Chapter 7: Rivalries Stir Up

It has been about a week since Prince Mathias' father told him about the meeting with his sons. It is a bit strange his father wanted a meeting with his sons since he remembered in his future/previous life his father was never fourth coming with his sons.

Thinking about what he would say to his father, he thinks back to one of Lady Aurora’s projects about the water reservoir she was planning to debut soon, so maybe he can use this as an advantage.

Whatever he has to do or who he can trust, he will do anything he can to stop his brothers from claiming the throne.

As he was preparing for his meeting with his father, he gets a visit from Rion.

“Rion, is it time?”

“Yes, your father is waiting for you in his study and your brothers are on their way as well.”

“Very, well, let’s be off.”

“Good, your highness.”

Prince Mathias stands up from his seat and walks around his desk and is ready to leave with Rion leading the way. Prince Mathias being the last to leave the room, he closes the door to his room behind and continues to walk. Through the halls once again, all he can think about is the Imperial Ball, Lady Aurora, and his plans to outsmart his brothers.

Soon arriving at his father’s study, he bumps into his brother Leonidas.

“Why hello big brother?”

“Buzz off, little brother before I hurt you.”

“Oh, choose your words wisely brother or you won’t know who is listening in.”

“Why you?” Prince Leonias said ready to punch him in the face.

“Now now, you two, calm yourselves or will have to hurt you both,” Prince Adalwolf warns.

“Sorry brother,” both princes apologized.

“Good, now let’s get inside.”

Breaking up the fight, the princes enter the room where their father greets them with open arms.

“Welcome my sons, please have a seat.”

“Yes, father, but why did you call us here?” Prince Mathias asked, sounding confused.

“I have brought you here today my sons because I wish to discuss what your plans will be if one day, I pass on to the next life. I want to know for sure this empire that was built by our ancestors will be protected by you three. I want to know which one of you will be my successor to claim the throne,” Emperor Axelle explains to his sons.

“What do you have in mind, father?” Prince Mathias asked.

“I purpose the two of you to come up with a plan on how to improve on the welfare of our people and also increase the efforts in improving the livelihoods of the more rural parts of the kingdom.”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, if you want me to take you seriously in wanting to claim your birthright,” Emperor Axelle comments clearly not getting through to his sons.

“Fine. Father, what do you have in mind?”

“I am going to each assign you two towns and you will have two months time to make their lives better and whoever can make this happen before the deadline, will be the next ruler of our nation.”

“Yes, father.”

“Good now, does anyone have something for me to speak about like a rough sketch or something you have in mind.”

“Father, I do have an idea that might help and I want to know what you think.”

“What is it, my son?”

“Well, father, I recently visited a town named Flourite. I discovered this town outside of the empire’s domain, so there is very little funding to give them support. I do know the knights from that town help in any way they can to keep it alive. So, my plan is to build a reservoir so the flow of the river can reach this town and the neighboring towns around, so they can have an endless supply of water coming to their lands.”

“That does seem interesting, but do you have a plan or funds to move this project along?” His father asked.

“Yes, I do have a plan. I do know someone who is currently working on this project, but I plan on funding it.”

“Hum, it does sound interesting. Very well, son, I am glad you are taking a step forward in your plans. You have my support, please with your progress. You have my support.”

“Thank you father. I will work hard in getting this plan in full swing,” Prince Mathias said excitedly, hearing his father is pleased.

“Of course, my son. Do any of you have plans for your bid?”

“No, not at the moment, father,” Prince Leonidas said angrily.

“Father, I have my own plan already and I believe I know how so you don’t need to involve me in this.”

“Alright then, what do you have in mind?”

“I am hearing rumors about a new guild will be opening up soon and their goal is to help the less fortunate so I have my own project to help the empire,” Prince Adalwolf said,

“Hum, I believe it is not a bad idea, you should do your best to work on this project, I know you can do it,” the emperor agreed.

“Yes, do your best, hooray for that,” Prince Leonidas says, rolling his eyes.

“Leonidas, that is enough. If you want me to be proud of you, then prove to me that you care more about the people than your station, so you better show more initiative.”

“Fine, very well, father.”

“Good, to up the stakes in this project, I will give you each a piece of land to work on developing and you have a month to do it.”

“Fine.”

“Good, I am looking forward to seeing all of you in the next meeting. See you in a month.”

“Yes, father,” the princes answered, as they bowed to their father.

“Good you are dismissed,” the emperor said, dismissing his sons.

The princes leave the study and are ready to go to their separate paths.

“Well, brothers, have a good time trying to get along,” Prince Leonidas said, leaving them.

“Yes, and have fun trying to make plans and I will be there to crush them,” Prince Mathias said, pushing his own brother’s buttons.

