Ink: Living Life as Serena Gleis

LIII: The Rise of the Emperor

"Zion Dumeire!" The name echoed through the hall, met with a wave of applause. Augustus reveled in the sight of Celine and Cyn's crestfallen expressions, their anger a satisfying undercurrent to the celebratory atmosphere. But amidst the applause, a desperate plea pierced the air. The Empress, her voice raw with emotion, rushed forward to shield her child, her words a frantic mantra of denial. "No, Zion. Please. Don't." With arms outstretched, she enveloped him protectively, a mother's love defiant against the tide of fate.

Aware of the perilous path ahead, Zion understood the risks of reclaiming his birthright. He knew his brother and Celine would not relinquish power without a struggle. Returning his mother's embrace, he offered a reassuring pat, silently conveying that her fears were unfounded. With a tender gesture, Zion gently freed himself from her grasp and turned towards the Duke of Clox. A silent command passed between them, and the knights compelled Cynfael and Celine to vacate the throne. To everyone's surprise, they complied without resistance, standing aside as Zion approached, ready to reclaim what was rightfully his.

With a reassuring nod from Duke Clox, Zion felt a surge of determination coursing through him. As one of the high-ranking knights approached, bearing the symbols of imperial authority, a hush fell over the assembly. It was not the customary coronation steeped in tradition, but rather a solemn affirmation of a new era. The resounding applause of nobles and dignitaries filled the air as Duke Clox bestowed upon Zion the emblem of his newfound sovereignty, placing the weight of the crown upon his head with a gesture both solemn and triumphant. Thus, amidst the acclaim of his peers and the silent promise of a hopeful future, Zion ascended to the throne, ready to embrace the challenges and responsibilities that awaited him. He made a silent promise to himself that he'll do anything in his newly bestowed power to make things right, a promise to himself and a promise to his beloved — Serena.

"At this juncture, we convene for the crowning ceremony, ushering in not only a new emperor but also a new empress," declared a high-ranking noble, his voice resolute despite the turmoil outside. Esmeralda rose from her seat, her gaze piercing as she directed her words at the speaker. "With a war raging beyond these walls, are you truly certain this is the appropriate moment?" she challenged, her tone carrying the weight of both concern and defiance.

"Having a crowning ceremony now will serve as a powerful message to Yeoris," Augustus retorted, his voice laced with conviction. “Their aggression toward Bluistain was a calculated move, exploiting our momentary vulnerability without a ruler," Augustus declared confidently, his words carrying a veiled warning. Despite being the mastermind behind Yeoris' attack on Bluistain, he spoke as if absolved of any responsibility, his cunning manipulation veiled beneath a facade of strategic foresight.

As the commander in chief of the knights of Bluistain, Esmeralda weighed the strategic implications of Augustus's words. She understood all too well the vulnerability that accompanied the absence of an Emperor, a weakness ruthlessly exploited by their adversaries. Yet, with the proclamation of a new Emperor, a beacon of strength and unity emerged, casting doubt upon the enemy's calculations. Bluistain, renowned as the most powerful empire, possessed a resilience born of centuries of valor and tradition. With renewed determination, Esmeralda saw the crowning ceremony not just as a symbolic gesture, but as a strategic maneuver to remind their foes of the indomitable spirit that lay within the heart of Bluistain.

"What do you think, Emperor?" Augustus' smirk was a challenge, his eyes fixed on Zion, awaiting his response. Zion maintained a composed facade, his mind racing with the weight of his decision. While acknowledging the potential insensitivity towards those affected by the ongoing war, he couldn't deny the strategic advantage of Augustus's proposal. "I concur," he declared, his voice ringing with authority. "Let the ceremony commence at dawn tomorrow. We shall ensure that the entirety of Bluistain, and indeed Yeoris, hears of it," he proclaimed, his resolve unwavering as he embraced the mantle of leadership.