CHAPTER FIVE: THE UNION

On the day of Lord Leonard and Lady Clarissa's wedding, all lords and ladies gathered. The emperor sent blessings and gifts. The joyous occasion unfolded with a grand ceremony, and the bride and groom took their vows, pronounced husband and wife. After the wedding, Clarissa hugged her parents and was escorted to Lord Marcus Manson. As she entered the portal, tears streamed down Mirabelle's eyes, and she was consoled by Henry.

In Vivian's chamber, She was in a frenzy, breaking everything in sight. Her father entered and halted her destructive outburst.

"What do you think you are doing? Your sister just got married today, and the only thing you can do is throw a tantrum?" Henry scolded.

"What else do you expect me to do when everything has been taken away from me? You, mother, and even the man I love, have been taken by her. How could you ask me to calm down?" Vivian retorted tearfully.

Mirabelle entered, addressing Vivian's anguish. "My dear, I know you're angry right now, and it's normal for you to be going through this. But I want you to know that we have no choice in this matter. I wish I had a choice; I would have gotten you married to him. But the emperor wants Clarissa to be wedded to Leonard. Vivian, you know I would never do things to make you sad, but this matter is out of my hands."

Vivian fell to her knees, crying, and Mirabelle moved closer to her and console her. Henry interjected, "You have to prepare yourself because you will also get married soon."

"To who?" Mirabelle asked, surprised by Henry's words. Vivian looked at her father curiously.

"To Edward," he replied. Vivian questioned, "Which Edward? Hope you're not talking about the head of the palace guards?" Henry nodded affirmatively and said, "Everything has been arranged, so you should prepare," then left the chamber.

"Mother, what is he talking about?" Vivian asked. Mirabelle expressed disbelief, "He must be joking because I heard nothing about that, and he won't make such a decision without informing me first. Let me go and talk to him; I will be back soon." She left Vivian in shock, seeking answers from Henry.

"This matter has been decided, so you can't change anything," Henry asserted. Mirabelle protested, "Why would you decide on this matter when I, who is her mother, am not aware of it?"

"It is her mother who arranged it. Do not forget you promised to let her handle Vivian's marriage, so you have to let her, please," Henry insisted.

"But Vivian doesn't want him. She should be married to a Lord or a lord's son, not an ordinary palace guard," Mirabelle argued.

"He is not an ordinary palace guard but the head of the palace guards," Henry clarified.

"So what is the difference between the two. What title do you think their children will have? We are trying to raise her status, and both of you are trying to make her sink. You have to reconsider it; she might have a lady title, but once she is married to a guard, her status will reduce, and so will her children," Mirabelle asserted before leaving for her chamber in anger, leaving Henry in a state of uncertainty.

***Gilbert's Palace***

Your Majesty, the lords and ladies have gathered in the throne room, eagerly anticipating your presence," Brandon informed. "For what exactly?" Gilbert inquired, seeking clarification.

"There's talk that the Empress might be having a demon child," Brandon said, leaving Gilbert shocked. He hurried to the throne room. As he entered, everyone bowed, and he took his seat. When Lord Bryan tried to speak, Gilbert interrupted, asking angrily, "Who's spreading weird rumors about the Empress?" Lord Aiden, Consort Beatrice's father, chimed in, "Your Majesty, instead of asking who, let's confirm first if these rumors are true."

"Are you trying to question me right now?" Gilbert's voice carried anger, and a thunderous sound followed, making everyone kneel instantly. This was an unfamiliar sight to them. "I asked a question. Who exactly is spreading these rumors?" he reiterated.

"Your Majesty, I have no idea, but my investigation suggests the rumors started among the palace maids," Lord Bryan replied. Gilbert commanded him to start from the bottom and find out who spread the rumors immediately. Bryan hurriedly left to investigate, and the officials and princes all spent a whole day in the same position—kneeling, with Gilbert on the throne.

"What's Lord Bryan investigating that he spent a day, knowing we're stuck on our knees?" Aeonius questioned Lord Marcus, who, sweating profusely, didn't bother to reply.

The throne room door opened, and Bryan entered with a maid, bringing relief to everyone. "Tell the Emperor who spread these rumors," Bryan instructed, and the trembling maid on her knees confessed, "It was Prince Ilythor."

Amazement rippled through the crowd, and Lord Aiden swiftly exclaimed, "Liars! How dare you lie in front of His Majesty!"

"Lady Betsy, can you confirm if she is telling the truth?" the Emperor inquired. Lady Betsy stepped forward and stated, "There's no need to confirm this, Your Majesty. I was summoned to Consort Beatrice's palace a month ago. She implored me to investigate whether a maid from the empress's chamber was speaking the truth about something."

"What truth?" Gilbert questioned. "The maid claimed she overheard that Your Majesty said the child would take an animal form, forbidden in Astoria. If what she said is true, then I believe Your Majesty needs to provide an explanation because she is undoubtedly telling the truth, based on what I witnessed," Lady Betsy explained. Without hesitation, Gilbert utilized his power, swiftly reaching the maid, driving his hand into her heart, and extracting it.

Surprised, Lady Betsy and Bryan promptly went on their knees. "Llythor," he called in anger, and a trembling Llythor emerged. Gilbert handed him the maid's heart, instructing him to eat it. No one dared question as Llythor reluctantly consumed it. Turning to Lord Aiden, Gilbert inquired, "Please tell me the name of the child the Empress is carrying."

"His name is Karl, Your Majesty. You bestowed the name upon him when you learned he's a son," Lord Aiden promptly responded. He then turned to Aeonius, asking about the name in the sacred water.

"It is Karl, Your Majesty," Aeonius confirmed.

"Speak louder so all can hear well," Gilbert ordered. Aeonius loudly declared, "The name of the next emperor in the sacred water is Karl, the same as the one the Empress is carrying."

Gilbert addressed everyone, asking, "Is it possible for a demon son's name to appear in the sacred water?"

"No, Your Majesty, we are very sorry," they all apologized in unison three times. "I hereby order Consort Beatrice's eyes to be removed, and her ears sealed. Anyone spreading rumors about the mother of Astoria will face dire consequences and of I hear anything about today's matter, you will be facing my wrath," Gilbert declared as he headed out of the throne room.

As the day progressed, Bryan proceeded to Consort Beatrice's chamber to execute the given order. Beatrice's eyes were removed, a hot iron rod placed in her ear, and her two sons were forced to witness the punishment. Tearful, Llythor blamed himself for their mother's ordeal. Luther, addressing Llythor, sternly remarked, "Remember today and what our mother went through because of your mistakes."

"I'm sorry; I was just trying to help," Llythor pleaded. "No one blames you for helping, but you must ensure no traces are left next time," Luther advised.

Concerned about the naming of the Empress's child as the heir, Llythor asked, "What are we going to do now?" Luther closed his eyes, took a deep breath, but Bryan ordered him to keep his eyes open, ensuring he witnessed the entire procedure.