Love Or Crown

The blaze of the sun wrung pops of sweat from Emperor Morpheus brow, yet he cupped his hands around the bowl of hot liquid potion given to him by the kingdom physician; Sabrina. He could not shake the premonition. It clang to his back like chill wet leaves. His days were numbered. Age was no longer on his side and he will soon be giving up the throne of Estoria to the Silans.

The Kasanje and Silla Kingdom has always been at war for the throne of Estoria, using all sort of magic to achieve their aim. Lives were lost at the expense of this in both kingdoms. Hence a peace treaty was finally enacted and the submission of their magic to ensure peace between both kingdoms. To rule on the throne of Estoria, both kingdoms will take turns. He was the first Emperor after the treaty, and has ruled both kingdoms for fifty seven years.

As the painstaking ritual came to an end, Emperor Morpheus sighs deeply and looks up at Sabrina. "We're only delaying the inevitable. My time has come". He says with a gruff voice.

"I bet the Silans are rejoicing over your ailment". She replies between gritted teeth.

"They've waited so long to have the throne of Estoria to themselves". He tells, and coughs lightly.

"But you can never know what they will do once they ascend the throne". She says spitefully.

"They won't do anything that would bring war between the two kingdoms". He says reassuringly.

"How can you be so sure your highness, especially when they know the whereabouts of the sword". She cuts in.

He looks at her quickly. "The sword of Enchancia?"

Sabrina nods."The rumors are true your highness".

"Send for my son". He says quickly, and coughs in between.

King Markevius walks into his father's chambers, and greets him immediately. "You sent for me Father".

No answer.

"Is something wrong?" He asked with concern. His father has not replied to his greeting or said a word to him since he entered his chambers.

No answer.

"Father?" He calls out, raising his voice this time.

The Emperor still appeared not to hear, absorbed in his thoughts. What Sabrina had told him earlier, worried him. After a moment he looks up at his son, and sends a questioning look at him. Had he said something?

"My time is near". He finally murmurs.

At the door, his son stood and stared at his father with worry in his eyes. "My heart has a wish, Father: that you would not go". He says softly.

"I need you to make me a promise". The Emperor continues slowly.

"Anything you want Father". He replies and moves closer to meet his father.

"Don't let the Silans ascend the throne of Estoria". He says shortly.

"How do you mean father? It's their turn to ascend the throne". He asked, confused.

"They know where the sword is. You need to be a step ahead of them to protect the Kasanje kingdom".

"How am I supposed to go about this father?" He asked exasperated. This was more like an impossible task his father was asking of him.

"Do whatever it takes. Even if means getting your hands soaked in blood". He says coldly, looking his son deep in the eyes.

Barely a week later, Emperor Morpheus takes a bow.

King Markevius sits sad at his throne as he replays his last conversation with his father in his mind.

"King Mackintosh and his royal entourage are here to pay their respects". His wife interrupts his thoughts.

"More like to claim the throne of Estoria". He replies spitefully.

"Well, if that be the case, it's actually their right to claim". She says.

King Markevius looks at his wife sharply, anger clearly written on his face. "Not if I have something to do about it". He says and gets up from his seat abruptly.

"Do not start a war, it won't end well for both kingdoms". She pleads.

"I won't let go of the Estoria throne. I promised my father, and I will keep to it". He says with a smirk on his face. "Follow me, let's go welcome the Silans". He heads for the door and his wife follows behind him, with worry on her face.

"Our condolences on the emperor's demise". King Mackintosh Of the Silla Kingdom says once he had exchanged greetings with King Markevius.

"Thank you".

"We the Silans would like to contribute towards the preparation of his funeral". King Mackintosh offers.

"Talking about funeral already?" King Markevius replies with a scowl on his face.

"Only when he is buried can we have a new emperor". King Mackintosh continued.

"I can see you can't wait to be emperor?" King Markevius sends a devilish smirk at him.

"We can't leave the realm ungoverned for too long, the quicker the funeral preparations the better". King Mackintosh replies.

"Don't worry King Mackintosh, the burial will be done in a fortnight, and then you can start plans on your coronation".

"Not me. My son". King Mackintosh reveals, and taps his son who sat beside him lightly on the back.

King Markevius stares at him with shock.

"Prince Elian will be the next emperor". He confirms.

Prince Elian smiles subtly where he sat.

"As the Silans wish". King Markevius says after some time. "You have waited for years for this, we won't let you wait any longer".

King Mackintosh smiles and lifts up his goblet of wine towards King Markevius. "May peace continue to reign between both kingdoms".

King Markevius lifts his own goblet, "May the peace treaty continue to rule".

They cheer, and laugh out loud.