Staring down at me from the top of the stairs with a pompous grin on his face was my cousin. 

The bane of my existence. 

The current scourge of the country. 

The scum of the earth. 

Solomon Conwyn. 

Current Emperor of The Regina Empire. 

Mathuesela’s second-born and self-proclaimed heir to Magnus’ Conquest, idolizing himself before the village of Regina citizens that believed that every corner of the world needed to be Regarded. A pretty way to say “have their lands invaded while their cultures were diluted and ridiculed in order to be reformed as proper human beings”.  

I plastered a fake smile onto my face, one that was obviously filled with contempt. “To what do I owe the pleasure…Prince Solomon.” 

The smug grin slowly faded, replaced with a disdained glare. “I would imagine that you wouldn't have missed the memo, Faye. It’s Emperor now.” He then slowly descended the steps. “My dear father has passed on and I’m the one chosen to lead his empire. Well…really my ancestor’s empire. Our ancestor’s empire. Sometimes I forget you’re a Conwyn.” 

Now we were at the same eye level. 

“Always wondered why an egoist such as my father would just let Aunt Magdalene be referred to by her married name. It has less prestige than her maiden name.” 

There was no telling if Solomon ever actually believed any of the bigoted nonsense he spewed out on a daily basis. It often came off as him doing his best to appease the more traditional nobles who believed in such things like blood rights and “lesser societies”. 

Maybe he spouted so much of it that he actually believed it but frankly, he was just so insufferable to everyone in some capacity that no one ever actually wanted to be near him outside of public events. Only the Petals know how that girl, Camila, even stands him enough to want to marry him. Then again, she clearly has ulterior motives herself whether he realizes it or not. 

“You know what I wonder? If you ever have the gall to say any of this slander to my mother’s face? I’ve only ever seen you giggling like a schoolboy with your friends behind her back.” 

“Despite what many claim, it’s best to talk about the unsavory characteristics of people when they can’t hear. It saves them the heartache but maybe as I’m Emperor now, I can confront her about these issues that many have with her. Maybe get her the help she needs.” 

That was a threat. 

Because Duchess Magdalene Zhao (nee Conwyn) was not afraid of Solomon or Mathusela despite their almost absolute power. This was showcased at an event where my mother slapping Solomon for a rude comment directed at someone else was the hot topic for several weeks. 

When it made tabloids, several anti-royalists took to referring to him as the “Slapped Prince”. Which set him off constantly to the point where it became a running gag amongst other nobles that whispered it at parties whenever he walked past them. 

This was him telling me that any and all transgressions against him, no matter how small or well-deserved, were going to be punished and no, he did not care if it made him look childish. 

“You and I both know that any help my mother wants will not come from here.” I replied. 

“We have the best of the best, doctors of all types come over for a chance to make something of themselves here.” 

“Well not for long, Solomon. I can tell you that much.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” 

I laughed. “You executed a foreign noble without a proper trial amongst their peers. Peers that include both the Regarded AND the Solai. You’ve committed an international faux pa and you will pay for that.” 

He stared at me with a confused look that he attempted to hold back. 

I scoffed. Of course, he didn’t know. “Makes sense, the only aspect of being Emperor you care about is getting people locked away because they said your eyes aren’t pretty enough. If you cared about anything else, you would’ve learned that many countries and banding together to make some sort of union. Keep everyone on the same page, keeping peace in the land. Did you know about that?” 

He was silent for a moment. Thinking of a response that didn’t make him come off as ignorant. “I hadn’t been informed.” 

“You probably have and you just ignored them. I learned from Mathusela’s political adviser, Harold Brannon. You know, the one you fired and never replaced? In fact, it was after you fired him and he was reeling. He wanted me of all people to try and reason with you. I told him I’d try but I asked him what he was going to do now. You know what he told me?” 

He waited for me to continue. 

“He said he’s leaving the country. Oh, and that was a month ago. I imagine he and his family are on a boat hightailing it to either the Eastlands or the Southers. Now why would a political advisor be eager to leave a country after a new childish Emperor was coronated, a few abolitionists and political adversaries were arrested, a foreign noble was arrested and executed without a proper trial, and the formation of a united union is all but done?” 