“Don’t tempt me to try to kill you,” Prince Leonidas threatened.

“That is enough, both of you, that is enough. You really should get along. Some brothers I have,” Prince Adalwolf said, annoyed with his brothers.

“Not likely,” the brothers agree at the same time.

“I give up.”

“Well, see you both in a month. I have some business to take care of in one of my territories,” Prince Leonidas said, leaving with his attendant who was waiting for him.

“See you later brother.”

“Wait!”

“What is it?”

“I was wondering since we can get things done on our own, I was hoping you can gather more information on this guild you talked about before.”

“I can do that.”

“Good, I will see you later. I have something to take care of ,” Prince Mathias said, as he left the hallway.

Prince Mathias returns to his study to work on the next part of her plan while Prince Adalwolf does the same.

As for Prince Leonidas, he had something more up his sleeve to mess with his brother.

“Omar, has my guest arrived?”

“Yes, your highness, he is waiting for you in your study.”

“Good.”

They made their way to his study, where in fact he was waiting for him.

“Thank you for coming, your grace.”

“It is my pleasure, your highness. Please let me introduce you to my eldest son Crevan who will be the one serving you in anything you need.

“It is a pleasure to serve you, your highness,” Crevan said, greeting the prince.

“Good. I will need your services when the time comes.”

“So, what do you have in mind?” Crevan asks.

“I would like to send water and food supplies to your territory. I have heard you have struggled in keeping up with the demands of your people,” Prince Leonidas explained.

“And what do you want in return?”

“Your support for my bid to be the next emperor,” Prince Leonidas confesses.

“You, as the next emperor of our kingdom. I don’t believe it,” Marquess Topaze answered.

“Beleive it. I am going to destroy my brothers and take the throne from them, if that is the last thing I ever do as prince.”

“Then if that is the case, then my son and I will help you in any way we can.”

“Good, but what would you like in return?”

“What I want in return is a raise in station and an unlimited salary, plus a seat on the privy council.”

“Your wish will be granted once I am emperor.”

“Good, I am looking forward to seeing this battle between brothers and seeing who will win in the end.”

“Don’t worry, I will win this battle,” Prince Leonidas said sure of himself.

“That is all I need to hear. We must be going now, it is getting late, and we cannot let others know we are working together,” Marquess Topaze said as he stood up from his seat.

“Yes, do not speak about this with anyone or I will have you killed,” Prince Leonidas warned.

“I promise. Please, your highness, have a great day. And if you need anything, I wish you to speak to my son about it,” Marquess Topaze admits.

“Yes, I am at your command,” Cervan said, accepting his command.

“Good, now go,” Prince Leonidas said, forcing them to leave.

The prince’s guests soon left his study with the help of Omar and he is left alone trying to figure out a new plan to get rid of his brother's bid for the throne.

Prince Mathias Bedchamber

Prince Mathias returns to his room after the meeting to get things ready for Lady Aurora’s visit. He was thinking the entire time, how he enjoyed messing with his brother, Leonidas since he knows, if he does not do something his brother would be king.

In the meantime, Prince Mathias is also thinking about how to get closer to Lady Aurora and the Imperial Ball is the perfect place to start. To help with that, he calls Rion for help.

“Rion, I need you!” he shouts, summoning his valet.

Rion enters the room and is ready to serve.

“How may I help you, your highness?”

“Yes, I would like you to send a personal invitation to Astin, I hear she is the best dress designer in the entire empire.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Make sure she can come here as soon as possible.”

“And why you may ask, you wish for her to come?”

“Because I want her to design a special dress for Lady Aurora for the Imperial Ball, as this is where I am going to announce my official engagement to her.”

“That is bold, your highness, do you think it is wise to make such an announcement?”

“I believe it is because it will also prove to my father that I am serious about taking the throne away from my brothers.”

“I understand, your highness, shall I send a letter to Lady Aurora as well?”

“No, I will take care of that. I want to show her that I am serious about her.”

“Do I sense you have taken a liking to her?”

“Perhaps, I am. Now you may leave.”

“Yes, your highness, please excuse me.”

Prince Mathias alone in his study thought about how to write this letter to Lady Aurora, so he thought he would go see his father for some advice on writing the letter. He stands up from his chair and quickly walks out of his room. He did not stop anywhere or speak to anyone, since he wanted to speak to his father quickly, so he can get this job done.

Later on, he arrives at his father’s study and knocks on the door. He knocks three times on the door, but with no answer, he lets himself in. “Hello father, I am sorry to bother you?”

“Mathias, it is nice seeing you, what is it you want to discuss?”

“I was wondering if you can help me with something.”

