Victorious

Within 8 days of the siege, the mighty walls of the Mourian Empire succumbed to the relentless assault of the Caspian forces and ultimately surrendered. Princess Anna and Emperor Velkan wasted no time in proclaiming their triumph, proudly asserting their conquest over the lands of the vanquished Mourian Empire. The once proud territories now bore the mark of the Caspian Empire, firmly establishing their dominance over the region.

The fall of the Mourian Empire marked a significant turning point in the history of the realm, as the Caspian Empire strengthened its grip and expanded its influence. The victory was celebrated throughout the empire, as the people hailed their leaders and the soldiers who had fought valiantly for their cause. The declaration of conquest reverberated far and wide, solidifying the Caspian Empire's position as a formidable force to be reckoned with in the land.

As the fate of the Mourian royals hung in the balance, the entire council of Emperor Velkan was gripped by tension. The weight of the decision was heavy on everyone's shoulders. The question lingered in the air: should the royals be executed or exiled?

In the midst of heated discussions, Princess Anna, a voice of compassion and empathy, spoke up. She ardently opposed the idea of executing the royals, advocating for a more merciful approach. She argued that sparing them and treating them with honor and respect would not only showcase the clan's mercy but also enhance their influence over the lands. Her conviction in the face of adversity earned her both admiration and scorn from the council members.

However, Princess Anna's plea for leniency was met with disapproval and criticism from the majority of the council. Their voices rose in opposition, each council member vying to make their stance heard. The tension in the room grew palpable as conflicting opinions clashed, threatening to fracture the council's unity. Despite the princess's sincere appeal, the council remained steadfast in their belief that executing the royals was the only way to assert their power and dominance.

As the debate raged on, the council found itself at an impasse, torn between the principles of mercy and the ruthless tradition of the realm. Each member grappled with their conscience, torn between tradition and compassion.

In the end, the fate of the Mourian royals hung in limbo, pending a unanimous decision from the council. The silence that followed was deafening, the weight of their decision pressing down on them like a heavy cloak. The unresolved tension in the council chamber reflected the deep divide within the kingdom itself, where tradition clashed with the winds of change, leaving the fate of the royals in the balance.

"Enough with this stupidity," Emperor Velkan declared firmly, his voice echoing through the royal chambers. Reflecting on the valiant efforts of the Mourian Empire, he acknowledged their formidable fighting spirit and unwavering commitment to launching counter attacks. With a sense of awe, he recognized the immense latent potential residing within the heart of the Mourian populace, vowing to safeguard every citizen from harm.

Turning his attention to the fallen Mourian royal family, particularly the late emperor, Velkan's perspective shifted. Despite the shadow of the fallen emperor's tyrannical past, the emperor could not deny the strategic brilliance and effective governance that characterized the deceased ruler's reign. Moved by a sense of respect and magnanimity, Velkan extended a gesture of peace and clemency towards the Mourian royal family, choosing to pardon them and ensure their well-being under his authority.

Therefore, Emperor Velkan decreed unequivocally that the Mourian royals, once subjected to animosity and retribution, were now to be treated with dignity and compassion. Any opposition to his decree of mercy and protection for the Mourian people and their rulers was forbidden, as Velkan sought to usher in an era of reconciliation and mutual understanding between his realm and the once formidable Mourian Empire.

Slowly but surely, the Mourian people began to accept the rule of Emperor Velkan and obeyed his commands. With his power solidified, Emperor Velkan turned his attention to securing his conquered land. He initiated the construction of strong, imposing walls to fortify the region, seeking to provide protection and stability for its inhabitants. It was a defining moment as the once fractured territories coalesced into the unified region of "Mouzia," a name chosen to honor the fallen Moura Empire and its heritage. The construction of these walls not only symbolized the strength and resolve of Emperor Velkan's reign but also represented a new era of order and safety for the people of Mouzia.

The towering walls, with their intricate design and formidable structure, served as a visible testament to the power and authority of Emperor Velkan. They encircled the land, marking the boundaries of the newly formed region and instilling a sense of security and protection among its people. Within those walls, a newfound sense of unity and purpose began to flourish, fostering a spirit of resilience and hope among the populace. The region of Mouzia became a beacon of Emperor Velkan's vision—a realm where the legacy of the Moura Empire lived on, and where its people could find refuge and strength in the face of adversity.

it was now time for princess anna and emperor velkan to return to the Asierra Palace to check if Prince Hades had recovered from his wounds. They immediately set out, hoping that he was now well. Each second that passed as they rode through their newly conquered vast land to go to their imperial capital felt like forever because of how much they missed Prince Hades. Despite the beautiful landscape, their thoughts were solely focused on the well-being of their beloved prince. The journey was filled with anticipation and worry, and they were eager to set foot in the palace to see him for themselves.

