A familiar scene unfolded within her mind.
A story from nearly six hundred and fifty-six years ago.
The first time a council was assembled.
There stood Elder Roann of Vaunt, Elder Daeryn of Asvor, Elder Correlius of Rancor and Elder Ithirovell of Exalt. The heads of the four Ancestral Houses were present.
Kiaravell stood alone.
"Given the state of things..." Elder Roann spoke. "You have no choice but to shoulder this burden, however heavy it may be."
"But it was only last moon that she turned thirteen!" Said Lady Solaine of Asvor who spoke. Her mother. "Not only that, but she hasn't even completed her Selection tutelage!"
"The Lady of Asvor speaks wisely." Elder Correlius said, eyeing Kiaravell with what felt like utmost disgust. "The duties of an Imperium are not meant for a child."
"She is the heir to House Exalt." Elder Ithirovell reasoned. "And Lord Kaleovell's instructions specifically said that he had prepared her for this. To let her carry on in his stead."
"Lord Kaleovell," Kiaravell didn't like the way her mother said her father's name. "Is the reason we are facing this ordeal."
"But there is no use discussing that now." It was Elder Daeryn who spoke this time. "A decision must be made. The people need to know they still have someone to rely on. Kiaravell," he turned to the younger version of her, sitting quietly at the center of all attention. "Will you be that someone? Of course, we'll give you ample time to prepare for the role." He added, having seen the horror etched clearly on her face. It felt as though an hour had passed where the girl could only stare down blankly.
"Kiaravell," Elder Daeryn tried again. "Will you be the Imperium?"
She wanted to stop herself. She knew what she was about to say, knew what would become of her and the kingdom if she said it--
"I will."
The scene changed then. Sped until an entire year had passed by. It was the day she'd completed her Selection tutelage. Kiaravell was now well-versed in the laws of Impiria and the duties of an Imperium. Of course, there was still a long way to go before she completed her training for the actual Selection. Only if she emerged the victor would she be considered a real Imperium. For now, it was the council who helped her and the Exalts run the kingdom. They had allowed for House Exalt to remain the royal House and, as such, she was an unofficial Imperium by default. Kiaravell knew that many were unhappy and thought she did not deserve the title. No matter, she would prove the wrong when the Selection came. Still, Kiaravell hoped her father would return before it became necessary.
"Ah, Kiaravell." As usual, Elder Daeryn was the first to greet her upon entering the Gathering room. "We heard from your tutors that you have just completed your Selection tutelage." He gave her a kind-hearted smile, to which Kiaravell returned. "Well done."
"Slow." Said Elder Ithirovell. "Kaleo completed his tutelage in a mere three years and three months."
Kiaravell's smile faltered slightly. She wanted so badly to tell him that she took only two weeks longer than her dear father. Not to mention that she simultaneously had to juggle the duty of caring for her little brother.
As if reading her mind, Elder Daeryn said, "We summoned you here to inform you concerning the changes we plan to execute soon enough. One of them being your brother, Kianvell." Kiaravell felt uneasy, seeing Elder Ithirovell turn his gaze. Whatever it is they were about to say, the Elder of Exalt most probably did not agree to it.
"It is my-- no, our-- belief that Kianvell's upbringing is of utmost importance." Said Elder Roann.
Kiaravell nodded slowly. "And?"
"And we feel that he will not receive proper care without the love of a parent."
Everyone turned to where the voice came from. A lady in red, with hair like fuchsia and eyes a scarlet shade, entered the room. Kiaravell recognised her as Risseia Rancor. The woman who destroyed the love between her father and her mother. The reason behind his new wife abandoning House Exalt. The possible reason behind his disappearance. A terrible feeling blossomed in her chest, darkening her sapphire irises.
Kiaravell's eyes narrowed. "What is it that you plan to do with my brother?"
"From today onwards, Lady Cirina and the rest of House Rancor will tend to Kianvell's wellbeing." Said Lady Risseia with an almost cruel smile upon her face.
"Please understand," Elder Daeryn interjected before Kiaravell could retort. She found his usually-soothing voice of the Elder suddenly very irritating. "We only want what is best for him. He is Kaleovell's only son. The only male heir of Exalt."
"All the more reason for him to stay with House Exalt!" Kiaravell was on her feet now, eyes burning as she stared at Lady Risseia. "We have done well in looking after him, guiding him, teaching him for three years. Why, after all this time, should we be refused this right?"
"His mother is with House Rancor."
"He is an Exalt!"
Kiaravell caught the raise in her voice. She took a deep breath and said, as calmly as possible, "He is an Exalt. He is my brother. He belongs with me."
"It has already been decided." Said Elder Correlius coldly. "Kianvell will go to House Rancor."
"Please..." Kiaravell's voice shook. This was the first time she had ever begged. "He is all that I have." She looked to Elder Ithirovell for support. "Grandfather?" But the man didn't even spare her a look.
"It is for the best, Lady Kiaravell." The snide, condescending tone was so very evident in Lady Risseia's words. "After the incident with dear Kanavell--"
"That's enough, Risseia." Ithirovell cut him off sharply. His gaze alone was enough to tear the arrogant smirk off of the Lady Rancor's face.
"That was the first matter we wished to inform you of." Elder Daeryn decided it was best to interrupt before things got out of hand. However, Kiaravell was still reeling from what the woman said. Kanavell... "The second concerns yourself."
That managed to bring Kiaravell's mind back to the present. "What of me?"
"I am sure it hasn't escaped your notice, not with that Ictrine boy always bringing you news." Xorren. "But I shall have to state what is apparent. The people, your people, are restless." Kiaravell felt herself deflate. Of course they were. They'd only recently lost a leader. "They want an Imperium. They cannot wait any longer."
Kiaravell waited for him to go on. When he didn't, she realised what he was hinting at. "No."
"Lady Kiaravell--"
"NO!"
The young lady was now backing away, as if the action alone could save her from the reality of what they were asking of her. "No. You promised me that I would be given time. Time to prepare and participate in the Selection--"
"There will be no Selection."
"... What?"
"There will be no Selection." Elder Roann repeated. "You will be the first Imperium to have been born into the role. You are the heir to Exalt, the royal House, after all."
"But... but this would go against tradition!" Kiaravell shook her head fervently. "The title of the Imperium, inherited, not won?" She let out a mirthless laugh. "The people will never accept me after that!"
"It will be... different. Yes." Elder Daeryn agreed. "But many great kings of history inherited their status. Take the royal family of Dumiri, for example--"
"This is Impiria!" Kiaravell said savagely. "I want to be an Imperium, not a Dumirian tyrant!"
"This choice does not belong to you." Elder Correlius of House Rancor hissed. "An Imperium must always put his people before his own selfish need."
"An Imperium also does not answer to anyone but themselves." Kiaravell snarled. "So if I do become the Imperium, I want my brother by my side. I want the council abolished."
Lady Risseia's smile was cruel. Unnerving. "You would have the right to those demands if you were a true Imperium. If you were a hero, like your father. But you, young Lady of Exalt..."
Everything seemed to darken then. The ground started to shake, the walls tore apart. Black shadows crept in from all corners. "You are a monster, feeding on the dark." Kiaravell suddenly found herself surrounded by men and women, with blackened eyes, their mouths open in silent horror. When Lady Risseia bent down close to her, Kiaravell caught sight of a ghastly face. "Living off of sin."
"You are a murderer."
She awoke with a scream.
