ARESIA: Fall of an empire

CHAPTER SIX: THE CORONATION

Following Emperor Dante's passing, Calliope ascended the throne, fulfilling her duty until fifteen years later, when it was time for Phílos to assume the title of emperor.

The fifteen-year reign of Queen Calliope saw stability and progress throughout the empire.

Prince Phílos, now 21 years old, waited patiently on the day of his coronation. Today marked the transition from prince to emperor, a moment he had anticipated for years.

The palace courtyard was adorned with colorful banners, and the air was thick with anticipation.

Phílos stood in his lavish chambers, dressed in his finest robes, as he gazed into the grand mirror before him. The reflection staring back was not just his own, but a silent reminder of his father.

Memories flooded back, filling his heart with a poignant mix of grief and determination.

He touched his face, tracing the contours that mirrored his father's features. The weight of responsibility loomed heavily on his young shoulders, and he knew the burden that came with ruling an empire.

With a deep, steadying breath, Phílos whispered softly, "Father..."

Phílos' gaze snapped to the door as a loud knock broke the silence in his chambers. The sound echoed, signaling the arrival of someone on the other side. Without missing a beat, Phíls called out, "Enter," his voice steady despite the nerves churning within him.

River, now grown into a stunning young woman, entered the room with her usual confident stride. She cast a playful glance in Phílos' direction. "What's taking you so long?" she asked, her voice laced with a hint of amusement.

Phílos, unable to suppress a small smile, responded with a playful shrug. "Oh, you know... just ensuring I look absolutely regal for this grand occasion."

River's playful banter took an unexpected turn as she moved closer to Phílos and planted a soft, lingering kiss on his lips. Her voice held a seductive undertone as she whispered, "You're regal enough for me."

Phílos chuckled softly, gently pulling away from River's intimate gesture. He glanced toward the open door, his expression tinged with both amusement and concern. "Someone could see us, you know. The door is open," he reminded her with a playful tone.

River flashed a sly smile, nibbling her lip in a seductive manner. She swiftly moved across the room, closing the door with a soft click, ensuring their privacy.

Returning to stand before Phílos, her eyes gleamed with a mix of mischief and desire.

As she sauntered back to Phílos, River's steps held an almost cat-like grace, her eyes gleaming with a blend of anticipation and playfulness.

"There," she murmured, her voice soft but dripping with temptation, "Now we have some privacy." Her gaze locked with Phílos, a silent invitation to indulge in their shared desire.

River and Phílos exchanged a deep, passionate kiss, their lips meeting in a heated embrace. Their tongues entwined, seeking and exploring each other's mouths. They were lost in their fervent connection, the world around them fading into obscurity as their passion consumed them.

The intensity of their passion ignited between them, their bodies pressed together in heated embrace. Phílos and River surrendered to their desires, losing themselves in the intoxicating rhythm of their bodies. Words were lost to them as their flesh sought connection, their movements a dance of longing and ecstasy.

Amidst their passionate encounter, Empress Iris' voice suddenly rang out from outside the door, jolting Phílos back to reality. "Phílos dear, the coronation is about to start," she called urgently, her tone tinged with concern.

Panic flashed across Phílos' face as he quickly hushed River with one hand, his eyes wide with fear of getting caught. He yelled back in a flustered voice, "Coming, mother!"

Laughing softly at the close call, Phílos quickly stood up and began dressing, his hands working swiftly as he hurriedly put on his ceremony clothes. He glanced at River with a mixture of amusement and affectionate exasperation.

"We should head for my coronation before my mother discovers we're not being 'proper,'" he said, quoting the word with a roll of his eyes. "Much as I'd rather continue where we left off."

River chuckled, her expression both amused and reluctantly agree to delay their intimate encounter to prioritize Phílos' coronation. With a lingering look that promised they'd pick up where they left off later, she moved to help him adjust his attire.

"Well, as much as it pains me to say, you do need to get your ceremony on," she teased, her tone tinged with mock reluctance. "Can't have you crowned without looking the part, after all."

Phílos stole a quick kiss from River before pulling away with a sly smile. "Put on your clothes and come to the ceremony," he murmured, his voice filled with affectionate command.

And just like that, he hurriedly left the chambers, leaving River behind to gather herself. Her mind swirling with the heated encounter and her heart already yearning for more of his touch.

