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- There’s something off about our Lady today.
- Don’t say that, she’ll be upset.
- I don’t mean it rudely, you know that. I’m just concerned.
- I get it. But still, it might be worse if she knows that we noticed.
- She didn’t eat this morning, and didn’t show up for the noon meal. Our chefs were worried they performed poorly yesterday, but the food was all as well-made as usual.
- Did she leave a message with the palace servants?
- Not that I know of. I haven’t heard her speak today at all.
- I… suppose you are right to be concerned.
- She’s never like this. Her spirits are always so high, so wonderful. What could be bothering her?
- We might be better off not knowing.
- Yes… you’re right.
The two palace guards spring back in position as the Empress makes her entrance to the main hall. A lady in golden and orange garments, jewels of different sizes, a white veil covering her also white hair, introducing a spark of elegance and power to the room. It never ceases to amaze the palace inhabitants, despite being exposed to the same scenery every day. A captivating shine, a bright source of authority and compassion alike. A beacon of hope and progress, taking in the form of an unusually exhausted woman, slowly making her way to the throne.
Nobody else wants to admit that she’s not her normal self.
Her frown allows the present public to guess what’s happening. She’s lost in deep thought, anxious about an answer she can’t seem to grasp, tapping her finger on the throne’s armrest. It’s not the first time she has faced a dilemma that requires strategic planning and careful consideration. But unlike those previous times where her wisdom led to the Empire’s success in overcoming problems, her hold on the situation appears to be a lot more volatile.
Her irradiating smile and uplifting voice are gone. Her wife, standing nervously by her side, rests her hand on the afflicted ruler’s shoulder. It cannot be known how much comfort it actually provides her. They had just wed a few cycles ago, after all. Back then, the Empress was truly happy. The soulmate that she had long lacked, was finally there, next to her, vowing to spend the rest of their lives together. It came as a surprise to the public, as the Empress’ spouse was none other than a mere farmer from Kitezh that she met on a visit to the colony. Nobody would have opposed the marriage, obviously. No one would have opposed the Empress’ happiness.
But now, she struggles to even form words. It’s not that she can’t speak well or has a sudden speech impairment, though. She’s afraid of saying what she must say.
It takes a long time to muster up the courage, courage that still isn’t enough to break her out of her emotionally weakened and anxious state. In a monotone voice, she can only begin with a few words.
- The stars spoke last night.
A new revelation. The latest in a sparse line of visions granted to her by the unknown forces of the cosmos. Used to great effect for the sake of the Eusan Empire, these revelations paved the ideal way to expand and ensure the prosperity of the ever growing conquest of space by humanity.
But they know. This time, it’s different.
- I have… been granted a warning. A tale of things to come.
That couldn’t be, everyone thinks. What could threaten the Empire? Now, that they have conquered and expanded across the length of the whole solar system? Are the stars truly turning against them?
- There are two threats approaching us. Tribulations that the Empire must face, without me.
Indistinguishable whispers turn into nervous chatter throughout the hall. This can’t happen, right? What does she mean by “without” her?
She swore once upon a time, back in the Vinetan palace, that she would remain in her seat atop the Empire until her death. That she would carry the weight of civilization on her shoulders, whether she charged into battle or led the way of space exploration. She swore it. She promised.
That’s when they notice, amidst all the uncertainty being voiced by the attendants. A single lonely tear, rolling down the Lady’s cheek. The embodiment of all of humanity’s strength and power has been broken, for she has never been known to cry before.
And yet, no person present in the hall feels betrayed or disgusted by the sight. Those who are not worried for the Empress’ wellbeing are paralyzed by the dread that the tear has implied.
She wishes she could comfort her citizens, she really does. She wants to stand up, hold her wife and tell everyone that it will be okay, that bad times will be overcome and that the Empire will prosper, that she will continue to serve the people as they serve her. And yet, she lacks the strength to do it, for the first time in many years.
It hurts her less to continue telling the truth.
- One enemy is internal, and the other is external. I have been shown airs of rebellion against the Empire we have constructed together, secretly forming in the ringed gas giant beyond the belt. This, the stars told me, is unavoidable.
The sole idea of a rebellion brewing in the Irem colonies stuns those present, leaving them unable to even whisper in fear about what has just been told to them. Some are frightened, some are starting to feel a sense of patriotic fury. It has been so long since the last war that humanity saw, that nobody in the room knows what the bloodshed is like anymore.
The Empress hears their feelings, and can’t help but regret that she can’t put an end to the rebellion herself. It would be quick, painless, and perhaps it could even be achieved with no casualties. Fate being already written on that front was the cruelest twist the universe had given her. All the liberty that the stars gave her to rise amidst humanity, to unite mankind, to rise to space, taken away with no power to change it.
A deep headache pierces her temple. Anyone else would have thought it was the song of the gods afflicting her, but it was arguably something worse. A stress headache. For the almighty Empress to be struck by a lowly human headache… she could take it as a sign to humble her, or another bad joke from the universe. Somehow, it feels like both are at play.
- I… I must apologize for the second revelation. It will certainly be harsh on our people, but… we’ve been given no other path.
It pains her. It pains her wife. They hold hands, trying to encourage the monarch to continue speaking.
- Something has been unearthed in our Leng colony. For the sake of our people, I will not divulge any details… But it poses a threat to everyone, not just to the Empire. To handle this situation, there is only one action I can take, as your ruler.
They know what must be done, but while she tries to take a decisive stance on her fate, she hides her regrets and fear.
- I will travel to the Leng colony, and do what I must do. What I wish I can trust my people on… is that I want you to keep the Empire together. I want you to trust and work with each other, no matter what. Even if I cannot conduct the song of the gods for the Empire anymore, I wish to believe that humanity still can and will try to maintain it afloat.
Pause.
Extended.
Silence.
She must say it.
But it hurts to think about.
- …For I will not return from that place.