Chapter 5
Imperial city palace
Imperial City
8th Hearthfire 4E-02
8th September 1994
Hadrian was walking through the palace. It had been a few weeks since the World Cup attack, and the Outrelms now had a fresh reminder of why they should fear them. The site of death Eaters being butchered by Legion troops was a good one.
However, now he was back in his capital heading to his chambers when he came across a portrait he had posed for a few months ago; he was dressed in full armour minus his helm which he held in his right arm while his left rested on the pommel of his blade there was just one problem with it, there was only him in the picture.
He was the last of the Septim bloodline. If he fell, the gates of oblivion could reopen. Despite his powers, he knew he was not unbeatable. He needed an heir, which means he needed an empress, but who? Turning around, he went to the throne room, where his council should still be.
Making his way past his subjects, he took his place on the dragon throne overlooking his people.
"My Councillors, the time has come for me to do the most important duty I must do as emperor. I must produce an heir, let the word be known across the empire that I am seeking a bride only citizens of the empire may be eligible I will not marry an Outremer".
It didn't take long for the word to spread within a few days the Entire Empire had heard the news the Daughters or sisters of everyone from kings to well of farmers were being taken to the imperial city hoping they would catch the emperor's eye one such girl was none other than Princess Elisif Of Skyrim, Hadrian's best friend who fought alongside him during the oblivion Crises, there was also the whole having a massive crush on him.
At Hogwarts that morning, however, the word had spread to the Daily Prophet; it shocked the school.
Imperial Emperor Seeking Bride
By B. Cuffe
Word has come from the imperial capital that his imperial majesty Hadrian Tiber Septim is seeking to marry to secure his bloodline now before you ladies try to get to the empire to see if he will pick you his majesty has declared that only Imperial citizens are eligible. Who will steal the young monarch's heart and who will be the future Empress consort who knows?
Albus found this highly unusual, Hadrian was young not even 20 years and yet he was still planning on marriage and most likely heirs, it was all very strange but he had decided since reading the news about the legions victory over the Death eaters not to get involved in imperial politics again he had a tournament to prepare for he just prayed it all went smoothly.
It was heartbreaking for many Outrelm girls as their dreams of marrying the emperor were crushed from all across Britain letters were sent to the imperial embassy addressed to the emperor begging him to reconsider his options no one Received a response.
Meanwhile at the gates to the imperial city the high King of Skyrim had arrived with his daughter the Princess Elisif it had been some time since she had seen Hadrian, he had been busy ruling the Empire, she had been busy aiding her father in ruling Skyrim
They were the best of friends and while they had not had the time to meet in person, they kept in contact by letters but even they had become less frequent over the past 2 years, not that she blamed him for this.
Could she see herself marrying him, yes she could but she knew it would take a lot of work for them to both truly love each other that is of course that he picked her as his bride she knew nobles from across the empire wanted to marry into the imperial Line.
While she followed her father to their property in the capital, Hadrian regretted this idea. Within weeks of his announcement, the capital had been overrun by families with half a name or a little coin to the highest of the nobility attempting to marry their daughters, sisters aunts by the nine even mothers.
This, of course, amused his bodyguards. Jena looked at him with the biggest smile on her face as he was once again interrupted by the arrival of another noble family from Highrock, showing off their aunt, who was at least 60 years old, as their bride.
By the gods, why me? What did I do to deserve this? None of these people were fit for the Imperial Throne. Turning towards my still-grinning guard captain, I said, "Jena, I shall retire to my quarters; I don't want to be disturbed."
Leaving the throne room without my guards, I made my way up the white gold Tower towards my chambers, knowing I would have to pick one of them. The future of the empire depended on it. His grandfather married someone he did not truly love, and if he was forced to do the same for the security of the Empire, then so be it.
He did hope that Elisif would turn up. He hadn't told her, but he did have feelings for her, and then again, maybe she didn't.
Reaching his quarters, he saw another bane of his life: paperwork bills that needed his approval, promotions for legionaries posted across the empire, and letters of thanks from ministries in the Outrelms. Well, that was a new one. It seems the actions of his forces affected the magical world.
That made his day better, as nothing was better than the proud ministries kissing up to their betters. Turning away from his desk, he made his way across the room towards his bed. He needed a good rest if he was to prepare for tomorrow, as Ocato had prepared a ball for the visiting dignitaries and also so he could get to know the potential Brides better.
Riddle Manor
The small form of the Dark Lord was angry. His planned Raid against the World Cup ended in disaster. The majority of his forces were killed by the Imperial Security forces, not even a full legion of them.
This was not what he had planned; his raid was to bring fear to the magical world, but once again, the pot, no Septim boy, had easily Defeated his forces, no matter it was time to begin the next stage of his plan and not even the military Might of the legions could save the emperor from them.
The Imperial Palace
The next day
"By the Nine, kill me now," Hadrian said quietly, much to the High Chancellor's amusement. Hadrian had spent the last two hours speaking and dancing with various nobles and others who were trying to become his wife.
"Sire, I know this is a long process, but ensuring a proper match for you is necessary." Altmer tried to assure the Young Monarch; he knew it was a fool's hope. If there was one thing Ocato knew about Hadrian, it was that the young man didn't like being in situations like this, even if it was for the good of the Empire.
"presenting his majesty, High King Tolgan of the province of Skyrim, and his daughter Princess Elisif". The heralds called to the room, getting Hadrian's attention as he looked up from his drink and down at the crowds in the throne room.
The two Nords walked towards the steps to the Ruby Throne, kneeling before him. "Your Majesty, I come before you today to offer a betrothal between yourself and my daughter." The court grew silent as the Emperor stood from his throne and walked down the steps to the Nord Royals.
"Elisif, are you sure you want this? Hadrian asked her as he motioned for them both to rise; seeing Elisif smile at him, she nodded. "Hadrian, I have cared for you since we were small, but those years in Skyrim and here in Cyrodiil showed me how much I truly loved you; I never said anything, as I didn't know if you felt the same."
Hadrian smiled, taking her hand, pulling her close, and gently kissing her lips. "I do love you, Elisif. I want to be with you. Will you be my Empress?" Getting a big smile in return, she hugged him tightly, claiming his lips again In a deep kiss before the entire court.
A smiling High King rubbed a wedding band that belonged to his wife in his hand, wondering if she was watching from Sovngarde?... She was.
"High Chancellor, send word across the Empire that I have asked Princess Elisif to be my wife and Empress, and she has agreed".
Word spread quickly across the Empire that the Emperor would be married on the 20th of Frostfall in the Temple of the One.
According to the nobility and his council, the Royal Wedding was a great success. Feasts and games were held across the Imperial Province, and the capital saw the largest celebrations. Additional troops from the local Forts were sent to keep order with the large number of people arriving in the city.
The Elder Council was more than happy to spend a literal fortune on this wedding as it improved the morale of the people and aided the economy 10 million Septims were spent on this wedding, something Hadrian didn't know until a few days later.
(Authors Note)
Hey people, I hope you like the new chapter. Until next time, Blessing of the Nine be upon you.
Revan Shan 2077