Chapter 5: Reality Unfolds and Dangerous Plans Arise

Having succeeded in gaining the trust of many of the nobles to join his cause, Prince Mathias thought it would also be a good idea for him to gain support from the non-royal citizens in support of his cause as well. To help him with this cause, he asks Rion for help.

“Rion, get a carriage ready, we are going to one of the rural towns, I would like to see what goes on outside of the capital for a change,” Prince Mathias orders him to do.

“Yes, of course your highness,” Rion said, taking on the command.

Quickly Rion left the room, to make arrangements for the visit, while Prince Mathias continued to work on his papers and looked down the list to find even more supporters.

After doing this for a long time, he doses off again. This time he is having a vision/dream in the throne room where his eldest brother is assuming the throne and all hell is breaking loose. He simply stands there watching this happening and there is no end to stopping it. It is a horrible scene to see and he only stood there not being able to change this idea.

“Your highness, are you alright?”

“Um…yes, I am fine, what are you doing here?”

“I came to tell you that the carriage is ready for departure whenever you are ready.”

“Thank you Rion. Let’s depart at once.”

“Yes, your highness,” Rion said, escorting him out.

And so, Prince Mathias and Rion depart from the palace once again and begin the next part of their journey.

They begin this journey to a small town called Flourite which is located on the outer edge of the empire. No one in the noble factions would even care about the smaller towns, so long as they make money.

“Your highness, if I can speak freely?”

“Yes, you may.”

“I know you were never the type of prince to care about the affairs of the kingdom and didn't think you would achieve anything, but now you are different somehow.”

“Yes, I know what you think of me, but let’s just say I want to make fools out of my brothers and ruin their egos.”

“That sure is unlike you , your highness, but I will agree they do need a push off their high horse once in a while.”

“Ineed they should.”

The conversation soon ends and silence returns. Prince Mathias returns to his thoughts as he views the scenery out the window and notices something different. He notices the fields seem to be less green than he is used to in the capital. There does not seem much to grow, but the trees seem to be the only thing to survive as it seems they are crystal green apples which can be eaten when used correctly.

“Rion, what is going on here? I have never seen lands this dry before.”

“Yes, these are the lands where none of the nobles claim, so the people who live in these lands are responsible to take care of these lands. I hear they have some hard time managing it on their own, so they do their best to keep this land manageable on their own.”

“That does not seem fair. We have to do something about it.”

“Of course, your highness.”

The carriage soon arrives in the town of Fluorite hoping he can change things for the better. The prince soon exits his carriage and stands to see the people greeting him, but not with open arms.

“Well, I never would have guessed a member of the royal family would pay a visit in this place,” a voice said coming out of the crowd.

“Gancelot? Is that you? Do you live here?”

“Yes, your highness, it is a pleasure to see you, but why are you here?”

“I am here to pay a visit to this town to see if there is anything I can do to help.”

“That is kind of you, your highness really, but you aren’t exactly welcomed here.”

“Yes, I understand, but I am only here to hear your concerns and help in any way I can.”

“Very well, your highness, please follow me,” Gancelot says, escorting the prince.

Gancelot begins giving the tour of the town and it seems he does not like what he sees.

“So, your highness, as you can see, the town has its struggles growing crops and maintaining a healthy livelihood, so some of the knights and I help as best we can to make this place livable,” Gancelot mentions.

“I see, thank you for your services to the crown and saving these people. I am going to make sure once I am king, I will give my full support in funding these outer region towns, so they can fully be able to live their lives.”

“I will hold you to that, your highness. In the meantime, we will continue to support ourselves with the crops we are able to grow.”

“Yes, thank you. I will be off to speak with my father about this, so take care.”

“Of course, your highness,” Gancelot kindly said, returning to his work.

“Yes, but do not forget your duty to the crown and I hope I have your support.”

“Of course, your highness.”

With those departing words, the prince is ready to leave to continue his plans to stop his brothers in his tracks.

“Rion, please arrange a meeting with my father, two days.”

“And what is this about?”

“This is about the people, not my actions to claim the throne.”

“Of course, your highness, I will work on it right away.”

Now having a new goal in mind, Prince Mathias is dead set in claiming the crown to make the empire great, but most importantly it is the people who are concerned about and will do anything to serve them.

Back at the Diamant Arch-duchy Manor Estate

It's been about two days since Lady Aurora awakened from her slumber and slowly regained her strength. She continues to resume her study and research since she does have a deadline to meet. Even though she is feeling weak, it will not stop her from completing her tasks at hand.

In the middle of her projects, it seems her father and mother both came to check on her.

“Hello, my darling, shouldn't you be in bed?” her mother asked.

“I am a fine mother. I feel better than ever.”

“Yes, we are glad to hear that, but please try to take it easy,” her father warns with worry.

“Yes, darling, listen to your father. At least consider a nap when you get tired,” her mother kindly suggests.

“I will consider it, mother, please don't worry about me. Thank you both for being the best parents I could ask for,” Lady Aurora said, trying to stop their worrying.