Phílos, his heart racing with anticipation, made his way to the magnificent ceremony held in the palace courtyard. The air was thick with tension and expectation as the transition of power from Empress Calliope to Phílos began.

The gathered nobles, noblemen, and officials watched in awe and reverence as the grand tradition unfolded. Phílos, despite his nervousness, stood tall and regal, ready to meet his destiny and be crowned emperor.

As the sun glittered in the sky, casting a golden hue over the ceremony, the ceremony's ritualistic words echoed in their ears. Empress Calliope, standing before Phílos, her voice carrying with it the weight of the throne, spoke words that sealed Phílos' destiny.

"Prince Phílos," she spoke, her voice strong and clear, "Do you swear loyalty to the empire, its citizens, and the noble principles it stands for?"

Phílos, his gaze unwavering and his voice steady, responded without hesitation, "I swear, by the flame that burns within me and the legacy of those who came before, that I shall pledge my loyalty to the empire, its citizens, and uphold the noble principles it stands for, today and always."

The words rang out and hung in the still air. Each syllable was like an oath etched in stone, a sacred covenant between man and his destiny.

A beat of silence followed, and then Empress Calliope's regal gaze met Phílos'. She nodded in approval, her expression reflecting both pride and a touch of bittersweet farewell.

"May the gods bless and guide you in your reign that is to come," she said, her voice carrying the weight of wisdom and hope.

Empress Calliope, her hands steady despite the mixture of feelings within, reached up and carefully removed the intricate crown from her own head. With reverence, she held it aloft for a moment, the gold glinting in the sunlight.

Phílos, bowing deeply in a gesture of respect and humility, waited in anticipation as the crown was slowly lowered onto his head, the weight of its golden laurels a tangible symbol of the responsibility and power bestowed upon him.

The crowd, their voices rising in a triumphant cry, erupted into chants of "Long live Emperor Phílos!" The words filled the courtyard, echoing off the stone walls and rising into the sky, as if carrying hopes and dreams to the heavens themselves.

Phílos straightened, the weight of the crown heavy on his brow, his heart swelling with a mixture of pride and humility. He lifted his gaze to the cheering crowd before him, the words of the people's praise reverberating through him.

The empire, in that moment, had found its new ruler. Phílos was emperor.

River slipped quietly into the grand courtyard, taking her designated place among the royal family as they observed the sacred ceremony. Though not of royal blood, she was a familiar and beloved member of the imperial household, her presence accepted as part of the family's inner circle.

Her eyes glimmered with pride and a hint of affectionate adoration as she watched Phílos go through the ancient rituals, his transition from prince to emperor now complete.

Empress Dowager, her eyes holding a knowing twinkle, turned to River with a small smile.

"Where have you been, dear?" she inquired, her voice tinged with maternal concern. "You missed the crowning ceremony. What kept you?" she asked.

River, her cheeks flushed with guilt, gave a sheepish smile and replied, "I lost track of time," her voice tinged with a hint of bashfulness.

With the completion of Phílos' coronation, a subtle yet significant shift in titles took place. Empress Dowager, formerly known as the Grand Empress, became simply the Empress Dowager, and Iris, Phílos' mother, ascended to the esteemed role of Grand Empress. Meanwhile, Calliope, having served as regent until Phílos' coronation, retained her position as Regent Empress, a testament to her continued influence within the empire.

The titles, symbols of respect, reflected the changing dynamic within the royal hierarchy, and the new emperor's rule was now official.

With the coronation now at its conclusion, the mood transformed from solemnity to celebration. Laughter and joyous banter filled the air as people began to feast and converse, the tension easing into a festive atmosphere.

The courtyard buzzed with activity, as guests, nobles, and common folk alike mingled and enjoyed the offerings, their voices blending into a melodious hum of merriment. Children played nearby, their innocent laughter and energetic chase adding a touch of youthful cheer to the scene.

Phílos rose, tapping his goblet with a spoon to gather attention. The resounding clinking sound echoed through the air, effectively capturing everyone's gaze. His eyes scanned the assembled guests as silence settled over the crowd, anticipation lingering in the air. Phílos cleared his throat, preparing to speak.

"People of the empire," he began, his voice ringing out with confidence and authority.

