Once the people had calmed down, I knew what needed to happen next.
I crossed the chamber and sat next to Sil. The smell of old papers and stale ambition filled the room.
“I know you don’t understand why I am leading the way I am,” my voice steady as I met his gaze.
He opened his mouth. I shook my head. He closed it.
“We have different values, you see. I can’t have you—”
I looked at each of them.
Rwin’s face turned red as he sank into his chair.
When my eyes fell on Gergi, his face was drained of all color. “—any of you, upholding values that don’t suit the Empire that we deserve to be.”
I stood, making it so they could all hear me.
“You are all banished from Celentra. You must leave for a new realm immediately or be arrested and sentenced to death for treason.” I walked to face the crowd as gasps rang out.
“Banishment? Have you lost your mind?” Sil yelled, outraged.
I turned to face him. “Give me a reason to keep you.”
“Well… I have served the royal family for two decades.”
I shook my head. “No, Sil, you plotted against the royal family for two decades. You can leave or face treason.”
Turning back to the crowd, I put on a warm smile.
“It seems we need a new system,” I told the crowd. I began to walk with my arms behind my back. What would Kathera want? What would build a future? A system built on hope.
“We need a new council. One who knows the people. If you would like to talk about being on the council, come see me tomorrow and tell me why.” The room filled with cheers, but slowly people began to file out. Leaving the room to just me.
Rose filled my senses. Kathera, are you there? I pressed.
Yes. Her voice in my mind made my heart beat so fast that it felt like it would leave my chest.
Lyrian, you are becoming the Emperor I knew you always were. Keep going.
I searched my mind for what to tell her. Kathera, we will be ready when you come home. I can’t wait to have you in my arms.
Through the bond, I could feel she was unsure how much longer it would be.
I have already waited a century; I will wait as long as my breath still comes. I told her through the bond.
My dear Lyrian, she hesitated.
I don’t want you to wait; I want you to lead.
Then I will lead. I released a breath and scanned the room in front of me. Much needed doing as my Empire crawled back to life.