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The halls of the palace seemed to echo with stillness. Seth stared down one hall. A week had passed since the funeral and she still found herself looking down the passage towards her brother's office, expecting him to come out for dinner and apologize for being late as always.
She shook her head. He wasn't here. He was deep in Vatican territory. There was no point in thinking he would appear. It would take years, perhaps even centuries before she would ever see her big brother again. But, unlike her precious little nephews who believed him to be dead. It was better than telling them the truth their dad had abandoned them. He had done so for peace, but they were too young to understand this.
The soft sound of boots echoing down empty halls sounded. Seth turned to see Solomon striding towards her. Her heart ached. For the plan to work, for there to be peace, deep down she knew she couldn't stay with him. Pain filled her. Her eyes locked onto his handsome features.
Solomon had been nothing accept supportive and she had to break both their hearts for peace. It wasn't fair. If she could, she would stay with him forever. Yet, this was impossible. She was near immortal as a crusnik. He would only live for another hundred-seventy-eight years if he was lucky. Wouldn't it be better to let him live with another of his kind?
"Solomon," Seth started with a deep breath.
Solomon stopped before her. "There is much to do, Seth." His features were even. Yet, his eyes betrayed a little of his feelings, he had seen her pain when she looked at him. A part of her wondered if he knew they had to split for peace. "The others are waiting."
Seth nodded. She fell into step beside him. If only she could stay with him forever. Yet, such matters were only a dream now. She couldn't deny him the chance at having a family though.
The two of them entered the main dining hall. The table had been repaired since Barack had broken it the day Seth had returned. Now, Barack was seated at the same place. His eyes were still hollow with pain. His shoulders slumped and demeaner almost shattered. He had lost his leader, the person he had been protecting for over a century. His stance was really not surprising because of this.
Seth joined them at the table. Solomon at her side. Alexander was seated across from Barack as always. Athy had settled herself across from Solomon. Azul was there as well. Seth had wanted him here as Abel's oldest son. This concerned him just as much as it did the others. If not more so. The last one there was Valdemar.
Seth took a deep breath. "There is only one way to finish ending the war peacefully," she started.
Barack's eyes deadened. "You mean lose our royal line," he whispered, voice pained.
"In a manner of speaking," Solomon started. "However, I came up with a plan to keep a Nightlord as our ruler."
Seth blinked. She had been planning on stepping down and naming one of them next ruler of the empire. The people would follow Solomon, Barack, or Athy without question. Even Azul if he took back his original surname.
"You mean to keep Seth as our ruler?" Alexander leaned back in his seat. He let out a small breath. "I would rather have her than someone else in charge. Still," he trailed off, blue eyes pained.
"To think of another than Abel as our leader, feels wrong," Barack finished in a dull voice. He gritted his teeth, hand balling into a fist.
"Whoa, don't break the table again. We have enough to worry about!" Alexander leaned a little back from Barack.
"I'm not going to," Barack snapped with a little of his old spirit surfacing.
"So, what's the plan, Solomon?" Alexander turned his gaze back to Solomon.
"Seth only needs to assume another identity," Solomon stated.
Thud – Alexander's hand slammed into the table. He gaped at Solomon. "Just like that? Solomon, are you insane?!"
Azul looked between Solomon and Alexander. Her nephew was frowning. "But, Uncle Solomon, wouldn't that also mean you and Aunt Seth can't stay together?"
Solomon bowed his head. "It does," pain leaked into his voice. It was the most emotion Seth had seen him display before the others.
"Then, why?" Alexander breathed. "We could have another—"
Solomon lifted his hand to stop Alexander from continuing. "Seth, even under another name and with our full support will have a far easier time leading our people into peace, a long-term peace, than any of us ever could. None of us know how long crusniks live for," he started.
It was a lie. He did know because she had told him. He knew she was near immortal. Seth's heart ached. She knew what he was doing. She could ensure a forced peace with the Vatican and Albion long after he and the others passed. He knew this as surely as she did.
"If any of us took power, even with a Nightlord's backing, the people would only see it as the royal line being broken." His gaze moved to Azul. "And Azul would have to change his surname for peace to come. The Vatican will never accept a Nightlord on the throne."
Azul closed his eyes. "I will have to change my name as it is, though," he whispered. "Wouldn't they attack simply because I'm the emperor's son?"
"Perhaps." Solomon placed his hand over the younger man's. "But that is tomorrow's issue." He turned his gaze on the others. "Keeping Seth on the throne under an assumed name is the surest means to peace both within the empire proper and with the terran nations."
