A Crown for the Dammed
331 Words
The coronation was the grandest the empire had ever seen. Gold banners hung from the ceilings, pearls adorned every pillar, and the nobles applauded as though the empire itself had been reborn.
The emperor lifted the crown with steady hands, lowering it onto the consort’s head. She rose as the new empress, her smile sharp and victorious.
At last, she thought, I have won. Soon, my son will sit on this throne, and through him, I shall rule. He has never once gone against me, and he never will. I will be the most powerful woman this empire has ever known.
But beside her, the emperor’s eyes gleamed with cold calculation. Enjoy this moment, Empress, he thought as the nobles cheered. For it will not last. I will find a way to bring you down, to strip away that crown before you dare challenge me further. You believe you’ve won, but you have merely stepped into the game I control.
The hall thundered with celebration—but far from the glittering dais, in the quiet of her chamber, Alexis sat alone.
Alexis’ POV
She hugged her knees to her chest, the muffled sound of cheers reaching her through the palace walls. Everyone rejoiced as if the empire had gained a savior, but to Alexis, the celebration was nothing but salt in her wounds.
Her mother was gone. Her little brother—gone. No crown, no jewels, no lavish display could ever replace them.
She traced her fingers along the embroidered handkerchief her mother had once pressed into her hands. It was her only treasure now. Tears blurred her vision as she whispered into the silence,
“Mother… brother… I miss you. Why must the world celebrate while I mourn alone?”
She stared out the window at the faint glow of fireworks above the palace, her heart heavy with sorrow. To the empire, this night marked a new reign. To Alexis, it was only a reminder of everything she had lost.
- Writer
