CASSANDRA: The Unfavored Princess-Chapter 177: Prosperous
The people of the Elvira Empire were filled with sadness. The Emperor was dead but no one knew how he died.
Was it because the Emperor was too sad with the death of the Empress? Or was it because he had taken his life.
The people did not see the Emperor’s dead body. It was a private affair. The guards that were there when the Emperor died did not live to tell the tale. Only the Dukes were allowed to enter the funeral.
Prince Cedric stood in front of the ground that was dug where all the Emperor used to be buried. Although they did not have any body, the third Prince wanted to conduct a proper funeral. His father, the Emperor, deserved it.
Prince Cedric smiled as his hold on the piece of ring tightened. It was the only thing that had survived in the blast. All the Queen and Prince and Princesses stood at the back. Prince Cedric did not allow them to come near. Although the others wanted to fight it but with all the Dukes supporting the third Prince they could not do anything.
Whenever a Prince tried to take a step further, they were hit by a shield of air stopping them from entering but allowing them to see.
Prince Cedric looked forward as he moved his hand forward. His eyes were shaking as he looked at the piece in his hand.
Prince Cedric knew that his father wanted to be buried here. This was the place that had been long prepared, after all the Empire made sure that all of the Emperor’s thoughts were put into action.
Prince Cedric smiled. His father used to love the ring the most. It was passed down through the centuries. From the previous Emperor to the new Emperor.
If Prince Cedric was not wrong he would be the one getting it soon. After Princess Valeria, he was the more deserving one but after he had seen what the fifth Princess was capable of, Prince Cedric did not think he deserved it anymore.
The third Prince remembered he used to love the ring since young. There was a time in his distinct memory that came into his mind at this moment.
—----
[Past]
Prince Cedric ran towards his father. He was not more than 13 years old then. His eyes were filled with innocence when his father came into his training ground.
"Father .." Prince Cedric’s voice turned soft as he saw others looking at him. He had realized then what a grave mistake he had made. He corrected himself fast as he shouted, "Emperor." The third Prince smiled as he saw his father rub his head. He hated calling his father Emperor. He had often asked why he had to call him Emperor and not father, he was his father as well.
The other kids could call their father but he could not and neither did anyone in the royal palace.
The Emperor moved his hand and everyone moved back. Prince Cedric and the Emperor were alone. "Let’s walk."
Prince Cedric nodded as he walked with the Emperor. His mother had told him that he had to cherish the time he gets with his father. He should make his father remember him. He needed to be the next Emperor.
After walking for a distance, the Emperor looked back as he smiled. "You wanted to call me father?"
Prince Cedric paused. His face had turned pale but he controlled himself as he smiled. He did not reply. What if he gets scolded?
Prince Cedric saw his father smile as he looked down. "Can you see this?" The Emperor asked as Prince Cedric nodded. He knew it was the ring, something that the Emperor cherished a lot.
"It’s not just a ring. This gives me power, the power to make everyone bow before me. They are obliged to follow me because I am the Emperor."
Prince Cedric blinked as he said. "Does the ring make you the Emperor?"
"No son, but the Emperor gets the ring. So if you want that position you need to work harder and then I will give this to you. The whole people will bow to you and listen to your words." The Emperor smiled as he looked at the third Prince.
"But I don’t see them happy at time.." Prince Cedric said. He had seen how the servants had to suffer. How the soldiers were feeling. They thought the Prince was young and did not understand but he knew.
"You cannot make everyone happy in life." The Emperor said. "But if you want to change something then you need to have the power and maybe the change can make some people happy. And for that, you need to become the Emperor."
Prince Cedric nodded as he thought back at his father’s words. nIf he wanted to make some changes he needed to be powerful. It was after that the third Prince started working hard. He was doing more training. He even told his doctor to increase the poison dose to build endurance. He was taking all the steps he needed to in hope that his Empire will be better.
—----
"I will not call you Emperor anymore." Prince Cedric’s voice was low. It was almost as if he was whispering.
"Father, I have realized that power alone is not enough. Because there will be someone more powerful than you. But I have also realized that maybe at times people need to come together and work to achieve their goals." Prince Cedric continued. "Maybe I will not become the Emperor but I know how I want to see the Empire. I want to see it in light. Happy and prosperous."
Prince Cedric bent down as he threw the piece of the ring in the soil. "And I hope that you will help me achieve it. Help me to provide the people what they deserve and give them a stable Empire where they can live without any fear."
Prince Cedric smiled as he turned back. His father was long gone and now it was time to move forward. Away from the thoughts of the past and into the bright future.