Athy nodded. "It does make sense. But, Uncle Abel could inspire loyalty on his own. Wouldn't we need nobles to back Seth where we just had an entire nation backing Uncle Abel with little question?"
Seth felt herself smile a little. It was pained smile for her heart felt as if it were shattering. "You're right, Athy," Seth stated. She looked at the six before her. "I can think of no better six than you six to become the first nobility within the empire."
Barack raised his eyebrows at this.
"The first step is getting you placed on the throne," Solomon pointed out.
"Won't it take far more than five of us to pull the empire behind you?" Alexander asked.
"Yeah, but you were all my brother's closest friends. The people already trust and respect all of you. Plus, Azul was his son."
Azul bowed his head. "What about Aran?" he whispered the question.
Seth took a deep breath. She hadn't forgotten him. He was just too young to be in this meeting.
Alexander placed his hand on Azul's shoulder. "Aran isn't forgotten, he's just a little young to be here," the pilot explained.
Azul gave the slightest nods of his head. The small frown on his face told Seth he wasn't happy with this answer but would keep his tongue.
Valdemar had sat in silence, his dark eyes flashing. "Abel shouldn't just be replaced like this," his voice shook with rage and pain, eyes narrowed.
"Valdemar," Solomon started, looking at the eldest of Abel's wards, "it is the surest means to peace."
"Means to peace," Valdemar's lips curled as he spoke the words in a mocking tone. "To hell with peace. The terrans are as much at fault for Emperor Nightlord's as the traitor is! Abel would never support such cowardice!"
"Peace is what Abel died for," Alexander pointed out to the younger man.
"Going with his final wishes isn't cowardice, Valdemar, it's a final way to honor him." Barack also looked at the young man. There was a note of determination to his voice.
Valdemar scowled. "Tch. It's not honoring him. It's throwing everything the emperor strove for back in his face. I refuse to spit on his corpse!"
"It's not spitting on my father's memory," Azul argued. "Father died for peace. His final actions were taken for peace."
"Yet, everything else he has ever done was to protect the empire! To protect the future of all of us! This isn't doing so. It's running and hiding. We should openly keep a Nightlord on the throne, not cower because it's easier." Valdemar slammed his hands down on the table. The shook from the impact but didn't break. He had yet to awaken.
"This plan is far from easy." Solomon locked gazes with Valdemar. "It will take far more effort and work on our parts to keep peace within and without the empire, Valdemar."
"It's still cowardice," hissed Valdemar. "Abel would never—"
"Abel's not here." Despite Solomon's calm, matter-a-fact tone, it was enough to make Seth bow her head and Valdemar to wince.
Valdemar stood. The motion slow. "I refuse to be a part of plans which go against Abel's and my parent's memories." He left the room, not even looking back as he did so.
Azul shifted. "I should talk with him. He's just upset over father's death."
"Go." Solomon nodded.
"We can continue this later. I need to time to think up a good name and new identity as it is," Seth drew the meeting to a close.
Azul raced from the room. "Valdemar, wait!" His voiced echoed down the halls.
None of the others moved.
Moments trickled by in utter silence, then Alexander turned to Seth. "We don't have a lot of time, Seth," the pilot started. "The new ruler needs to be picked and we can't afford to delay any longer."
Seth took a deep breath. She hated to admit it, but Alexander was right. They needed to act while the empire was still in mourning for Abel. She bit her lip, thinking on all the names and combinations she could.
"We need to hide your face from the people as well," Barack pointed out. "Otherwise you'll be recognized as Seth Nightlord and this will never work."
"I'm not wearing a mask," Seth protested. The idea wasn't every appealing.
"I have another idea, but it will take until tomorrow to have it finished," Solomon stated. He stood. "I should see to it." He turned to one of the few servants in the room. "Alain," he named the servant, "if you would be so kind to aid me."
"Of course." A man stepped forward. Seth remembered when he had first started working for them almost twenty years ago now, working for them since he had been in his late teens. His hair was sprinkled with gray instead of just the normal brown Seth had grown so used to seeing. Right then there was a degree of sorrow and pain reflected in his eyes from Abel's death. Abel had been well liked among the servants as well.
Seth watched them leave. She could just hear Solomon instructing Alain to find a few other trusted servants to aid them. They only had the night to prepare.
"Is it just me or does he have a set schedule in his head?" Alexander asked as he tapped his temple.
"It's not just you," Barack stated. He shook his head. "We should help with figure out a new identity then since Solomon has an idea for just about everything else."