“I have my answer but do enlighten me since you know so much more.” 

I flashed a smug smile. “I pride myself on being more enlightened than you. Well, that’s because this union extended an invitation to the Regina Empire in an attempt to avoid global war. From what I’ve learned, both Solaan and South Solaan seem to agree that retribution must be paid for the unjust murder of one of their own.” 

“Unjust? Elvie attempted to murder Camila. How is that unjust?” He was getting riled up now. 

“On what evidence?” 

…..

“Go on, tell me! How do you know? Several questions needed to be answered and you refused to answer. Is your witness reputable? Did they see Evie? Did they see poison? Is there even a witness? Do you know how many anti-monarchists are parading around on soapboxes talking about how there was no trial because there was no witness and that the Royal Nobles are concocting a plot to get rid of the Aristo Nobles? A global war is brewing on the outside and a civil war is being teased at on the inside.” 

“You make up nonsense. Anti-monarchists are nothing but bleeding hearts that do nothing but yell and disrupt what’s already working.” 

“Working for who? You? All they need is a good reason to act. The perfect cover to enact their revolution.” 

“They can be dealt with before trouble reaches our shores.” 

“Oh sure, them alone. But what about the unregistered Arcana hiding out and willing to be a part of their numbers?” 

“We already have methods of dealing with unregistered Arcanas.” 

“What about the Lyoni Resistance?” 

“Our Arcanas and physical forces can snuff them out before they fan any flames. We need only look to the Poinciers and the Melteese to remind them that being Regarded is the best thing to ever happen to them.” 

“And one only needs to look to history to know that a dog beaten into fearful obedience isn’t the same as a loyal companion. The companion will bite people for you, the fearful dog will wait for its moment to bite you.” 

“Are you saying the Poinciers and the Melteese are plotting?” 

“Maybe not now, but when they get word of the climate brewing they will. They're strong people with a rich history on their own. You and people like you would ask them to trade in that history so you can stake a claim to it.” I took a breath before continuing. “And you aren’t even thinking of the rest of the Eastlands. You think Solaan and South Solaan are the only ones furious at you? The Phillisi will gladly take up arms against the empire after that failed invasion on their lands and as someone from the Southers, lemme tell you: The folk in the Borderlines love any and every reason to go to war. They haven’t had a good one in so long. You know that’s what their beliefs are based in, right? Dying in battle is their highest honor and their sporting on the biggest militaries in the world.” 

“.....”

“It’s a rare occurrence to have you silent for this long. What gives…Emperor? 

He looked shook for a moment before composing himself with a smile. “I’m merely thinking about what type of flowers would be best for Camila and I’s wedding.” 

I smile. A smile the thorns would be proud of. “You sure are.” I let out a sigh and stretched. “Well, I’m sure you have plenty of thinking to do when it comes to your precious wedding. Pray you don’t hear the sounds of war horns before you exchange vows. Rita?” 

The pink maid jumped and approached my side. “Yes, madam?” 

“See to it that our dear Emperor makes it to his vehicle, yes?” 

“Of course, madam.” 

“Have a good peaceful night and may I suggest Red Spider Lilies?” 

Rita extended an arm, showing Solomon the way to the door. He made no fuss as he left out. But he’ll sure be making a scene when he gets home to his Camila and his mother but mainly his mother. Rita approached me with a bow.

“Madam, shall I prepare you a bath?” 

“Yes, thank you, and if she hasn’t turned in yet, please ask Dot to make some of those lovely little colorful sandwiches she made the other day.” 

“You mean Macaroons, madam?” 

“Is that what they are? I’ve never had them before.” 

“Well, they’re becoming quite the popular snack up in the Lucksteads.” 

“Really?” 

Rita nodded. “She should still be in the kitchens, I’ll let her out right away then I’ll be up to start your bath.” 

“Thank you, Rita.” 

She scurried off towards the kitchen as I ascended the steps. I didn’t know if my mother was still awake and I probably didn’t really feel like talking to her. I loved her dearly but she could be exhausting especially during times of stress. 

I quickly but quietly walked past her study and made sure to be careful as I turned the knob but was immediately stopped by an older, soft, feminine voice. 

