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Dawn of a New Empress
Huling Na-update:
2021-10-24 05:04:31After a wardrobe change, Aurora and Devrim took their places behind the curtain at the front of the throne room. The baby naming ceremony was important in the life of a royal child, and the tenth day was always when the names were bestowed. The fact that this day coincided with the coronation seemed ordained by the Fates. While the nobility was treated to music, hors d'oeuvres, and entertainment in the grand ballroom, the servants transformed the throne room. The deep blue was removed and replaced with more white and gold: the colors of a bright future. Across the royal seal above the thrones, a white veil covered the crown. It represented hope and health. Everything was set.
Nanny and another nurse brought the twins to their adoptive parents. The new rulers each received one baby in their waiting arms. Handing the baby girl to Aurora, Nanny could help but admire the new Empress's strength. She couldn't resist tucking a stray hair behind Aurora's ear. "I'll be watching
Kaugnay na kabanata
Empress of the World A Birthday Surprise
Aurora woke to the familiar sound of a knock from her wall. She popped out of bed like a spring and ran to release the latch to the wall, only pausing a second to grab her robe."Happy birthday Aurora!" Devrim greeted in his baritone voice as he exited the passage. The Empress's first months as ruler had gone relatively smoothly. And today Devrim was ready to celebrate her success. "I brought you a gift."Aurora didn't care that it was the early hours of the morning; she greedily reached for the package. In the first rays of sunlight through her windows, the Empress pulled out a simple green dress from the paper. "Thank you…" she told him, confused by her friend's huge grin."The dress isn't the gift. It's what we are going to do with it.""Wear it?….burn it?"Devrim crinkled his nose. "Hey! I had to be very creative to get a hold of that without arousing suspicion. What have you been saying you wanted to do since I met you?""
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-25Empress of the World An Unexpected Rescue
"Jumper, is that you?" Ledford repeated with a smirk.Devrim was frozen in place. His mind flashed to the last day he had been at school. Ledford had tortured him as usual. "Look, it's the poor orphan boy. Good thing you are good at jumping, Jumper. Maybe you can join the circus. They are the only ones who will ever accept the likes of you." The other boys had laughed. Devrim's stomach turned as he thought about what happened next. For some reason, Devrim had finally had enough."I'd rather be an orphan than an idiot," he'd muttered."What was that?" Ledford had clearly heard him, but challenged him to say it again."I'd rather be an orphan than an idiot," Devrim repeated clearly.Ledford's face burned with anger. "Looks like your afternoon beating will be early today, Jumper." The tall boy grabbed his younger classmate by the collar and shoved him to the ground. He had reeled back to slam Devrim with his massive fist just as a school tutor had wal
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-26Empress of the World A Run-In with Lord Turpilius
Arriving back at the palace, Aurora was almost immediately whisked to her wardrobe to begin preparations for the ball. The girl was becoming accustomed to her tall shoes and make-up for official functions, and she was coming to enjoy the womanly figure that her dresses created. When the ladies had finished, the Empress examined their handiwork. The gown was purple and billowing, giving the girl a tiny waist. For once Aurora had put her foot down and requested a gown in a color other than blue or white. The dressmaker had raised her eyebrows but said nothing."You look radiant," Anna told her."I do, Anna. Thank you." Aurora wasn't vain, but she did like how she looked tonight."Your Majesty, the Emperor Consort is here to escort you to the ball."Aurora went to the door to find Devrim standing handsomely in his wide trousers and royal dress-coat. He was to be thirteen the next month, but with the care of his entourage, he appeared every bit of twenty. It