Phílos' announcement was met with a mix of reactions from the crowd. A murmur rippled through the assembly as some people whispered, while others cheered enthusiastically.

"For my first act as emperor," Phílos declared, his voice confident and resolute, "I shall reopen the grand amphitheater, where gladiatorial games and sporting contests shall once again entertain the masses."

River pulled Phílos back down to his seat, her voice barely a whisper but filled with concern. "What are you doing?" she hissed, her eyes wide with incredulity.

Phílos, caught off guard by her abrupt action, looked at her with a hint of confusion and annoyance. "What do you mean 'what am I doing'?" he retorted, a bit defensively.

Empress Dowager spoke up, her voice tinged with concern and mild disapproval. She looked at Phílos with a slight frown, questioning his decision.

"Why would you reopen the amphitheatre?" she inquired. "It was sealed by your great-grandfather following the grievous accident that had occurred there."

Phílos, his brow furrowing at the unexpected challenge to his decision, looked back at his grandmother. "The past is in the past," he replied, his tone firm and resolute. "That incident, though tragic, shouldn't cast a shadow over the potential joy and excitement the games could bring."

Empress Iris, her voice tinged with concern and slight anger, chimed in. Her eyes narrowed at Phílos.

"You can't simply come and decide to reopen it," she said firmly. "Those games were sealed for a reason. Many lives were lost, and the memories of that tragedy still haunt this empire."

Calliope, her voice firm and commanding, chimed in, glaring fiercely at Phílos.

"Take back what you said," she ordered. "The pain of that disaster still lingers. It's not a matter of trivial games that you can just decide upon."

Phílos, his face set with determination, rose from his seat and declared, "I'm not taking it back." With defiance in his eyes, he turned on his heel and stormed out of the courtyard, leaving the stunned spectators behind.

His sudden departure stirred a wave of confusion and whispered whispers among the guests. River watched him go, her eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and disappointment in his impulsive decision, her movements quick and decisive, stood up and bowed respectfully to the royals before swiftly moving to follow Phílos.

Her heart beat with a mix of concern and frustration as she trailed after him, determined to confront him about his rash decision.

River found Phílos in the garden, his fingers gently caressing the delicate dandelion heads, their wispy parachutes catching the slightest breeze and drifting gently into the air. He stood there, his expression a mixture of contemplation and nostalgia.

River paused a few feet away, taking a moment to observe him in his introspective state before cautiously approaching.

River slowly approached Phílos from behind, slipping her arms around his waist in a comforting embrace. She leaned her cheek against his back, feeling the rise and fall of his breathing, and held him close.

"Phílos," she murmured softly, her voice gentle and concerned, "Why did you storm off like that?"

Phílos, his voice soft and tinged with nostalgia, ignored her question and reminisced instead. "Remember the first time we played together in this garden?" he said, his gaze fixated on the distant past.

River, still wrapped in his embrace, couldn't help but be swept up in the memories. "Of course I do," she replied, her voice carrying a hint of fondness and affection.

"I was so happy," River murmured, a reminiscent smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "I didn't want to go home."

The bittersweet memories hung in the air between them, a shared history of laughter, joy, and the simple carefree moments they had shared in this very garden as kids

River, her gaze meeting Phílos' face, held his cheeks, her touch gentle and imploring. "Tell me what's wrong, Phílos," she said, her voice tinged with concern and a hint of sternness. "I know when you're hiding something."

Phílos hesitated, the mask of determination fading as he looked into River's eyes. The weight of whatever burdened him clearly showing in his usually vibrant eyes. his voice steady but his eyes betraying a hint of defensiveness, denied her accusation. "I'm not hiding anything," he insisted, his tone firm and unshakeable.

River, her brow furrowing in a mixture of concern and disbelief, held his gaze, searching for the truth.

River, her voice firm and unwavering, met Phílos' gaze. "I've known you for fifteen years, Phílos," she said. "What's your main objective for re-opening the amphitheatre?"

Phílos held her gaze, his expression a mixture of determination and a hint of reluctance. His eyes remained steady, yet a silent struggle played within him, as if weighing the costs and benefits of revealing his true motives.

Phílos, his voice carrying a fierce determination, declared, "That's where I'll avenge my father's death."

