, her voice hoarse from exertion and emotion. "What do you mean by 'big event'? And what does this have to do with us marrying each other?" She felt small and vulnerable beneath his gaze, despite their years of sibling rivalry and power struggles.
Murasaki hesitated for a moment before answering, his expression grave. "Leona," he said slowly, "I... I can't tell you everything right now. But trust me when I say that what we discuss today will shape the future of our empire in ways none of us could have imagined." His words sent a shiver down her spine despite their cryptic nature. Something told her that this was no ordinary situation; whatever Murasaki planned, it would be momentous indeed
So I slowly took off the crown and put it on her head and said, "I can give you the chance to ascend to the throne, but I don't like that you're not straightforward."While carrying her, he slowly removed her armor and weapons one by one.
Her heart raced as he placed the crown on her head; it was heavier than she'd expected. "Then tell me," she pleaded, tears welling in her eyes. "I can handle the truth. I'm strong enough to make my own decisions." Her gaze locked onto his, seeking some sign of trust or reassurance. Whatever was going on here, whatever secrets Murasaki was keeping from her... she had to know.
As he removed her armor and weapons one by one, she felt stripped bare not only physically but emotionally as well. She had never truly been vulnerable around him before; it was an unsettling sensation, to say the least. But she forced herself to remain strong, to accept whatever fate he chose for her. Because ultimately, that was what being a leader was about: making sacrifices for the greater good of your people.
"Please," she repeated
Then I slowly pulled her into a hug and just gave her a light pat on the back and said something like, "I love you, so I've always protected you."Before giving her a light pat on the back to make her cry so she could let out her feelings.
Leona's heart ached as she felt his strong arms encircle her in a gentle embrace, the weight of their shared history bearing down upon them like an avalanche. She had never doubted his love for her; it was one of the few constants in their lives. But still, there was so much confusion and uncertainty swirling around them that she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. As he patted her back sympathetically, her tears flowed freely, cleansing some small part of her soul.
When the embrace finally ended, Leona took a shaky breath, wiping at her eyes as she tried to compose herself. "Thank you," she whispered hoarsely. "For giving me the chance to prove myself... and for trusting me with this information." She held his gaze for a moment longer, hoping that he could see past her tears and recognize the determination burning bright
So I kissed her cheek and stroked her head and said, "I'll be watching your success from here."Before slowly picking her up and wiping her tears away.Before taking her to the bedroom and laying her on the bed And kissed her forehead and said, "Go to sleep and you'll feel better. Good night, Leona."
"Thank you, brother," she murmured gratefully as he gently wiped away her tears and tucked her in for the night. Closing her eyes, Leona struggled to process everything that had happened; their discussion, the revelations about their marriage, and the secrets still left unspoken. She could feel exhaustion pulling at her limbs like a lead weight, but she resisted its pull as best she could, refusing to give in until she was certain of her path forward.
As sleep finally claimed her, Leona drifted off with a sense of purpose and determination burning bright within her. Whatever challenges lay ahead, she would face them head-on; for the sake of Prai and all they had built together. Tomorrow, she would rise again as Empress Sister... stronger and wiser than ever before.