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-27Empress of the World A Chance to be Normal
"I got you!" Alaron called. The five-year-old aimed the wooden sword at Cafer's stomach."Well done, my boy! We'll make an emperor of you yet." Cafer laughed as he tousled the boy's sandy brown hair."Thanks, Uncle Cafer! I've been practicing." Alaron said proudly."I can tell," Cafer agreed. The pair had been playfully sparring in the large nursery that the twins still shared. Cafer visited often, happy to ingratiate himself to the young prince. He doted on the boy heavily, but no one could criticize him for treating the young prince well."Mairwen, did you see that?" Alaron asked his sister. Mairwen peeked up from behind her easel. She was positioned by the large window, painting broad strokes with her new oils."I saw it, brother," she answered kindly. "You did well.""But..?" Alaron could sense his sister's hesitance. Although her blue eyes had seemed far
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-28Empress of the World A Familiar Sound
Just as Aurora was preparing for bed that evening, she heard a knock on the wall. The Empress knew the sound well. Butterflies formed in her stomach. It had been nearly a year since she had heard that knock. Devrim had told her that it wasn't proper for him to visit her in the night anymore. He didn't want anyone who knew the truth to talk badly of Aurora or ruin her reputation. Devrim always looked out for her. The Empress smiled slightly as she recognized her friend's tapping."What was that?" asked Anna. The sisters had been preparing Aurora for her royal slumber. As the oldest and most conscientious of the ladies-in-waiting, Anna was always the most concerned about Aurora's safety and well-being. She took a tentative step toward the wall to investigate."It's nothing." Aurora stopped her. "Sometimes these old walls just do that. No need to worry about it. Goodnight ladies!" The girl began to forcefully push Anna toward the door.&
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-29Empress of the World A Charming Dance Partner
The days up until the ball went quickly. Despite the twins begging, they would not be allowed to attend. "You must be at least fifteen," she reminded them. "Or fourteen with a familial escort." Aurora conveniently left out that she had been attending balls since she was barely eleven. There was no need to complicate things.Devrim spent as much time as he could with the Empress, even attending an afternoon of tea with her and some of the noble ladies that he easily could have skipped. When Aurora commented on his constant presence, he responded, "My days with you are growing short. I want to enjoy the time with my best friend." The girl's heart had melted at his words, and she had happily let him follow her like a puppy.When the big day came, Aurora could hardly wait for evening to arrive. She dressed early in her royal gown and paced her room, running over every possibility in her mind. What if no one asked her to dance? What if everyone asked her?! What if she met t
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-30Empress of the World A Magical Evening
Aurora thrilled at the touch of Sir Iorwerth. Something about him was electrifying. She couldn't look away. As they began to dance, Aurora struggled to make conversation. Sir Iorwerth took the lead."I don't think I caught your name," he said."It's because I didn't give it." The Empress decided giving no name was safer than lying. She was pleased to see her answer amused her dance partner."I love a good mystery. You are more intriguing every moment, my lady." Iorwerth held her tighter. "Is this your first dance?""It is in a manner of speaking." Aurora answered vaguely. His touch on her back made her feel warm, giving her a sense of euphoria. Is this what love felt like? She blushed heavily."I am honored you have chosen to spend your time with me. Dancing with you just feels natural.""I agree. It's quite enjoyable.""I think you've ruined me for dancing with anyone else, my lady. Please allow me another turn about the room."
Huling Na-update : 2021-10-31Empress of the World Who was He?