"Or just leave everything to Solomon. He seems to be the mastermind behind getting everything going."
Barack scowled at the pilot.
Seth only half listened to the two. What would she want people to call her? She had devolped a love for history alongside her brother Abel. Perhaps something which held a meaning to the past. Seth nodded to herself. She had the prefect name.
"I rather like Augusta," she voiced.
Barack blinked and looked at her with a slight frowned.
Alexander laughed. "Um, where did that name come from?"
"The first emperor of roman was Augustus," Seth explained. "If we're going to try and move forward with peace, even if this part of the past was forgotten, then Augusta would be prefect as a first name, don't you think?"
Barack nodded. "It does make sense."
"Yeah, but it's unlikely anyone outside of the empire will understand the reference." Alexander shrugged. "What about a surname?"
"Vladika," Seth stated without pause. "For the hope peace does come to our two nations." Though, the term had been a title in and not a name it still felt right.
"Augusta Vladika," Alexander mused and he titled back his seat. "The name does have an appeal. It almost rolls off the tongue."
Barack bowed his head. "It does. We should start to get a speech ready and inform and broadcast it to the rest of the empire. It will take a couple of days to get it all set up."
"And talking with Solomon," Alexander added. "Still have no idea the schedule he has set in his head. I'm going to ask!" Alexander stood and moved off. It left Seth along with Barack.
"Barack," Seth started after a moment.
"Hmm?" The tall man looked at Seth.
"Would you mind continuing to head the palace guard?" Seth asked.
Barack's eyes dulled. "I couldn't protect Abel. I don't know if I can keep you safe, Seth."
"I know you can. I can think of no other I would rather at the head of the yeniçeri."
"Thank you, Seth." He gave a sad smile. "Empress Augusta Vladika."
"To friends and in private, it's just Seth. You'll always be a friend, Barack."
Barack gave her a small smile.
The next few days passed in a blur of activity. The servants prepared new clothing for Seth, more befitting her new position in the empire. Seth soon learned why Solomon had wanted to aid them when she was shown the beautiful dress and hat she was to wear the next day.
"A veil?" She lifted the thin veil. The fabric was thicker than she was used to. If she put it on it would fall to her ankles as well.
"It won't just hide your face," Solomon started, "but help to modify your voice. I lined it with tech which will make you sound a little older." There was a note of pain his voice she knew she was the only one who could hear through the normal even tones.
"Thank you, Solomon." Seth smiled at her husband before turning to Alain. "And you, for all your hard work, Alain."
"It has been an honor, Majesty." Alain bowed low. "Shall I call your servants to help you get ready?" He straightened.
"If you would be so kind as to give us a moment, Alain." Seth gave the servant a warm smile. There was something more on Solomon's mind, Seth could just see this in the way he wasn't meeting her eyes.
"Very well." Alain bowed from the room.
"All right," – Seth felt her smile fade as she turned to her husband – "what is it?"
Solomon held out a document. "I know you've been thinking about this as well."
She felt her eyes widen. Her heart lurched as she looked at the document. It was divorce papers. She closed her eyes. "Now?" the word came as a soft whisper.
"Seth, I will always love you," Solomon's voice cracked with pain. "But, for this to work, you know as well as I do, we can't stay together."
A part of her, a large part of her, didn't want to listen. Yet, she had been thinking this a few days ago. It would be better for him to remarry, to have children and a wife who would live as long as he would.
"It will be better for the people and for us if we do this before your speech."
Seth nodded and took a deep breath. She took the papers and a pen. She signed it. "Just, to sell the fact something happened to me," Seth started, "wait a few months then remarry."
Solomon looked away from her.
"Solomon, you can have a family."
His lip twitched. "I had the family I loved." He bowed to her and gathered the papers. "I will see at the ceremony, Empress Vladika." He left her before she could voice for him to never call her that.
"Goodbye," she whispered.
The door into her rooms opened. Seth turned, hoping it was Solomon, but it was only the servants.
"Are you ready, your majesty?" the young woman asked.
"I am." She never would be. Seth gave the servants a warm smile to hide her shattering heart. Now, she would have to truly be alone.
x – Solomon – x
It was done.
Solomon stopped into the hall and took a deep breath. He wished it would shudder with the pain resounding through his heart to every limp of his body. The pain wasn't from just having divorced the one love of his life, but from her words. He had the family always wanted. The one woman he could love: who loved technology and so much more. Who he could understand and who could understand him.
Now, it was over. He had lost a brother and his wife. A father figure he felt closer to than his actual father in Thomas.