“Is it about your plan for the town of Flourite?”

“No, it is about writing a letter to a girl.”

“A girl?” Is there someone you want to impress?’

“Yes, father, I need your help in what I should write to her.”

“Well, I would be honest about your feelings about her.”

“Hum, it is not a bad idea father, but I am not great at something like this.”

“When you write, my son, the words will flow, so whatever you write, I believe it will be great.”

“Thank you father, I guess I can try that.

“Good, is there anything else?”

“Yes, I was wondering if it is possible that this year, we invite the members of all the merchant guilds we have in the empire. I believe this will show we care about all of our people and not only the noble classes.”

“I believe it is a good idea, my son. We should care more about our people no matter their station.”

“Thank you father.”

“It is my pleasure, I will ask the court writer to send the invitations to them right away.”

“That is great. I must be going.”

“Of course, but why don't you stay for a while and discuss with me your whole reservoir idea. I have time.”

“Sure, I can do that, but I do not have any plans with me but I can tell you the rough idea.”

“I will listen, please take a seat.”

It was hard at first to come up with the idea at first, but once he got talking about the reservoir it simply became natural for him to talk about it. He even thought of talking about how he found someone to help build this project.

“Well, I am so proud of you, my son. It really is coming together. I am looking forward to seeing it complete.”

“Thank you father, for supporting me.”

“Of course, my son. I am proud of you.”

“Thank you, well, I better go and write that letter before it gets late to send it to her.”

“Yes, I will see you again, my son. I do hope that girl will fall for your charms.”

“Maybe father, take care.”

Prince Mathias leaves his father’s study and his father could not help to think his son is beginning to grow as one fine young man.

“Dear, what is with that smile?”

“Oh, I am simply proud of our son for growing up into a young man who I can truly say, I am proud of and it seems he has found love as well,” Emperor Axelle explains to his lovely wife.”

“I am proud of him as well. He has changed so much,” the queen says.

“Of course, my dear, so shall we go for a stroll?”

“I would like that.”

The emperor and the queen leave the study and head out to the garden.

Prince Mathias bedroom

Prince Mathias sits on his desk ready to write the letter. He takes a breath and writes,

Dear Lady Aurora—

Diamant Arch-duchy Domain

Diamant Arch-duchy Manor Estate- Library to Arch-duke’s Study Room

Meanwhile at the Diamant Estate, Lady Aurora has woken up from her afternoon nap after a long morning working on her projects. She continues working on her small prototypes on her projects, as well as, working on medicines to distribute to the smaller towns. Then she sends the servants into town to gather the bigger supplies she needs to begin working on her larger projects.

Before she even gets started on her projects, it seems her brother Arnor enters her study looking like he has something to say.

“Arnor, what is the matter?”

“Nothing, it seems our father wishes to speak with you at once.”

“Why? I need to get back to work on my projects. I have to get these done as soon as possible.”

“Yes, well, from our father's tone, he needs to speak to you now.”

“Fine, valet, I need you to find some talented architects in the empire and set up meetings with them, so I can hire them.”

“Right away my lady,” the valet said as he was leaving the room.

“Ok, let’s go.”

Lady Aurora and her brother Arnor leave her study and head over to their father’s study. As they walk, she wonders what this conversation is all about. Maybe it is about what happens to Prince Mathias mother, Queen Anastasia's future.

“Are you alright sister?”

“I am fine. I am wondering why father summons me like this, it must be important,” Lady Aurora wondered.

“I am not sure, but he wishes to speak to you privately.”

As they arrive, she knocks on the door, it seems one of the guards allowed her to enter.

She walks inside the room where her father is waiting for her.

“Father, you wished to speak to me?,” Aurora asked.

“Yes, come in, my daughter. Sit down. Aurora, we need to speak.”

“What is it?”

“I wanted to inform you, we have been invited to the Imperial Ball and I wanted to make sure you will have an escort to the ball.”

“Isn’t the prince going to escort me?”

“Yes, at the ball, but to the ball, I will have one of your brothers have you escorted.”

“Very well, father, is there anything else?”

“Yes, I have been hearing rumors that Prince Leonidas has decided to seek revenge on you after you refused his proposal, so I suggest you be careful around him.”

“Of course father. Please excuse me.”

Lady Aurora soon leaves her father’s study and returns to her room to take a break and think about what has happened. It seems this part of the story is playing out just like the novel she read only with a few differences. It seems ever since she has gotten here, it seems the timeline of the story is flowing a bit faster than she remembered with a few changes.

“Hum, I did not expect the Imperial Ball to happen so quickly in the story, I thought I would have more time.”

“I just hope I can help prevent some of the events of the story from coming true.”