River's eyes widened as she processed his words. She could see the fire of vengeance burning within him, the years of pent-up grief and a thirst for justice fueling his desire for retribution.

"How?" River asked, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and curiosity.

Phílos, his voice dripping with determination, revealed his plan. "I'll capture Kang," he declared, his eyes blazing, "and bring him here to Aresia. I'll feed him to the lions, and the entire empire shall bear witness to his end. It will be a spectacle of justice and retribution."

River, her eyes widened, stared at Phílos in disbelief. She knew he was serious, yet she couldn't help but worry about the dark path he seemed to be treading.

River, her voice tinged with nervous laughter, tried to lighten the mood, "You're joking right?"

Phílos, his expression stern and unwavering, didn't join in her mirth. He shook his head, his eyes fixed on her. "I'm not joking, River," he said, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "This is my plan."

River's smile faded, replaced with a mix of concern and trepidation. She took a step closer to Phílos, searching his face for any sign that he was only jesting.

River, her voice firm and insistent, countered, "You can't do this, Phílos."

Phílos, his expression set with determination, retorted, "Who says I can't?"

River, her words urgent, offered a different solution. "This way will bring more problems," she reasoned. "Why don't you challenge him to a duel? It would be more honorable, more traditional."

Phílos, his brow furrowing, responded, "A duel wouldn't be satisfying enough," his voice filled with a mix of frustration and stubbornness.

River looked at him with a worried expression. "Do you really want to get satisfaction from that?"

Phílos, his eyes blazing with a fierce intensity, retorted, "Satisfying?! Yes, I want the satisfaction of ensuring justice is served properly!"

River, her voice rising in response, shot back, "Do you want to get pleasure from this, Phílos? This path you're on is dark and twisted. Is that what you really want?"

Phílos, his jaw clenching, retorted, "What I want is to see the one responsible for my father's death meet a fitting end. No duel would suffice."

River, her voice pleading, countered, "There must be another way, one that doesn't involve this path of revenge. It will consume you, Phílos. Don't let it poison your soul."

River's face etched with concern and heartbreak, she let out a weary sigh. "I have to go, my love," she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness. "Please, think about this. I don't want to see you consumed by this darkness."

With that, she turned on her heel and made her way out of the garden, leaving Phílos alone with his conflicted heart and the choices that lay ahead.

As Phílos walked absentmindedly back towards the courtyard, he suddenly bumped into Cyrus. Startled, he stumbled a bit before regaining his balance.

Phílos's face lit up as he recognized Cyrus, and he embraced him in a tight hug. "Cyrus, I didn't know you've returned from your journey to the Danes," he said, his voice filled with genuine warmth.

Cyrus, returning the embrace, replied, "I returned as fast as I could for your coronation, my lord."

Phílos nodded, a hint of exhaustion in his eyes. "It's over," he confirmed.

Cyrus, his voice tinged with a sense of importance, requested, "Can I have a moment with you, my lord?"

Phílos, aware of the weight in Cyrus's words, gave him a nod. "Of course, Cyrus. What is it?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Cyrus, his tone cautious, brought up another topic. "Your grandmother informed me of your decision to reopen the amphitheatre," he said, his words tinged with a hint of concern.

Phílos, his gaze hardening, responded with confidence. "Yes, I've decided to reopen the amphitheatre. It's time for the games to resume and to bring back the excitement to the empire."

Cyrus, his voice filled with urgency, argued, "You can't do that, my lord. The amphitheatre was sealed off as a tribute to those who died that day when the bear went berserk."

Phílos, his expression unwavering, shot back, "I'm well aware of the tragedy that happened, but it's been sealed off for far too long. The amphitheatre should be brought back to life and restored to its former glory."

Cyrus, his concerns left unfinished, took a moment to gather his thoughts as Phílos cut in. "That will be all for now, Cyrus," he said, his tone decisive. But before Cyrus could speak further, Phílos slapped him lightly on the shoulder, a hint of warmth in his voice. "It's so good to see you again," he added, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

Cyrus, though uneasy, nodded respectfully and watched as Phílos walked away, his thoughts still lingering on the conversation that had just occurred, he for a moment, his mind racing with the implications of what he had just witnessed. As he tried to comprehend Phílos's determination to re-open the amphitheatre, despite the tragic history it held, a sense of unease settled deep within him.