“Fayfay?” 

My mother. 

I turned to her peering out from the crack of her study door. “I know I turned late, I’m sorry for making you worry.” 

“No, no.” She came out of the room fully. “I figured you went to visit Ginny. How is she doing?” 

“She’s…dealing with it, as we all are.” 

“Of course.” The sweetness of her tone quickly dissipated. “Is he gone?” 

I leaned against the doorframe and crossed my arms. “Yes, he’s gone.” 

“That boy…this country will be led to ruin faster than that teller predicted with him in charge.” 

“Well, I’m sure the teller didn’t plan for Uncle to die from mysterious causes either.” 

My mother let out a chuckle. “Well, tellers only see what is presumably destined to happen. They can’t normally catch ulterior motives unless the person asking has them.” 

“And you had none, mother?” I asked with a knowing smirk. 

She gave me one in return. “I didn’t ask about anything personally concerning me, Fayfay.” She let out a deep sigh. “And how are you holding up? You left the house today in quite a hurry, I was worried you were having some sort of breakdown. You know it’s dangerous to go outside during one. You could’ve been run over, kidnapped, murdered, or worse.” 

“I had Bilal with me, Mother, it’s alright.” 

“Yes, but what if he was outnumbered?” 

“Mother, don’t think like that, you’ll send yourself spiraling. You should probably get some rest, I know Solomon probably worked your nerve.” 

“Oh, you have no idea. Acting as if he cared and he did such a bad job at being fake that I thought his cheeks would start shining under the light.” 

“You didn’t say anything that could be cast as treason, did you Mother?” 

“Treason? Banter is treason now?” 

“It is when a manchild is in charge.” 

“Oh, he should be thankful to have a family that’ll say this stuff to his face still. Apollo left the continent, Selene has run off with Petals know who, his mother only tells him what he wants to hear, and soon we’ll be going back to the Republic. ” 

“Father agreed?” 

“He’s feeling the tension, many of the Aristo Nobles are. Many of them are planning on packing and leaving.” 

“Even the Khannas?” 

“Ha! The Khannas were the ones that suggested it. Everyone’s scrambling to figure out where they’re going. Solaan offers an insider ear with the Khannas.” 

“So why aren’t we going?” 

“Oh, your father will go but it’s been so long since we’ve been home and Bolin will be so excited to see us in person. Doesn’t that sound exciting? I know you’ll need a change of pace. We can even invite Ginny with us if you want.” 

“....That sounds great.” 

The sound of feet running along the carpeted floors broke the conversation as Rita came along with some toiletries perfect for a nice bath. She excused herself past my mother and I, heading into my room to start up the water. I used this as an opportunity to leave the conversation. 

“I’m going to get ready for bed, mother. You should get some rest too.” 

She nodded. “Alright, alright. Hopefully, your father comes home tonight. Everything is happening so fast and I know he’s stressed about it all.” She spoke as she walked towards her room at the very end of the hall. 

I entered my room, shutting the door behind me and letting the muffled sound of the running bath water calm me down. 

Everything is changing so fast…that was right for sure. 

I didn’t want to admit but it was the change that was making things worse. It was the same as when we first left the Republic. The entire planning of the move was stressful for me but I knew I had to keep it together for everyone else. 

My mother was stressed about returning to the Empire after so long, my father was nervous about new business ventures, and Bolin was upset about leaving home for the first time. I was too but what good would my being volatile have done?

I can admit when I get to a point when I explode but I do a good job of keeping it together when it’s needed most. But when the stress for everyone else is gone…this anger in me gets louder and demands I make a scene. Sometimes I regret it. Sometimes I don’t. 

And now…as I slid down against the door cradling myself on the floor I’m scared…scared of what the anger will make me do next time. 

I don’t want anything to change…at least like this. 

I wanted things to go back to how it was. I don’t want everyone to separate. I could ask my mother to stay here but she needs me. But Ginny will also need me. But…I cannot take all of this right now and I need everything to go back to how it was.

Everyone doesn’t get it and when I try to explain they still don’t. 

So either it all returns to normal or…I don’t know what I’ll do if I wake up in this same situation tomorrow. 

I just don’t.