Martia and the next Emperor had become friends during the time I was away. It was a surprise, and I was frightened by that, at first.

However, it couldn't have been bad.

I just didn't like that Martia could be involved with the Palace affairs and troubles, but she was smart. She would understand sooner or later.

In my first life, she had known first-hand how wicked the court could be, so she didn't need me to explain. With some luck, she would have understood this time too.

The easy way she called his majesty by name was unsettling, but she hadn't met him like an Emperor. Not even like a Prince. He was just an illegitimate son at that time.

Their friendship seemed to be helping both of them, so I didn't interfere. All I did was talk with Malholm and try to teach some sense to that little boy.

He listened to me with some kind of wonder, probably wondering why I was teaching him all of that. Martia followed our conversations too, but she knew the reason behind them.

She just crooked her mouth and observed us in silence.

When the Emperor finally summoned me, I prepared myself for the event. I was going to be sent to Polis, finally.

«You've done a good job, boy,» his majesty stated.

The throne room was dark, and a single counsellor was next to the throne. The illness must have kicked in, and judging from the environment, it wasn't different from the last time.

«It's time you take your place here in the capital. People need to hear about you, to start loving you...»

The polite smile on my face froze as panic took the place of my hope. That was the opposite of what I was hoping for.

Even the gloomy aide observed me on alert. I was too famous and too unpredictable to become the next Emperor. It was the reason they pressed on my engagement out of Ethiro for the first time.

I wasn't that worried about it since I already was on that little brat's side. There wasn't going to be a battle for the throne.

«What about Polis? I thought you needed my help, Imperial Uncle.»

«I'm tired of that city. My counsellors are preparing a treaty for that bitch. The costs have surpassed any profit we would have from the harbour.»

«That's correct, your majesty. We should use that money for something more profitable.»

In the end, my Queen was a good strategist. At fifteen, she managed to defeat an Empire!

«I've already summoned the youngest Grahm. I'll send him in a couple of years too. His father was the leading general, and he failed. They need to pay some price for it, am I right?»

What? Why?

«Also, he's close in age with that bitch, so they'll get along.»

«Your majesty, is it wise to send the hair of one of the most relevant families in the Empire?»

«Kyre is less relevant, then?» he snickered. «Stop teasing my patience, boy. You can have any other woman. Why fixing on that one? She's insubordinate, and she'll act like a winner once the treaty is signed. She'll dare to order you around and pretend that you revere her at all times.»

«What about my future wife?» I inquired, too impatient.

«You can choose just anyone. I can order a princess from abroad if you're into the royal type. Don't be this stubborn...»

«You're right, Imperial Uncle. I'm sorry,» I whispered. «I'll stay in the capital.»

After all, I just had to resist for a few more months. The Emperor was going to die soon, with some luck before sending the engagement. And even if it is sent, I would simply find a way to prevent that man from being available.

«What will my tasks be, from now on, Imperial Uncle?» I inquired.

With those words, I hinted to the counsellor next to his majesty that I was ready to take over the duties of a crown prince.

If everything still worked the same way it used to, I would be sent away once more.

I caught the glance from the aide, and I understood that the trigger was pulled. I just needed to be fast and precise in my next move. And it had to happen out of there.

«I'll tell you tomorrow. Also, I'll announce to the court that you're my official heir.»

«It's an honour, Imperial Uncle.»

«Mhm, yes, yes... Now, you can go. I have something to discuss with the next one.»

I bowed my head before leaving the throne room. At the door, I met Count Grahm with his son. At that moment, I realised that enemies could become allies.

«Good day, Count,» I greeted him. «We should have tea together when you have time,» I muttered.

Leaving the throne room, I could sense that stare on my back. I couldn't imagine what the thoughts behind it were, but I could try to guess.

The next Emperor was already waiting for me. The maids wondered why I would spend so much time with him, talking about ruling at that.

I also talked with Count Grahm a few times. We might have been considered friends, even if our conversations were mostly short and flat. He was worried about his son, and I selflessly empathised with his worries.

The second contact was with the Emperor's counsellor. He was a dark figure, and he was the one making decisions.

It was hard, but I managed to convince him that I was as crazy as the Emperor, but not that malleable. In the end, the exact day before I was going to become the crown prince officially, his majesty inexplicably died.

It happened a couple of months earlier, yet a day later would have been too late.

I stood in the throne room, along with all the rest of the nobles, as the new Emperor walked towards the throne. A couple of guards stood by my side, careful about my every move. I wouldn't have hurt that child regardless, but it was fun to see how they all feared me.

When Malholm arrived in front of the first step, he turned to me. He was going to lose his childhood and accept the responsibility of a whole Empire.

He turned to me and looked with all the surprise a kid could show. He asked me, with his eyes, why I wasn't there instead of him. I just smiled reassuringly, and he returned his walk towards the throne.

When he sat, the guards around me relaxed. They let me take a step forward but not too close to the new Emperor.

«Alexander of Kyre greets his majesty,» I said and knelt on the ground. It was a clear signal for everyone, but rebels would have looked for me regardless.

For the moment being, I had priorities. First of all, get out of there alive. Second, send Martia to Kyre.

Third, give enough reasons to those counsellors to send me to Polis instead of that Samuel.

It shouldn't have been too difficult, given that I was a threat and his majesty didn't want to kill me.

That time, Martia didn't play along.

«I want to stay,» she declared.

«Don't be childish. It's dangerous.»

«It will be dangerous for you too. Also, you have to take care of Kyre until it's time to go. I will stay here and keep company to Malholm.»

«You can't call his name anymore, Martia. He's the Emperor now; it's forbidden.»

«He's my cousin. And yours, too.»

«It doesn't change the law. Also, you might be on his good side now, but what makes you so certain that he won't change his idea? What if the aides decide that you're a threat and find a way to deal with you?»

«I'm not that stupid, Xander.»

«But the Palace...»

«I'm not alone, this time,» she whispered. «I have friends, allies, a stable social standing... I won't become gloomy and silent, I promise.»

She moved a lock of hair behind an ear and walked towards the garden.

«You better think of a way to reach your Queen. I heard that someone else is going to be promised to her. I can help you prevent it.»

«I have everything under control.»

«Do you?»

I sighed, realising that Martia indeed wasn't a child anymore.

«I have a plan.»

«I will help you,» she smiled, strolling back to me. «I will return to you the favour I owe you. I won't ever marry out of Ethiro. No one will dare to propose it to his majesty. Not for some time at least.»

«Don't be that sure about it, just keep in mind that...»

«Xander,» she stopped me. «I know his majesty better than anyone else. He's been alone for all his life. You should understand him, right? You've been the only one remembering a past that didn't happen.»

She chuckled when she noticed my expression, while I wondered when my little sister had time to grow up like this.

«I will make sure those geezers don't corrupt our young Emperor. And I'll watch out for the threats that want to cut Ethiro in pieces.»