>>5926690You can no longer feel anything below the gaping hole where your nose once was, as your face is gone. In its place sits a silver mask and below, a feeble, near-civilian respirator affixed to the remains of your upper jaw. Many would have a grudge for the mutilation. You don’t. The rebel responsible, an avowed fighter of the Tripartite Entente, formerly a knight of House De Croize, got the worse end of it- you crushed his windpipe and slammed his skull into the ship’s walls until there was little bone left to hold shape and your men dragged you off of the body.
Besides, your feelings on House De Croize have softened immeasurably in the decade since. Your wife, Jeanne, once a De Croize, has shown you that there’s so much more of value to life than ending it, and by fate, given you no less than six, strong sons. By every account, you have lived a full and eventful life. Even so, it has only just begun.
You focus on the royal ceremony. Your uniform is in immaculate condition, your mask has been affixed, and unlike the previous coronation, your father was able to attend in the audience. The final proclamation begins, as the speaker shouts to an audience of billions.
“THUS! Humanity shall endure ETERNAL in the memory of old Earth, under one EMPIRE!”
Resisting the urge to draw your sword in assent, you step forward and kneel to the imperial throne.
“With the AUTHORITY vested in these hands by ANCIENT WISDOM, this voice declares a NEW EMPEROR!”
You bow your head as he receives the crown, and clench your fist as he places its heavy weight on your brow.
“EMPEROR OTTO HEINRICH, THIRD OF HIS BLOOD!”
He roars with passion for the throne, such that few could match his zeal, and fewer still would try.
“ALL HAIL! HAIL to the Emperor! HAIL to the Heinrich line!”
The gathered aristocrats, some effete, some worthy of the name, echo his words.
“Arise, EMPEROR, and assume the THRONE!”
You stand and march the short distance. Even with your misgivings, you’re awed by the weight of its majesty. If you still had your jaw, it would be dropping. As is, you have no recourse but to go on. You turn and lower yourself onto the throne. The masses, now your responsibility, watch in silence. The speaker concludes the ceremony.
“The Emperor is dead! Long live the Emperor!”
In that moment, there is no turning back.
It is now your burden to safeguard and protect the lives of tens of billions.