 It took them 3 days to arrive at the Asierra Palace. Upon their arrival, they sought out their head servant to inquire about the well-being of Prince Hades. The servant, with a look of concern, informed Princess Anna and Emperor Velkan that although the prince had physically recovered from his wounds, an unexpected change had occurred in his demeanor. He had grown increasingly aggressive and hot-headed, lashing out and smashing objects without provocation. The servant went on to explain that the prince seemed to be battling a deep sense of despondency, rendering him unable to communicate effectively. His frustration often led to impatience and outbursts when he struggled to convey his thoughts or emotions.

Princess Anna and Emperor Velkan hurried into Prince Hades' chambers, alarmed by the commotion echoing through the palace. To their horror, they found the room in utter disarray, as if a storm had torn through it, leaving destruction in its wake. Shards of broken ornaments and toppled furniture were scattered about, and a daunting mountain of empty alcohol bottles towered in one corner, the pungent odor of liquor permeating the air.

Their gaze then fell upon Prince Hades, sprawled on the disheveled bed, still clutching a half-empty bottle of alcohol. His form lay still, his troubled countenance evidence of his internal turmoil. The stench of alcohol clung to him, a grim testament to his struggles.

As Princess Anna beheld her brother's distressing state, her heart overflowed with a sorrowful empathy. Tears welled up in her eyes, her emotions tumultuous as she grappled with the sight before her. She found herself unable to avert her gaze, her heart aching with a profound sense of helplessness.

Emperor Velkan, perceiving Princess Anna's overwhelming distress, gently urged her to step back and take a moment to gather herself. He assured her that he would personally tend to Prince Hades, his voice exuding a sense of unwavering calm and resolve.

Despite her inner turmoil, Princess Anna reluctantly acquiesced to Emperor Velkan's counsel, her heart heavy with concern for her brother. As she departed from the chamber, a storm of emotions raged within her, leaving her grappling with the weight of worry and the hope for Prince Hades' recovery.

The happiness of the victory in the war suddenly disappeared after Princess Anna saw Prince Hades' condition. As she walked through the halls of the Asierra Palace, there was still guilt in her heart for not sending letters to her brother more frequently before the war and for not being able to take care of him. Princess Anna and Prince Hades didn't see or talk to each other for 2 weeks, with Princess Anna only spending her days inside her chambers, contemplating the recent events, while Prince Hades slowly stopped drinking alcohol as much again, trying to regain his strength.

One day, to Princess Anna's surprise, Prince Hades sent his servant to fetch her to have tea with him in the imperial garden of the Asierra Palace. The invitation caught her off guard, but she went along, feeling a mix of anxiety and relief at the thought of reuniting with her brother. After months of not seeing each other and no contact, Princess Anna found herself standing before Prince Hades in the imperial garden, where the fragrant scent of blooming flowers mingled with the distant sounds of the bustling city beyond the palace walls.

Princess anna: brother just tell me why you've suddenly changed? the servants said that you were still fine after you recovered then they said you suddenly changed?

Princess Anna: Brother, just tell me why you've suddenly changed? The servants said you were fine after you recovered, then they said you suddenly changed.

Prince Hades: It's nothing...

Princess Anna: Brother, please...

Prince Hades: I received a letter a few weeks back... from the Richelieu Empire.

Princess Anna: So? Did something happen to Tanasiri or did they need more help?

Prince Hades: It was an invitation, Anna.

Princess Anna: *Shocked* What? An invitation to what? I heard their campaign succeeded already.

Prince Hades: No, Anna. It was an invitation to a wedding... Tanasiri is getting married to another man.

Princess Anna: *Stands up in shock* What the fuck did you just say?! How can that happen? You two are already betrothed!

Prince Hades: I don't know. She hasn't even sent me a letter about it.

Princess Anna: This is absurd! Brother, we must go to the Richelieu Empire!

Prince Hades: No, Anna. We're staying here. I already sent a letter saying we can't attend, and Father has already agreed.

Princess Anna: But, brother!

