7

"Father you can be serious!" The Empress son yelled.

"Enough! Don't question me." He replied sternly.

"But Father, that thing is unworthy. She's no more than a commoner." He exclaimed.

"I said enough. I don't want to hear anymore from any of you." My father knew he had no choice in the matter. All that his son was doing was signifying to everyone that he truly held I'll will towards me and would likely need to apologize to even stay in the running for crown prince. After all unless it's announced that he is removed from the running completely he still has a chance since he's the Empresses only Son. The first and second queens son were already as good as out of the running since there daughters didn't marry in and they don't hold as much power as the Empress.

We needed to change that.

Everyone grew loud again and people started to dance to the music. The Empresses eldest daughter and son danced. When the waltz was over I spoke to them. I had Thomas by my side and our knights were there.

"You look wonderful Olivia. Where did you ever get such a beautiful dress?" I spoke as if I had no clue.

"It was a present." She said, her face turning red but she tried to control herself.

"Well I'm sure every women here would like to know who made it. Do you have the name of the designer by chance?"

"No." She said.

"Oh well, I've noticed quit a few men looking at you. Perhaps you might find a future fiancé tonight as well." I said. I could see the anger running in her eyes and face.

"Perhaps I will."

"If you need any help I would always be willing to introduce you to others, after all I am now the crown princess and future empress's I would also love to be able to give you advice if you need any." I said.

She slapped me and grabbed my hair, in front of everyone. Thomas grabbed her and pulled her away from me.

"Get your hands off my sister!" Her brother yelled as he punched Thomas.

With that guards came and grabbed them both taking them to the ground.

"Execute them immediately for assault and attempted murder of the emperor and crown princess." Thomas said.

"No you can't do this!" Yelled Olivia.

"Get you hands off us. We are the empresses children." He yelled.

"Unhand them, it was simply a squabble between siblings, my love, your majesty both of you must agree." The empress said as she tried to get in the mix. Our father stayed quiet.

"It might of been that once, but they have tried to slander and blatantly disrespect the Crown princess since it was announced. They will be charged with defamation of the imperial family, which is treasonous and punishment of execution no matter who you are. I have enough witnesses to take it to trial if you wish since everyone here has watched it. Would you Majesty like to disagree with my statement and take to trial?" Thomas said.

"No, I cannot disagree." He said.

"My love, please. Don't you think that is to extreme. Please have mercy on my siblings." I said and dropped to the ground bowing to Thomas.

"You wish to protect them even after they slander and assault you?" Thomas said.

"Yes, they are my siblings. Thomas, Father. Please show them mercy." I pleaded.

"Your majesty, may we have a word in another room to resolve this?" My father asked.

"If that is what my fiancé wants. Take them to jail and don't take your eyes off of them until we have decided on a punishment." Thomas said.

With that the guards that Thomas brought took them away, along with the empress who attempted to make a scene and attack the guards who were taking her children away.

Everyone there whispered. They called me a saint, and said I truly must be a descendent of angles or god to be able to ask for mercy. To forgive them for harming me and beg for there forgiveness.

Thomas and my father went to another room.

"I'm sorry for the scene, if everyone would please leave." I said loudly with tears in my eyes and my voice sounding like I was ready to break down.

Some nobles took the opportunity to approach and ask if I was alright and wish me the best while trying to rush other out. They were trying to say they were on my side and win my favor.

After they all left I went to the room my father and Thomas were talking in. I knew the room next to it had a secret passage that connected the rooms and would allow me to hear everything they said.