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 behalf. If Zephyra knew that it was her daughter she had attempted to poison, there was the possibility that she would try it again. The princess knew she would have to be vigilant if she was going to survive. It was no way to live, but Aurora didn't know any different.
She needn't have worried, though. Upon her return to the palace, she discovered that her mother had locked herself in her chambers. For two months, no one outside of Zephyra's closest servants and an occasional brave Council member dared face the Empress's erratic mood swings. From the hall, those who passed could hear her screams, and the constant crashes were always followed by the removal of broken furniture or knick-knacks. Finally the head physician convinced Her Majesty to take a sleeping draught. Zephyra slept for over twelve hours, and the whole palace took a collective sigh of relief.
When the Empress awoke, she emerged from her chambers calm and regal, but something was different. Her dresses, usually flowing gracefully on her thin frame, were snug and fit awkwardly. At first the Council and court assumed the beautiful woman had been eating her feelings. It was only natural for her waist to widen as she had confined herself to her room with no exercise and many sweets. As time wore on, though, dressmakers were called to loosen the waist of Zephyra's favorite gowns and new high-waisted clothing was commissioned. Finally after three more months passed, the truth was undeniable; Zephyra was pregnant.
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Aurora sat at her writing desk with a book on the history of Valiant before her. At the insistence of one of her tutors, she was memorizing her family line. The princess descended from a long line of mighty warrior kings, but only under her mother's reign had the world been united under one rule. Going back nearly a hundred generations, each emperor (and an occasional empress), had expanded Valiant's reach. The city of Valiant became the Kingdom of Valiant, with each conquered land pledging its loyalty to the conqueror.
Under Zephyra, the last Mighty Battle had been fought and won. Now the world was at peace at last. While not everyone was satisfied with their empress, the people were wary to face her in battle again. Aurora scanned pages and pages as the words began to jumble. Her eyes were tired. Just as she was about to shut the book, something caught her eye.
"Nanny, how long does it take for a baby to be born?" Aurora queried. Nanny looked up from her knitting by the fire. The cold day was seeping through the walls, and the warmth felt good against her old bones.
"About nine months, give or take." The large woman went back to her craft, her large blanket nearly complete.
"When is the Empress's baby due to come?" The princess asked directly.
"Where did you hear about that?!" Nanny wanted to know.
"The kitchen staff were talking about it. Of course they didn't know I was there," Aurora added innocently. Nanny nodded. She knew the child snuck food from the kitchen instead of eating the meals sent to her room. After the emperor had been murdered, Nanny didn't blame the girl for being cautious.
"Her Majesty's baby will arrive in a little over four months." Nanny eyed her curiously, unsure of where this might be going.
"But father has been dead five months! And five plus 'over four' is MORE than nine months. How can that be?"
"I said give or take nine months, child," but Nanny's face had blanched.
"The kitchen staff said my father isn't the baby's father."
"The kitchen staff better hold their tongues if they hope to live," the woman answered sharply.
"Is it true?" The girl wanted to know.
Nanny sighed, "It's not my place to say what's true, but I'm sure the Empress will take care of everything in due course. Why do you ask?" Nanny could sense there was more to her questions.
Aurora stood from her desk and brought the book to her caretaker. "Look here! Did you know emperors used to have more than one wife? It's strange, don't you think?" Nanny nodded slowly and the girl took this as a cue to continue. "Under the law, the emperor's first born from each woman had a claim to the throne. The heir was usually recognized on the child's twelfth birthday, and could be changed as a younger 'first born' came of age."
"That's nice, child, but what does that have to do with you?"
Aurora shrugged, "If this child is also a 'first born' of the Empress, then it's possible they could rule the world."
"Don't worry too much about that, princess." Nanny comforted her charge.
"Worry? I'm excited! My brother or sister can rule, and I can finally be free of this place!"
Nanny smiled, but her eyes were sad. 'Poor child…She thinks she can be free,' the woman thought bitterly. Aurora didn't notice.
"I wonder who the empress will choose?" The girl's eyes sparkled. "I hope it's not me."
"Take life one day at a time, Princess Aurora. The child isn't even born yet," Nanny scolded, ending the conversation.
Aurora nodded and went back to her desk, scribbling something on a spare piece of paper. When the child wasn't looking, Nanny slipped the history book into the large pocket of her apron. She needed to arrange a meeting with the Council. If what Aurora suspected was true, the world could have a big problem.
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
There was a knock on Aurora's suite of rooms; Nanny scurried to answer it. Although Aurora could not make out the words, she could hear the rushed tone of the conversation. When Nanny returned, she looked at a loss for words. "Child," she began. "I have news. Your siblings have been born...""That is wonderful! Was a girl or a... wait did you say siblings? I have more than one?"Nanny nodded, "Yes, a girl and a boy. They are safe and healthy.""This is excellent news, Nanny! My joy is doubled. Why do you look so sad?"The large woman looked at the ground. "There's more. Your mother....the Empress. Something has happened to her.""What do you mean?" Aurora did not understand her words."The Empress's midwife has disappeared, and the Empress is unconscious. No one can wake her.""Did the midwife do this to her?" the girl was worried. Midwives were supposed to help, not hurt."I don't think so. It just happens this way sometimes.