Prince Hades: *Looks away as tears fall from his eyes* Enough. There's nothing we can do... it's just a political marriage, after all.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows that danced across the marble floors of the palace, the unsettling truth became impossible to ignore within the grand halls where the atmosphere crackled with tension. The once regal demeanor of the prince had seemingly evaporated, leaving in its wake a palpable aura of tumultuous emotions that hung heavy in the air like an impending storm. The root cause of this abrupt shift in his disposition was etched in the profound disillusionment that originated from a bitter revelation – the realization that his heart's chosen, his promised, his beloved betrothed, was destined to be united with another in matrimony. The news had spread like wildfire through the labyrinthine corridors of the Asierra Palace, a place where whispers carried far and wide, and in the wake of this shocking revelation, a deafening silence descended from the highest chambers where Emperor Velkan resided. In his silence, despite the fervent murmurs and the clamor of speculation that coursed through the palace, he chose not to address nor acknowledge the turmoil erupting within his son's heart. This deliberate omission of communication left a void, a gaping wound in the fabric of courtly life, a rift fraught with the weight of words unspoken, of disappointments left unexpressed. As the denizens of the palace, from the lowliest servant to the most esteemed courtier, grappled with the implications of this unforeseen turn of events, a miasma of confusion and melancholy settled over the typically opulent surroundings. The anticipation that once bloomed around the imminent union of the royal houses had withered, replaced by a nebulous uncertainty that clouded the future in shades of doubt and unease. Each conversation, each sidelong glance, each fleeting whisper reverberated off the gilded walls, echoing a dissonant symphony of unanswered questions that resounded throughout the palace. The once-proud edifices and resplendent décor now served as a bitter reminder of the hollowness that had seeped into the heart of the royal abode, a reflection of the void left by the absence of clarity and connection. The shadows cast by the mystery of Princess Tanasiri's unexpected betrothal deepened, stretching across every facet of courtly life and imbuing the once vibrant tapestry of Asierra Palace with a somber hue. The walls, once witness to joyous celebrations and whispered promises, now bore silent witness to a tale of shattered expectations and unspoken truths, a narrative that unfolded in the flickering torchlight and in the heavy silence that permeated the air.

after princess anna found out about princess tanasiri's sudden marriage she sent princess tanasiri a letter

"To my once trusted friend, Tanasiri,

It has come to my attention that you have entered into matrimony suddenly. The bond between us ran deep, as evidenced by the kindness my family and I continuously extended to you. We stood by your side, offering support to your empire during times of need, most notably during your rigorous campaigns. Throughout the years, our unwavering presence, particularly that of Hades, symbolized our loyalty towards you.

It pains me to acknowledge that you chose to unite with another individual. Tanasiri, you and I both know the profound connection that you shared with Hades. His patience, awaiting the perfect moment to propose to you, truly highlighted his commitment to your relationship. However, your decision to commit yourself to someone else raises doubts in my mind. Was Hades just a mere amusement for you while you indulged in fleeting romances within your own realm? The weight of this deception is insurmountable, Tanasiri, and I struggle to find forgiveness in my heart.

With a heavy heart, I must express that our bond has been irreparably shattered by this betrayal. The mere thought of encountering you fills me with a mixture of betrayal and disappointment. It's with a sense of finality that I declare my desire to sever ties with you.

Yours regretfully, Anastassia"

As the realization dawned upon Hades that there was no turning back, the once unbreakable bond of trust and love that he held for Tanasiri lay shattered, irreparably fractured in the wake of betrayal. With a heavy heart, Prince Hades acknowledged the need to relinquish the ghost of their shared past and step resolutely onto a new path forward, one untethered from the remnants of what once was. His resolve, though tinged with sorrow, burned bright with determination to carve a destiny anew, leaving behind the ruins of a love lost.

On the other side of this fractured reality, Princess Tanasiri found herself navigating uncharted waters, the waves of change crashing upon the shores of her heart. The warmth of Hades' love that once enveloped her now felt nothing but a distant memory, replaced by the bittersweet tendrils of longing for a new love that beckoned her towards an uncertain future. In the tender embrace of her newfound companion, she sought solace and comfort, a beacon of light in the darkness of their tangled emotions.

Thus, as the universe conspired to rewrite their intertwined fates, Prince Hades and Princess Tanasiri stood at the crossroads of destiny, their paths diverging yet forever linked by the echoes of a love that once bloomed and withered. Each step forward marked a testament to resilience and growth, a testament to the enduring spirit that thrived despite the scars of betrayal and heartache. And in this poignant dance of separation and renewal, they found the strength to embrace the unknown, embracing the promise of a future shaped by the fragments of their shattered past.

T.B.C