Little did they know that Phílos had been secretly scheming, plotting with several of his most loyal guards on the best way to capture Kang. He also had a reliable spy within the barbarian kingdom who was feeding him information about Kang's movements.

Phílos knew that Kang's son, Orion, was currently on a trip, a valuable opportunity that could be exploited in their favor.

Later that night, as the palace grew quiet and the royal residents retreated to their chambers, Phílos set his plan in motion. At the stroke of midnight, when all was still, he slipped silently out of the confines of the palace. In the shadows of the night, he navigated through the dark streets until he reached the meeting point at the market. There, his loyal guards and a group of additional fighters awaited, ready to embark on their journey.

With practiced efficiency, they mounted their horses and broke into a gallop, their steeds swift and relentless as they galloped through the darkness towards the barbarian kingdom.

Their journey to the barbarian kingdom was relatively brief, given that the two realms shared a border, a close proximity that made the journey less arduous. With every pound of their steeds' hooves against the ground, the team of men, determined and resolute, closed the distance to their destination.

Once they reached the barbarian kingdom, the group disguised themselves, their faces concealed to avoid detection. As they stealthily approached the palace, Phílos' spy, who had been patiently waiting, opened the palace gates from within, allowing them to slip in unnoticed. As the night guards patrolled, the team struck, silently and swiftly, taking them out one by one with deadly efficiency.

Phílos entered Kang's chamber, and his expression twisted with contempt at the sight of the sleeping lord surrounded by young girls. He stepped closer, and without hesitation, tapped Kang's shoulder, jolting him awake, surprised.

Kang, his senses instantly on high alert, instinctively reached for his sword, but one of Phílos' guard was quicker, snatching it away before Kang could grasp it.

Phílos, his tone stern, commanded the young girls, "Leave."

Kang, his face contorted in anger, protested, "What is the meaning of this?"

In response, Phílos, his gaze never leaving Kang's face, merely gestured for the young girls to depart.

The girls, understanding the gravity of the situation, hurriedly got up and fled the room, leaving Phílos and Kang alone.

Kang, his voice filled with both anger and confusion, demanded, "Who are you? What do you want?"

Kang, his voice growing increasingly desperate, cried out to the guards, only for Phílos to cut in with a chilling calmness.

"They won't hear you," Phílos said, his tone nonchalant. "They're in a deep sleep. I doubt they'll wake up."

As Kang's cries for help fell on deaf ears, the fighters and Phílos' guards exchanged sly glances, a dark satisfaction etched on their faces. Their laughter, a sinister sound, filled the air.

Phílos locked eyes with Kang, his gaze steady. A mocking smile tugged at the corners of his lips, as he taunted, "Don't you recognize me, Kang?"

Kang, his expression shifting from confusion to growing realization, studied Phílos' face with renewed intensity. Recognition slowly dawned in his eyes.

Kang broke into a laugh, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of mischief and cruel satisfaction. As realization clicked in his mind, he sneered, "Son of a weakling!" his laughter mingled with a hint of mockery. "You're more brave than your weak father," he taunted, his voice dripping with contempt.

Phílos, his anger flaring, responded with a fierce punch. The impact caused Kang to bleed, but instead of a cry of pain, Kang's response was a harsh laugh, as if he found amusement in the situation.

Phílos, his voice resolute, declared, "I'll make sure you get what you deserve." With a sharp, well-aimed kick, he struck Kang's face, promptly knocking him unconscious.

Phílos, with cold efficiency, commanded his guards and fighters to quickly bind Kang. They worked swiftly, not wanting to waste any time. Once Kang was secured, they moved with stealth, slipping out of the palace without further confrontation because they killed the guards present. The group then mounted their horses and rode swiftly back towards Aresia, Kang bound and captive in their midst.

Once back in Aresia, Phílos commanded the fighters to take Kang to the dungeon in the amphitheatre. As a gesture of gratitude, he handed them coins, signifying their payment for their assistance. With the matter settled, he dismissed them, confident that they had accomplished their task.

Phílos, his mind still buzzing with adrenaline from the successful mission, accompanied by his guards, made their way back to the palace. With silent precision, Phílos entered his chamber unnoticed, shutting the door behind him. He lay on the bed, his mind racing with thoughts of tomorrow's plans before slowly drifting off to sleep.