The silent promise

"Will you fight for the Alexandrian throne?"

It was a question every possible successor to the throne had to expect. My siblings and I used to joke around because of this topic when we were younger. Back when everyone was still there. Even our mother. We played games to determine our potential and held small tournaments with the prize being a kiss on the cheek. Hide-and-seek, chess, races, ... it didn’t matter what we did, we had fun back then. We didn’t seriously think about who would become the ruler of our nation. But things had changed, we had changed. We all had the chance to grow, to develop ambitions, setting goals designed for only us individually.

Some of us saw their future within the ranks, determined to climb to the throne. Others had long realized that their place was somewhere else. My brothers Caleb and Shin, the third and fourth princes belonged to this category. They both had given up their right to the crown. None of them had an interest in ruling our empire.

It was to be expected of those two, they were way too passionate about their work as a doctor and astrologer, and neither wanted to give that up, not even for the crown. Both of them were now only princes by title, but what about me? What did I want to do?

Delaying my answer, I turned my head around and glanced into the old mirror hanging on the wall of the carriage. Glowing cyan-colored eyes were staring right back at me, the same eyes my father, the Emperor, had. It was said that every child born with orbs of this color — most of which were of our bloodline but there were rare exceptions — was meant to do something great for the world. According to legends, the goddess Xenia, who used to be blind when she was still a human like us, had been given these eyes by the gods. I was not sure how much truth it contained, but it did make me feel a little special yet also left a bittersweet aftertaste. My second brother had been born blind; would the gods also reward him with the ability to see?

I sighed, took a deep breath, and looked through the window, not wanting to face Meilani headon. “If I were my father, choosing a successor would be a difficult task. Even though I haven't met nor seen them in so many years, I know my siblings are all equally smart and talented in their field of work and we all care for the Empire and our people.” It was true. I spent most of my childhood with only a third of my siblings, which was all thanks to the tradition that was also responsible for my seven-year-long absence.

“At first glance, my sister, the first and only Imperial Princess, would be the best choice. She has gathered so many followers over the years, obtaining good connections and making allies. And have you heard? Cordelia is incredibly good at negotiating with political leaders, this ability would be of huge help and I'm certain that, should she become Empress of Alexandria, our people would be protected from war. She wouldn't even let one start in the first place.”

Meilani nodded in agreement, though she looked a little impatient because I hadn't answered her question directly. I grinned.

“I see where you are coming from, Your Highness. Choosing her would be obvious to most, but...”, she didn't have to complete her sentence for me to know what she was about to say.

“Exactly. I've heard it from Shin yesterday. She'll be Queen of the Celestian Kingdom soon.” The thought of marrying my sister off for diplomatic reasons left a bitter aftertaste. My mother would've been furious to hear this; she believed that marriage was only destined for those who loved one another, not because some stupid council was demanding it as a sign of peace between two nations.

I continued. “This leaves Ryuu, Kael, Jin, and me as the possible successor of the throne. Ryuu and Jin are both men of the military. They'd be able to lead the Empire and bring victory home, but I'm not sure. Jin is still inexperienced, he has little leadership and if he became the ruler, many would doubt his abilities and criticize him – inside as well as outside of the palace walls, but that can change. Experience can be gained after all. Ryuu would need someone besides him that reminds him of thinking things through, instead of acting on impulse.”

Meilani sweat-dropped, she knew the 1st and the 5th princes very well and was aware of how accurate that was. I casually took my hairbrush out of the bag on the floor and started combing my silver-colored hair.

“I can't be too sure, but my brother Kael would probably prefer being part of the future emperor's council. So, if this was what he wanted, he and Ryuu would be a great combination to rule this nation." An emperor couldn't rule without a right-hand man he could trust in. Kael was smart and knew what was needed for peace.

"As I said, my siblings are all remarkable in their way, but to ensure a reign that lasts long, we have to work together. Cordelia is there to make allies and ensure peace between our Empire and others. A combination of Ryuu, Kael, and Jin is necessary to empower our military force and make this country strong enough to withstand possible enemies. And Caleb and Shin have, by far, the closest direct connection to our people, because those are the ones they have to interact within their line of work.”

The woman beside me listened carefully and expected me to go on, giving her my final answer to her question. A moment of silence passed, she couldn't wait anymore.

“And what about you, Prince Zian?”

I smirked as I braided a few strands of hair. “I'm neither as strong as Ryuu, nor am I as intelligent as Kael. Compared to my older siblings, there is little I have to offer.” I rolled my eyes at my reflection. That must've sounded incredibly pathetic. “I won't pity myself for being inferior to them, though, because I have realized something during these seven years.”

I took one last, deep breath.

“The people I've met during this journey – both young and old – have taught me something important: I don't need to be the Emperor to protect this country and its people. It is merely a title one possesses. I don't want to spend my days trapped inside a palace that is filled with the filthy stank of the rich, I don't want to sit on that uncomfortable throne with a heavy crown which is way too big for my head.”

I chuckled and turned around to take Meilani's hands into mine.

“Do you understand what I'm trying to say? I want to be the kind of person people wish to be protected by. The kind of person they need in their darkest of times. An emperor can only ensure the country's overall power and all that, but what about the people? Certain individuals or minorities? Who speaks up for them? The council and court who decide laws with the ruler of this Empire are full of arrogant criminals disguised under and protected by their oh-so-noble title earned through blood.”

“Your Highness...”, Meilani looked at me wide-eyed. For the first time in forever, she looked nearly... impressed. I had to force myself not to smile in satisfaction, that look on her face made me kind of proud of myself.

“If I can accomplish the goal I have set for myself – earning the trust of my people and creating a stable foundation for the next Emperor to rule over this country – our Empire and the citizens will both flourish and thrive into the greatness of heaven.” The woman next to me studied my face and suddenly her lips curled up into a barely visible smile. She closed her eyes for a second and then looked back at my cyan-colored ones.

No words were spoken. It was not necessary. The silent promise we made that day was the beginning of something new.