LOGINShare
What Happened?
Last Updated:
2022-06-01 09:00:43Related chapters
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
Last Updated : 2022-06-01Empress of the World The Announcement
Aurora looked out at the bustling crowd, praying that she would not fall because of the tall heels her advisors had made her wear. The large heavy clothes and thick make-up made her feel like a clown, but the Council had insisted she needed to look older than her actual age. They were right; Aurora no longer looked ten-years-old. She looked much closer to eighteen, which was their goal. It had been a tall order, but somehow they had managed it. Beside her stood a boy, looking equally ridiculous as she. Instead of a long, flowing gown as she had, he was wearing a wide trouser to conceal his own elevated shoes and a purple robe covering his shoulders to make them look broader. Devrim, that was his name. He was only two years older than Aurora, and now he, too, had the weight of the Empire on his shoulders. Devrim waved awkwardly to the crowd below. They were high up in the palace on a balcony overlooking the capital city, Valiant. Many wars had been fought over the years, but today
Last Updated : 2021-09-28Empress of the World A Cold Empress
Even as a young child, Aurora had been treated as a nuisance by her mother, Empress Zephyra. In fact, Aurora could only address her mother as "Empress" or "Your Majesty", which only added to the coldness between them. For years the princess spent hours each day trying to find ways to please Zephyra. She was always leaving trinkets for her mother to find. A flower here or her mother's favorite fruit there. Zephyra barely glanced at the tokens, often tossing them to a servant to be thrown away. Still, Aurora persisted. One fateful day when Aurora was seven, she snuck into the Empress's chamber and hid under a table along the wall. She had worked for weeks to make a card for Zephyra's birthday, even writing a poem in honor of the occasion. 'She'll have to love this,' the girl thought optimistically. Aurora crouched low under the table, clutching the paper to her chest. She had escaped her tutors and Nanny to be here, and she refused to be caught be for her mission was complete.
Last Updated : 2021-09-28Empress of the World The Gift
Aurora was generally successful at staying away from her mother. For three years she was more ghost than girl around the palace. She completed her studies for her tutors, but as the Empress did not ask after the princess's studies, the tutors felt no need to push the girl to excel. She hid among the tapestries, under tables, and among the many plants that lined the halls. She was either tolerated or ignored by the court and castle staff whenever she was discovered, but those times were few and far between. Some forgot she existed altogether. Only Aurora's Nanny did a little to help the girl's lonely life. Nanny was always kind, and she told wonderful stories.Occasionally, Aurora's father would visit the princess's suite of rooms, but never very often for fear he would arouse Zephyra's suspicion. The Emperor was terrified that he wife would find out and punish their daughter, so he usually came when the powerful woman was asleep.When
Last Updated : 2021-09-28Empress of the World Bad News
Aurora woke the morning of her tenth birthday with a sense of dread. Nanny hadn't woken her as usual, and her suite of rooms was eerily quiet. Usually in the morning she would hear the sounds of her bath being drawn and her breakfast being delivered, but today there was nothing. 'Something is wrong' the princess thought as she became fully alert. Her ears strained to hear anything, and finally she could barely discern the shuffle of feet outside her room. Nanny opened the door and came over to the bed hurriedly. "Get dressed, child," she said with an urgency that Aurora had never witnessed. The girl obediently stood, rubbing her eyes. Together they dressed Aurora in a blue gown with a white sash—the royal colors. "Is something wrong?" The princess seldom dressed properly in pretty dresses. She loved the look and feel of the gorgeous gowns, but they restricted her movement. Usually the girl opted for a loose shirt and trousers, which was far more common for boys
Last Updated : 2021-09-28Empress of the World A Piece of Cake
"It was a piece of chocolate cake." Zephyra's words echoed through the room. "I was poisoned by a piece of cake? But I haven't eaten any cake." Elias asserted. He intentionally did not look at Aurora, knowing the look of horror that must be on her face. The Empress brushed his comment aside, "Everyone knows you occasionally fancy a late night snack. I refuse to let you lie to me about such things." "Very well," Elias agreed easily, "I have a sweet tooth. That's not a valid reason to poison a man." "You ate two pieces of cake, husband?" There was a threat in Zephyra's question, but Elias seemed not to hear it. Instead he laughed, "You caught me, my dear. Perhaps it isn't poison after all; I simply overindulged in cake. It was delicious!" "And deadly," the Empress added flatly. She let the matter drop. Clearing his throat, the
Last Updated : 2021-09-28Empress of the World A New Development
The funeral for Elias was held three days after his death. The morning was rainy, matching the gloom that the princess felt. Watching her father be entombed in the Valley of Kings, Aurora felt hot tears mix with cold rain on her cheeks. She was the only mourner. The Empress had forbidden anyone from attending the burial, but the dark-haired girl ignored the decree. Zephyra had managed to keep her daughter from the ceremony, saying that it was not an appropriate place for children. Hiding in the wings as the final eulogy was spoken, the princess had followed the pall bearers through the city and to the sacred cemetery. The pall bearers did not want to disregard the Empress's orders, but in the end they could not bear to keep a child from saying goodbye to her father. As the rain ran down Aurora's cheeks and mixed with her tears, she felt utterly alone. What would become of her now? Her mother already hated her, and now there was no one to speak on the girl's be
Last Updated : 2021-09-29Empress of the World A Fateful Visit
Again screaming could be heard from inside the Empress's chambers. This time, it was different. The Empress was in labor. Nine months and two days after her husband's passing, the Empress woke with a start. She called her maid and spoke only two words through gritted teeth, "It's time."As the morning wore on, many midwives and physicians arrived at the palace to attend the Royal birth. Each had their own advice about what Zephyra should and should not do."She should walk around to let the baby come more naturally," one said."Your Highness, take these herbs for the pain," another offered."The Empress needs to rest," a third argued. "The hard work will begin soon."They began to bicker, each asserting that their way was best. The room spiraled into chaos as the arguing grew fiercer."ENOUGH!" A voice rose over the noise. Instantly, there was silence as a woman in white robes approached the Empress's large bed. She was clean and pale, her s
Last Updated : 2021-09-30
Latest chapter
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