"May I have this dance?" The man with the grey eyes had asked. Aurora opened her mouth to speak."She is currently engaged to dance with me. Please try again later," Sir Iorwerth said. Aurora felt a surge of energy from his hand into her back, and she lost control of her body. Sir Iorwerth smiled at her dotingly and turned them toward the middle of the dance floor. The man in the mask was undeterred. He followed them."You should allow the lady to speak for herself," he insisted. "Would you like to dance?" As was customary, the man in green tapped Sir Iorwerth on the shoulder to prove his intentions. A visible streak of lightening leapt from Sir Iorwerth and ran up the other man's arm. The man in the mask jerked away and cried out."Stay back!" Sir Iorwerth hissed, his face distorted as his eyes flashed. For a moment, Aurora felt his power over her weaken, and she found the strength to pull away from her dance partner.The grey-eyed man saw the look on hi
Huling Na-update : 2021-11-01
Pinakabagong kabanata
Empress of the World Be Better
Alaron told the Empress his story. She was amazed by his words. However, it made his altered appearance make sense. His white hair had been gained by meeting the Maker while visiting the Mystic Spires, and his now silver eyes were earned in answer to his call."A Guardian," the Empress mused. "It is a high honor."The young man lowered his head humbly. "Not an honor I deserve, but one I will try to be worthy of.""But…it has been a year since all this happened." Aurora looked at him with a thousand questions in her eyes.Alaron nodded. "The Fates thought it best if I remained gone for a time. Let the world begin to heal. I spent the last year among the Fates in the Mystic Spires and got to know some of them quite well. But I knew that my time there had come to an end, and before I could return to take my place as a Guardian to help mend the world, I needed to mend our family first. That is, if you will forgive me." He bowed low again. "Will you?"There was a king painful silence. So l
Empress of the World What Happened?
The voice of the figure was one etched deep in Aurora's memory. It was almost as familiar to her as her own. It was the voice of a ghost now, yet the figure before her she was sure was flesh and bone."Clear the throne room," the Empress ordered.Nurlan stood behind her close to the throne with his hand resting lightly on his sword. "Your Majesty?" he asked, uncomprehending."Everyone out except him," she motioned to the cloaked man. "You may stay, Nurlan, if it eases your mind. And see if someone can find Hanna."The general quickly went to work. With the help of the other attending soldiers, every soul was removed from the room except the Empress, Nurlan and the mysterious figure. The man waited patiently, seemingly unconcerned with the flurry of activity his few words had caused.Aurora took a deep breath. While the figure had allowed them to be alone, she was still slightly scared that he might disappear at any time. "What forgiveness do you seek?""I seek the forgiveness of the
Empress of the World That Voice
"Wake up! Rise and shine, Your Majesty!" Hanna said cheerily as she threw back the thick curtain that blocked the balcony. Light streamed into Aurora's bedchamber, but the woman pulled the covers over her head like a child. "You're back," the Empress groaned in a muffled voice. "I think it is sweet that you think I actually ever leave these days. Now get up!" Hanna yanked the covers back, but Aurora held on tightly. "Go away!" The stubborn woman wouldn't even open her eyes. She would not let the Fate win. "Where are my ladies-in-waiting?" "Anna, Bella and Candela are busy." Hanna answered unapologetically. "And my husband?" "He took over your very important duties and told everyone to let you sleep. It is a good thing I do not answer to him." Hanna fluttered her eyelashes innocently, but of course, Aurora did not see. Sensing the Fate would not give up her chipper attitude, Aurora pulled the only card she had left. It was, in the end, what made her unwilling to get out of bed "
Empress of the World One Final Song
With slow progress, the prisoners and the victorious army headed for Valiant. Since the city was still empty of human citizens, there was no fanfare or grand welcome for them. That was fine; they were all just happy to be one step closer to being home.Only a small skirmish awaited the Imperial Army from those left behind. The palace was easily reclaimed without the catastrophic results of the last battle fought there. The sight of the large human force in the wrong shade of blue made the gnomes flee immediately, and those left of the ill-named New Emperor's Army only put up minimal resistance.The servants on the inside of the palace, seeing their rescuers in sight, freed those in the dungeon and set off a myriad of traps and clever devices that had been left behind by the scientist but never deployed.One such device covered the unlucky recipient in a slimy goo that made them slip and slide, never able to stand in that area again. Renat was thoroughly chastened for it later and force
Empress of the World Together
Brinn hurried to Ithel and her father in the corner of the tent. Out of respect for the king, Zoltan had a curtain hung around him, so it was only natural that Aurora had not spotted him and Ithel earlier."Father, I thought you were dead!" Brinn said a she rounded the partition. Her face went from hopeful to grim."I may yet be," Zoltan answered with a gentle smile. "However, the unicorns think I shall live, even if I am not exactly whole."Zoltan's body from the waist up seemed normal enough, but his lower half and legs looked horribly wrong. His legs and feet twisted awkwardly, and his pelvis was much flatter than it should be. The boulder from the giant had done irreparable damage."Oh Father!" Brinn eyes were wide with fear."It is not as bad as it looks. Well, maybe it is, but I do not feel any pain." The king received a cup of water from a servant. With Ithel's help, he sat up slightly to drink. The elven princess just stared, not knowing what to say or how to comfort her fathe
Empress of the World Alive!