“Good. We should leave her be my darling. She is so focused on her project,” her father said, ready to leave.

“Very well.”

The Arch-Duke and his wife leave the room to let their daughter get back to work. And that is what she did, she is continuing her work in silence.

Imperial Palace

Returning to the palace, Prince Mathias begins going through his notes to present them to his father. He is a bit nervous about what his father thinks about his idea in helping the most rural lands.

“Your highness, it is time,” Rion said, getting the prince’s attention.

“Thank you Rion.”

“Of course, your highness. Please let’s go before we are late.”

Rion and the prince soon left the bedroom and walked through the halls returning to his father’s study.

“Rion, thank you for making this meeting for me.”

“It was a bit difficult to schedule this meeting, but when I explained why it was important for you to speak with him, he was interested in making the time for you.”

“Well, I am glad you did your best and now it is my turn to do my best in this project.”

“Of course, your highness.”

As they arrive at the emperor’s study, Prince Mathias informs the emperor’s guard about his arrival and the guard walks in. Two minutes later, the guard returned to let the prince in and he was alone to speak to his father. Rion decides to stay outside since this conversation should be held in private.

“Oh, Mathias, what can I do for you, my son?” the emperor asks as he steps away from his desk.

“I wish to discuss an important matter with you.”

“My, Mathias, I believe this is the first time ever you have asked to speak with me in such a serious matter, but please go on my son.”

“Yes, father. I know in the past, I was never concerned for the well-being of the empire since I knew I would never be ruler of this empire, besides being the prince of the blood, but now I feel like that should change.”

“Hum, please continue, my son.”

“Father, I would like it if it would be possible if you consider me a candidate for the throne.”

“For the throne? And why should I consider you for the throne when your eldest brother Adelwolf is next in line.”

“It is because father, I visited one of the rural towns outside of the domain of the kingdom and it seems the people are suffering and barely surviving. Father, I want to be the type of ruler who puts the needs of the people first rather than filling the pockets of the nobles. We must protect every citizen in the empire in order to prevent loss and chaos from destroying what we worked so hard to build.”

“Hum, Mathias, I am proud of you my son, for caring for the needs of the people before your needs. You certainly have changed. Very well, my son, I will consider your bid for the throne. Your brothers will be angry with this decision, but I think it will help your brothers to work a little bit harder if they want to be considered.”

“Thank you father, and I promise you I will make you proud.”

“I’m sure you will. And I cannot wait to hear more about your plans to improve the empire. We can set up a meeting later to discuss those plans.”

“Yes, father, thank you.”

“Of course, my son. Now you may depart.”

Prince Mathias soon leaves the emperor’s study and walks with Rion returning back to the room. He didn't even notice his brother Prince Leonidas was there spying on him.

After Prince Mathias leaves, Emperor Axelle’s third wife Queen Anastasia appears in his study to discuss what she has just heard.

“My Mathias sure has changed. I wonder what inspired him with this sudden change.”

“I am not sure my dear, but I think I enjoy this new side of our son. I still cannot believe he wants to be in the line for the throne.”

“Whoever or whomever you choose, my dear husband, I will truly enjoy seeing the princes compete for the throne.”

“Yes, my dear, loving wife, I will enjoy it too, but I am enjoying the fact Prince Mathias attitude surely has changed.”

“Now we just have to wait and see, my dear.”

“Yes, we shall.”

The emperor and queen share a loving kiss as they depart the study to take a stroll in the garden.

Prince Leonidas’s Study

Returning to his study after spying on his brother Prince Mathias, Prince Leonidas and his attendant Omar, are now attending a meeting he is hosting with non other than Duke Rubis.

“Your Grace, thank you for meeting me today.”

“Of course, your highness, what do you wish to discuss?”

“I have brought you here to discuss the fact that it seems my father, your emperor, is taking a liking to my younger brother Prince Mathias, ruining my plans to take the throne from my brother Adalwolf.”

“What? Seems your brother is going to be trouble. Shall I take care of him?”

“No, if we kill the prince, father will have our heads,” Prince Leonidas warns.

“Very well, then, what shall we discuss?” Duke Rubis said sounding disappointed.

“I was thinking we should try to gain more supporters to our side by forming a guild that will help the economics for the kingdom.”

“What do you have in mind?”

Before Prince Leonidas could answer him, it seems his older brother Prince Adalwolf barges in to interrupt.

“So, sorry I am late brother, I had to bring Duke Saphir to this meeting,” Prince Adalwolf said, interrupting the meeting.

“That is nice of you to come here with the duke, brother, but I did not ask you to come to this meeting, so please leave,” Prince Leonidas, speaking to his brother sounding annoyed.

“Yes, well, I would like to hear your ideas for improving the empire,” Prince Adalwolf said, continuing to annoy his brother.

“Alright fine, I will tell you, please take a seat all of you,” Prince Leonidas said, giving up.