The Council consisted of twelve members plus their chief. After a long night of discussion, they sat once again around a long rectangular table with a tall backed chair at one end—for the chief—and a throne at the other end. When Aurora had been directed to place herself on the throne, she reluctantly complied. Her legs dangled awkwardly as she sat on the edge of her seat, trying to remember each Councilman's name. Cafer she had seen many times, but the others wisely chose to keep a low profile for fear of incurring Zephyra's wrath."We welcome the future Empress to the Council." Cafer announced."Glory to the Empress!" the Council responded in unison. They all stared at the girl, waiting for her to speak.Aurora shifted in her seat. "Thank you." She responded, unsure of protocol. Her tutors had taught her court etiquette, but none of them had actually prepared her to 'be' an empress. And the Council of her advisors were completely differ
The boys all stood in a line looking around with great interest. An envoy from the palace had arrived at their school only an hour before, and had plucked them from their studies. From age seven to fourteen, all of Valiant's children were encouraged to attend classes on history, language, mathematics, art, physical fitness and politics. After this time, it was up to parents how to further their child's education. The poor would generally select a trade to apprentice, while the wealthy had more options. The boys now standing in the hall were well-born and approved by the council for their manners and excellence in different areas. Although the children had no idea what was happening, they could sense something important was occuring."What do you think is going on?" a tall muscular boy whispered."Sh!" The boy next to him hushed him. "You could get us in trouble.""We'll find out soon enough," a third chimed in.A boy with grey eyes nodded. From the far en
The nursery was quiet as Aurora and Devrim entered. Having recently been fed, the twins were being cared for by nurses and other attendants. Nanny stood in the middle of the nursery overseeing the work. The princess was surprised, "Nanny, what are you doing here?"Nanny curtsied and chuckled lightly. "Hello, Your Majesty! I am taking care of my new charges.""What about me?""The new Empress does not need old Nanny here. You will be receiving ladies-in-waiting later today.""Oh," the girl said sadly. The thought had not occurred to her that she might have to give up her Nanny. Her small lips quivered for a moment. "Take good care of my brother and sister! I'll be checking on you.""Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you." Nanny bowed her head. Aurora hugged her caretaker for the last time. It was a tender moment, and Devrim felt like he was intruding. He cleared his throat awkwardly, bring
The other Councilmen looked nervous as Cafer stood at the end of the long table to address the future empress. The tension in the air was thick, but the Chief of the Council did not show his emotion. This girl was merely a child with power, and he would direct her in the proper way. Soon she would have to see his wisdom, as her mother had."Your Majesty, we received news that you have visited the nursery." Cafer began with a fact. If he could get her to agree to small things, perhaps he could coax her to his way of thinking."We have," the princess acknowledged."Then you are aware of the great danger facing us.""I do not follow you, Chief Cafer." Aurora scrunched her eyebrows.The chief humbly spread his hands, "Your mother did not name an heir.""She did not have a chance." Aurora countered."Traditionally the first born inherits the t
"Hold still, please, Your Majesty." "Your Majesty, please hold your arms out so I can pin the sleeves." "Which sash would you prefer, Your Majesty." On and on the servants and new ladies-in-waiting went. They poked and pinched the girl with pins and fingers. Aurora quickly lost interest in their nips and tucks. Instead she decided to focus on her three new lady attendants. They were all very eager and very…similar. All three were in their teens and stair steps of each other. Aurora finally decided they must be sisters. When she asked their names they curtsied and replied in turn. "I'm Anna." "I'm Bella." "And I'm Candela!" The third replied enthusiastically. 'At least they are in alphabetical order. I wonder if they have any more sisters at home,' Aurora thought. Their appearances were nearly identical. Each had chestnut eyes and rich, creamy skin. They had long broad noses and beautiful soft pink mouths. The only differences b
The morning leading up to the public announcement of Empress Zephyra's death was filled with hustle and bustle. A carefully selected crowd was allowed into the palace courtyard to witness the event. In addition, town criers were set in strategic places around Valiant to spread the news. Other messengers were dispatched to carry the announcement along with the two royal edicts to all the parts of the globe. The first edict pronounced a week of mourning in honor of Zephyra's passing. The second edict declared a week long holiday in honor of the new Empress, her marriage, and her children, the new heirs. "Is this really necessary? Why would people want to mourn someone most of them didn't like?" Aurora asked. She had no delusions about people's opinion of her mother. She had been sneaking around for years, hearing snippets of conversations never meant for her ears. Cafer could understand her concern. "It's not about affection. It is about respect. They will show respect