“As the emperor is now unconscious. I as one of the prime ministers will have to stay overnight at the palace. Son, I leave the household in your care. Prove yourself as the future Duke to me.” It was what Duke Alpheus had said the previous day before leaving for the imperial palace. 

Ijekiel was now left in charge of the household. Duke Alpheus, temporarily gave the title of ‘Duke’ to Ijekiel, for a week as he would act as a prime minister.

Obelia was in a state of panic as their emperor was unconscious.

He worried for the princesses and how they would be fairing.

The hate towards Princess Anthanasia seemed to increase and does who were displeased with the imperial family even spat venom at Princess Jennette.

Both princesses had never been given formal training on ruling the empire. They needed help. Things were very dire and they needed to act independently without help from any noble.

He personally wanted to see them be strong in this situation. Jennette, who had been like a little sister and Anthanasia who drew interest were close to his heart.

But the letter he received from the princesses as the one in charge of the Alpheus household was not something he expected.

If he were to help them, it could bring his father’s disapproval, but he made a choice.

One day his father wouldn’t be there and it was time for him to do what he thought was right.

He accepted their proposal and set out for the imperial palace for the congress meeting that would happen in a few hours.

The palace was busy in preparation for the congress meeting. Anthanasia finished the check and went back to the ruby palace where Jennette awaited her with some documents.

“He replied and agreed to it” Jennette said showing Anthanasia the letter from Ijekiel. “You’ll be the one standing in for the emperor. Can you seriously imagine me addressing a room full of nobles on Empire affairs?”

“If you want me to. I pray our plan works. Where’s Lily?” Anthanasia asked.

“She’s in the garden”

Anthanasia went to the garden of the ruby palace to find the Lily who was carrying a tray of letters.

At Anthanasia’s request, she set the tray down on the table where she usually enjoyed tea outside.

She plopped on the chair and gestured the reluctant Lily, to sit on the opposite chair.

“Lily, I’m very nervous. I don’t think I can do it” Anthanasia admitted lowly.

“Princess. I believe in you. Ever since you were little, I have watched you grow into the strong young woman you have become today. Though I’m not entirely aware of your plan, I think I know what you’re going to do.”

“But what if I can’t handle the weight of my decision?”

“You can, princess. And Princess Jennette is there by your side, and in whatever way I can, I will help you”

The little words from Lily gave Anthanasia confidence as she went back into the palace for Jennette and they were escorted my Felix to the throne room.

Anthanasia picked up the ‘thing’ that would turn the meeting hall into a catastrophic place and would ensure the stability of the Empire until the Emperor woke up.

“Presenting Princess Anthanasia de Alger Obelia and Princess Jennette de Alger Obelia!” The herald announced their presence and everyone stood up and took a bow. 

After the greetings, all the nobles stared at Princess Anthanasia in shock because of the ‘thing’ she held and wore.

The prime ministers were at the end of the table on the left hand side and heads of families at the right hand side.

Jennette climbed the stairs to the imperial seats and sat on the one meant for the princess. Felix walked beside Anthanasia as she strutted up the stairs, showcasing the ‘thing’ she wore, which was the cape worn by the Emperor during important occasions.

Instead of sitting on the seat meant for the princess, she comfortably sat on the majestic throne only sat on by the emperor and wore the ‘thing’ which was the crown of the emperor, on her head.

In her right hand she also held the staff of the emperor as she proudly crossed her legs staring down coldly at all the nobles.

The nobles burst into a rage at the act of what could be close to ‘treason’ as she silenced them with her authoritative voice.

“You all gather here each with the intention of being the one ‘given the power over government affairs as the emperor is unconscious’ and yet you protest when a princess, a member of the imperial family comes to take over till the Emperor wakes up. May you be reminded that Obelia does not take part in democracy, much less the empty words of greedy people like you” Her jeweled blue eyes seemed to glow and at the moment, she very much resembled the unconscious Emperor with anger and coldness boiling within her. “Until the Emperor waked up, I take over his duties as the Emperor Proxy”