Prince Leonidas, frustrated that his plans are ruined by the arrival of his brother, has to change his plans in discussing what he is going to do for the empire. It is not like he can reveal his plans for killing his brothers, so he can claim the throne for himself. Then he realizes what if he gets his brother’s side before Mathias gets him to his side for his cause.

“Hum, your plan does sound interesting brother, but how would you get this approved by our father, the emperor?” Prince Adalwolf asked.

“Well, that is why, I have Duke Rubis supporting my cause for creating a merchant guild to gain supporters and with the money we can provide more support to the factions.”

“Very well, it is not a terrible idea, but with Duke Saphir’s support it seems father will support me since I am first in line.”

“We will see about that,” Prince Leonidas whispers to himself.

“What was that?” Prince Adalwolf asked.

“Nothing brother.”

“Good, now let’s continue our conversation.”

“Yes, well, I do not wish to speak to you brother, I must be going now. Duke Rubis, let us leave.”

“No, this is your study, I should be the one leaving, shall we Duke Saphir?” Prince Adalwolf excused himself along with the duke.

“Of course,” Duke Saphir said, following the prince out of the room.

Prince Leonidas, now alone with Duke Rubias, continues to discuss their real plans for taking the throne.

At the same time Prince Adalwolf does the same with Duke Saphir.

“That was a brilliant sabotage, your highness,” Duke Saphir commented.

“Yes, well, my brother can be out of control at times, so I think it will be great to keep him on his toes,” the prince mentions.

“Yes, your highness, but shall we discuss your plans for the throne.”

“Very well.”

They both took their seats at a table viewing the gardens and began discussing their plans.

In the scheme of things Prince Leonidas, finishing up his meeting with Duke Rubias, also goes to speak with his mother Queen Teigra for advice. “Mother, I need your help.”

“What is it my dear?”

“I need a plan to defeat my brothers and I know you have something or someone to take care of these kinds of things.”

“Son, I may know of someone who can help us with this plan, but you must not speak of this to anyone,” Queen Teigra warns her son.

“I do not care what you do. I want my brother’s gone and I do not care how it is done.”

“Leonidas, try to be patient about all of this. I want you and only you for the crown, so if I have to get my hands dirty to see you on the throne, then I would gladly get my hands dirty.

“Yes, mother, I know you care about this life, but what if we can have more.”

“Son, no matter what it takes, you will have your throne.”

“Fine, I will do what you suggest,” Prince Leonidas said, stomping out of her room.

With his mother on his side, but still not much help as of yet, he still needs to find someone else to help him to get rid of his brothers for good.

The next morning Prince Mathias visits his mother and sister's chambers to discuss his plans of wanting to be considered for the throne.

“Mother, sister, I am here for a visit.”

“Oh, my son, it is great to see you again. Please come sit.”

“Brother.” his sister said in excitement.

“It is great to see you too, little sis.”

“Now what is your visit this time my son.”

“And what makes you think I have an agenda for this visit? Can a son visit his mother from time to time?’

“Yes, but usually you only come here when you have something to say.”

“Very well, I do have something to say. I wanted to inform you that I have decided to take on my brothers to fight for the throne.”

“What? You never cared about the throne, why the sudden change?”

“It is because I feel like I can be a great king serving the needs of the people and helping them in any way I can.”

“That is wonderful dear, but what made you consider doing this?”

“Let’s just say opening my eyes to the world outside these walls made me care more about the people rather than the alliances I can make.”

“That is wonderful darling. You do have my support.”

“Thank you mother. I promise I will make you proud.”

“I don’t doubt it.”

“Thank you mother. I better go and leave you to your tea.”

“Please son, join us. It will be great to catch up with you.”

“Ok, just for one glass of tea.”

On his mother’s command, he stays to spend time with his mother and sister. It felt really nice for him to change his routine once in a while. As a prince, he doesn't have time to spend with his family as he wants since his duties always come first. An hour later, he says farewell to his mother and sister and returns to his room to speak with Rion.

“Your highness, did you enjoy your time with your mother and sister?”

“Yes, it was nice spending time with my mother and sister. Which brings me to a favor?”

“And what is that, your highness?”

“I want to write a letter to Lady Aurora. I wish to visit her as soon as possible.”

“Of course, your highness. I should leave you alone.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Prince Mathias is alone in his room writing a letter to Lady Aurora about his visit and quickly sends it to her through the hawk she sent to him.

Meanwhile, Lady Aurora is in her chamber working on an experiment when she hears a pecking on her window. She notices the messenger hawk she sent to Prince Mathias and walks over to the window. She then opens the window to let the hawk in and take the letter off the hawk’s leg. Quickly opening it, she reads that the prince is arriving in a few days and needs to get the manor ready.

“Is everything alright, my lady?” the maid asks.

“Yes, the prince is coming. Tell the entire family and staff to be prepared.”

“Of course, right away.”

The maid soon left and Lady Aurora was left alone with her thoughts about the prince coming again after days of their first meeting.