It wasn't over in the same instance.
Solomon drew in a slow breath.
No, he would be able to work and figure out a way to help Abel and Seth for all eternity. Perhaps it would be easier now.
He closed his eyes. That wasn't a bright point.
"Are you all right, Lord Solomon?"
Solomon opened his eyes to see Alain looking at him with concern. "I am fine, thank you, Alain." Solomon nodded to the younger man and moved off. He needed to finish getting ready as well. Today wasn't over yet. Once alone, he could dwell on what he had just lost and the only bright point it would bring: peace.
Solomon dressed in his formal uniform before he left the palace to check on the preparations. Everything was moving at a good pace. The people were already gathering in the open area they had held Abel's coronation in. A stage had been built in the last few days which lead straight into the palace. It would make it easier for the people to see Seth and for the five, now that Valdemar had walked out on the idea, to display their loyalty to the empress.
If the five of them, including Abel's son, did so, then the rest of the people would accept her as their ruler. The rest was up to Seth. She would have to get the people's love and trust. It wouldn't be easy. If anyone could do it, it was Seth.
Solomon soon moved to the stage and took his position opposite where Barack now stood. The head of the yeniçeri stood straighter than a board. His eyes flicking over the growing crowd and features pale. He clasped and unclasped his hands.
"Stop it, you're making me nervous," Alexander hissed from where he stood close to Barack.
Barack gave a nervous laugh. "Can't help it," he choked out.
"Do you really think this is going to work?" Athina whispered to the question to Solomon.
"It must."
Aran just shifted on her other side. The boy's eyes were hollow.
Azul was missing from the group. Solomon had told him to escort Seth and to be the one to make the announcement of her name and rank within the empire. The people would take it better from Abel's oldest son.
A soft hum filled the space as more people arrived. Then a hush came as the light focused to the stage. It was the signal it was time.
Azul stepped out onto the stage, escorting Seth.
Breath caught in Solomon's lungs. She was stunning. The green and white dress fit her to perfection. The veil fell around her, making it impossible to see all but a small outlining of her face. She stood regal, hand resting on Azul's arm.
"I give you," Azul started, voice carrying into the imperial day, "her majesty and ruler of the empire, Empress Augusta Vladika." Azul stepped back from Seth and fell in beside Alexander. He bowed low, hand over his heart.
Aran copied his brother in a heartbeat. Solomon followed and knew the others from Abel's old inner circle were doing the same. Motion flowed through the assembly. The people bowed in a great wave though he could hear the muttering and questions filling the space. A few didn't bow at all.
"My people!" Seth spread her arms as if she was going to embrace all of them. Her voice sounded older, more mature, and a little distorted. "The past century have torn at our people. The empire tittered but never fell. Now, we've lost the most noble of leaders. Our first and only emperor, Abel Nightlord."
Seth bowed her head. "We are not broken." She lifted her hand and raised her hand to the people. The movement almost elegant. "We will stand for what our emperor died for and work to achieve a peace not just with other nations but within our home as well.
"We will rise from the ashes of our grief, together as an empire, and build a stronger empire. We will stand together as the New Human Empire, for we are the new humans of Earth, no longer just the returners or the people who joined with us. We are one under the flag of our empire!"
She spread her arms once more. "Come, walk with me into the future of the empire and never forget where we came from. My people, stand with me!"
Solomon bowed lower. "I stand with you," he stated a moment before the words were repeated by other five around their new empress.
The words were taken up a moment later by the people gathered. It was enough to know they would follow Seth. No, not Seth, but Augusta Vladika.
Solomon took a deep breath.
It was enough.
(Author's Note: It is so sad the Williams's line only has Valdy left. As a hint to his story, Past Hidden in a Frozen Gaze will be recycled into this book just without the time travel and several few edits.
Seth is sadly a rare point of view character in this story. Also researching Seth's given name was fun and rather amusing.
Alain was pulled in from the story Past of Lies where he made his first appearance in chapter 6. It's been a good few years so he's a lot older than there. He's going to appear, hopefully, on and off through the first part until he passes given he's terran and won't live too long compared to the others. He's going to be a little more important in Past of Lies given he's basically the head of the servants within the palace.
For those of you who like Solomon x Seth ship, the next chapter of Emperor's Mask will be a lot happier for the two of them!
Abel returns in the next chapter!
Also, I had to edit chapter 6 of Divergent Path. I was rereading it for the Dreams of a Generation and noticed Solomon says something completely out of character for it. All I did was change what he said given Abel never replies to him anyway. Sorry about that guys.)