Walking over to her desk, to relax for a bit, she notices Prince Mathias hawk arriving with a letter from the prince. She quickly takes it off the hawk’s leg, and begins reading it.

Dear Aurora,

I wanted to first say, the last visit I had with you, I truly enjoyed it. It made my heart race to be in a room with a young lady who is so much different than the court ladies I have met before. As a thank you, I would like to personally invite you to the palace and spend your time here to do your research. I am also bringing in the top dress designer Astin to the palace to personally design you a dress for the ball, so we can match our attire as we make our debut as an engaged couple to the court. I do hope you will come. I will send my personal carriage and guard to escort you to the palace as my special guest in three days time. I will be looking forward to seeing you again.

From your friend,

Prince Mathias Arcenciel

Lady Aurora rereads the letter again, thinking about how the prince actually wants to spend more time with her. She is honored of course, but the only problem is what she is going to wear or even what she will do with her projects. She might have the only choice to bring her projects and notes with her to the palace.

There was no time to waste, so she had to get to work quickly.”

“Ladies, come in quickly!”

Her ladies-in-waiting are charging into her room waiting for her orders.

“Ladies, I will be leaving for the palace in a few days, so I want you to pack up my best clothes and work attire for my visit. I also want two of you to help me pack my study with only a few things I need to take with me.”

“Yes, Lady Aurora,” Her ladies-in-waiting said.

“I should also mention. The dress designer Astin, will be designing a special dress for me for the Imperial Ball.

“What? Lady Astin, the best designer of the entire empire is going to design you a dress, that is a wonderful honor,” one of her ladies mentions.

“Yes, well, it was all Prince Mathias. He wants to thank me for being someone he can trust.”

“My, he sure is in love with you,” a different lady said.

“We will see when I get to the palace. Now I have to get a few things in town, so I will let you all begin packing at once. I will see you later,” Lady Aurora excused herself from her room.

She left the room and headed to the carriage to take her to town.

Rubis Duchy Domain

At the Rubis Estate, Lady Sirena is in her chambers enjoying drinking tea and enjoying a few sweets until she hears some unexpected news.

“My lady, I have some news,” a servant said.

“What is it?”

“I have heard a rumor that Prince Mathias has invited Lady Aurora to the palace to get a dress made by none other than Astin, the famous dress maker.”

“WHAT!”

“Yes.”

“SHE IS SUPPOSED TO BE MAKING A DRESS FOR ME!”

“Yes, but now I heard she is unavailable to make the dress for you.”

“THAT ANNOYING BRAT. SHE IS RUINING EVERYTHING. PERHAPS I SHOULD TEACH HER A LESSON. MAYBE SEND ASSASSINS TO KILL HER!”

“My lady, you shouldn’t speak that way,” her maid.

“Shut up and go to your job. In fact send a letter to Prince Leonidas. I wish to speak to him at once,” Lady Sirena orders.

“Yes, my lady.”

“She really knows how to ruin my day. I will get her back for this,” Lady Sirena said in anger.

With nothing to do, she just resumes sipping her tea thinking about how to get her revenge on the “little life ruiner.”

Not long after leaving the estate, Lady Aurora arrived in town and went straight to find Nigel. Without being seen by no one, she rushed over to the location of her guild hall.

Luckily, Nigel was outside seeing the final preparations for the guild hall to be complete. There he sees her standing there with a smile on her face.

“Oh, Crystal, you are here, I take it you are feeling better.”

“Yes, I am. Thank you for worrying about me. I am sorry I haven't come by to see the guild hall or be able to see you. I have been busy.”

“It is fine. I am just glad you are here now and seeing your guild hall almost complete.”

“Yes, it really is wonderful. Thank you for all your hard work. In fact, I want to thank you.”

“It is my pleasure. What is this gift?”

“I wanted to formally invite you as my escort to the Imperial Ball. The family I am working with had extra tickets and I have one to give to you.

“Thank you for inviting me, Crystal, but it seems I already have one.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“It seems the royal family decided to invite the merchant class to the ball, so I have my own invitation after all.”

“Oh.”

“How about you save me a dance?”

“I would love to.”

“Good, but how about you give me a different gift.”

“And what is that?”

“How about you name your guild?”

“That is a good idea. Um, how about we call it the Titania guild?”

“I like it. I will have the painters design the sign later this week.”

“Good, now that my tasks are done, I should be going, my family will worry if I return late.”

“Very well, I will see you at the ball,” Nigel said, kissing her hand.

“Good see you then,” Crystal said, as she left and returned to her carriage.

Now that her guild is almost up, it was time to move her other plans to set in motion if she really wants to change Lady Aurora’s fate from the novel.