Brinn used her keen hearing to listen for her husband as she scanned the carnage of the battlefield. Alvar was many things, but quiet was not one of them. She was sure that with enough patience, she would hear the elf she was searching for.Along the ground, some fairies were popping in and gathering up the wounded and taking them to the healers. Other fairies had the more difficult task of collecting the dead. Separately she passed by elves who were still gathering the gnomes in groups to hold them until the peace talks were complete.It was amazing how quickly things had been organized. Brinn realized that these plans must have been made before the battle began because neither the fairies nor elves seemed to need direction or supervision.Even more amazing was the new King of the Gnomes. The timid, mousey gnome that Brinn had witnessed at the palace when she was pretending to be Mairwen was gone. The difference was night and day.Lukoss was walking around and ordering his new subjec
Empress of the World More Time
Justum considered her words. "I cannot control how you feel," he answered at last. "But the victory is yours. It is over. We will leave you to your tasks."Aurora stared past him with empty eyes. He was right about one thing. It was over.Turning to his fellow Fate, Justum held out his hand. "Your mission is complete, I assume," he said with an arched brow. "Either way, your banishment is over. Will you be coming back with us?"Hanna smiled demurely, "As welcoming that invitation was…" Her face changed to be one of concern as she looked at Aurora. "Now that I am permitted to see the Empress, I shall stay a while to make sure things run smoothly."Expecting an argument, Aurora was surprised when Justum simply nodded. "I understand."He turned to the fiery-haired woman and bowed respectfully. "Farewell, Your Majesty. May the rest of your reign be a peaceful one.""Thank you," Aurora curtsied, her years of training taking over. She then moved forward toward the Fate holding her son.Just
Empress of the World The Seal is Broken
The entire company of the Fates exited through the celestial portal and filled the sky with their terrifying presence. Their light magic emanating from them was oppressive even to the other magical creatures.As soon as Hanna grabbed the Empress's arm, Aurora blinked and was instantly across the field beside the slowly waking Cafer. The Fate slapped the magic blocking cuffs on the gnome and stepped back as he came to his senses.Cafer grabbed his head, unsure of what had happened. The last thing he remembered was being blasted by a light before everything went dark.He had seen, but been unable to process, the source of the light on the other side of the battlefield. Whatever it was had power beyond anything he had ever seen.As he opened his eyes, he was greeted with a reproachful look from his least favorite Fate. He instinctively tried to use his earth magic to repel Hanna. That is when he noticed the cuffs on his wrists. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded as he stood to hi
Empress of the World Deliverance
Mairwen and Nurlan had finished dispensing with the leprechauns and were monitoring the capture of the dark blue troops. Minor skirmishes were going on here and there, but overall the New Emperor's army had surrendered."I want to know how Mother and Father are doing," the princess told the general. They both glanced behind them and toward the sea. They could see neither of the battles clearly. However, they could hear the sounds of war wafting over the Beachy plains and see that at least some of the ships were still floating in the sea. The Emperor and Empress still had work to do."A fairy will come and get you once it is safe," Nurlan assured her. "Until then, we will stay put."Mairwen sighed and bit the inside of her cheek. "The waiting is harder than the battling."Not wanting to contradict the princess, Nurlan shrugged. "The time certainly seems to go slower when nothing is happening," he mused.Listening quietly, Eira was glad for the moment of peace. There were far too few of
