The Emperor's Unfavored Empress

"Verdugo!" A scream full of fear was silenced after a strike of lightning revealed the ugly face of Death before his eyes. Then, as the cold bullet hit its head, the dead yet warm body fell into the barren land of Aurelius. The hunger for blood was evident in his bright golden eyes. "Your Imperial Highness, we killed all the pirates that entered Aurelius." the Prince aimed his gun one more time into the dead man's chest. "Bring them and feed them to my Lion," he commanded as he pulled the trigger, burying another bullet into its chest. Cold-blooded! Bloodthirsty! Name it, and Magnus Aurelius has it. He got Death trembling upon his feet. "As long as I am Magnus Aurelius, no one will ruin the empire." his deadly hallowed voice echoed into the entire forest of Aurelius. The heavens emancipate its loud howling through a scary display of lightning-- laughing at the fate of those whom Magnus had killed. "His Imperial Highness, the Fourth Prince!" The enormous golden gate of Aurelian opened, welcoming the homecoming of the 4th Prince after being on the borders for five days. Embellished by the proper uniform of the first rank, everybody could tell that war had just been won. The 4th Prince entered the Empire wearing a black peaked cap embroidered with golden threads and the golden symbol of Aurelian. The Prince's appearance could have been the most anticipated event in the Empire's history because everyone else wore clothes according to rank, including those made of black and golden uniforms. His fine black uniform was ornamented with diamond buttons, a gold silk sash, gold lace, and an aiguillette. His collar patch and shoulder mark adorned by natural diamonds would shine in the thin light that suited the gold-fringed epaulet. Riding his black hotblooded Fusaichi Pegasus, followed by a carriage overloaded with dead bodies, people stood in surprise. Then, together with his 12 Imperial knights, they marched within the broad path of the Empire's entrance. It was like a display of glory and valor, with thousands of soldiers entering the realm greeted by the crowd's yell. "It's the hero of the Empire, Prince Magnus! Long live the hero! Hail to Prince Magnus," the soldiers shouted in response. The tune of glory and valor resounded as they continued their march. Yet, fear, amazement, and disdain were written all over the crowd's faces as he displayed the dead bodies like trophies. "The Fourth prince is indeed a monster…" one of the overseers commented. "You shouldn't say that. You'll be heard. We're lucky that we're kept safe by the Prince." A woman in her 40s said with a smile on her face. Those around her nodded in approval. "But you could tell how bloodthirsty he is," the guy with kinky red hair said as a smile of mockery drew across his face. "Why did he bring those dead bodies here? He sure boasts a lot." "A face like that is surely enough to turn a woman away," Someone answered out of nowhere. "No woman would like him with a cursed face like that. It's such a pity the Empire needs an heir, and who would sleep with him with a face like that? Luckily, he's not the crown prince." People laughed while others kept themselves silent. The woman in her 40s asked with curiosity. "What do you mean by his face?" "Don't you know? He's not wearing that golden half-mask just for anything. Some claim it is because the Emperor's old lover... an enchantress... cursed his face." whispered the kinky-haired guy. "Oh, poor Prince. But why him, though? Why not the Crown Prince, the son of the Empress?" asked the old lady with a baffled look. "Consort Danalia was the Emperor's real lover--not the Empress. If she hadn't died, I bet she would be the reigning Empress now… but that's another story." the man cut off his story abruptly by drinking the rest of his beer and wobbling off. Magnus hopped off his Stallion. "Take Edward to his crib." he named his Stallion Edward. The hostler took the horse by the rope and led him to his stable. As he entered the wide-open gates of the Imperial court, his brothers and noblewomen were waiting for him inside. A deep silence fell over those present as he swept in. The group of noblewomen had their eyes fixed on the ground, and they seemed to be whispering amongst themselves until they caught sight of him. "I'm back, your imperial majesty," he said as he bent his head and stood before the Emperor. "As expected of my son. Tell me what you would like, and I will grant your wish." The Emperor said as he motioned his hand outstretched in welcome to Magnus. Humbly and with a hint of pride, Magnus stepped forward to kiss his father's hand. The Emperor then slightly tapped his right shoulder with a look full of pride. "Ask anything, my son, and it shall be given." The Emperor commanded. "I want every corrupt official in this room beheaded." The court fell into a sudden silence and fear. The other princes were taken aback by surprise. "Of course, I was joking." relieved by what the 4th Prince said, they laughed warily as sweat poured like rain over their foreheads. The crown prince Mattias Aurelius laughed. "Aren't you so energetic early in the morning, my dear brother?" The crown prince teasingly said as a sly smile appeared. "That's for sure, brother. But, of course, I was always doing...anything--not just sitting in my room waiting for gold to rain," says the crown prince with a sad smile as he threw a quick look at the second Prince. "Brazen." The 2nd prince, Cillian Aurelius, whispered, chuckling. As he speaks, his fist clenches. "Always awesome!" the 9th and youngest Prince, Aeris Aurelius, exclaimed. "Your Imperial Highness, I think it's inappropriate to joke about a member of the imperial court's life." A man in his 50s said, addressing Magnus's remarks. "How come, Commissioner? I clearly said corrupt officials. So what's got you all worked up over a small joke?" Magnus answered without looking at him. The man was left dumbfounded and was straightened when the guest started laughing. Nevertheless, he felt humiliated in front of the Emperor by the 4th prince. "Anyway, we should be celebrating this glorious moment. What do you want, my 4th Prince?" The Emperor cut in. Delight was drawn all over its sublime face. "I want a fine Lioness, my Imperial Majesty. The most expensive and elusive one." Magnus replied. "You can't be serious?" the crown prince and others scoffed, erupting in a how-dare-you-monster-ask-for-a-woman laugh. "So you want a concubine?" The crown prince interrupted with lips pulled into a smirk. "No, Brother. I was referring to a female lion. If I were about to ask for a woman, it would be a Phoenix, not a Lioness or Tigress. The Emperor's lips curved into a smile after hearing what the 4th prince meant to say. "You already have Magu, your lion." The Emperor said. "You want to add one?" "That Lioness is my gift to Magu. He's been helping me clean up the mess," Magnus said. "Are you trying to breed lions, 4th brother?" asked the 9th prince with an expression full of enthusiasm. "I need to keep feeding these lions so they can eat more dead bodies in the future," Prince Magnus said, leaving the courtroom silent. The officials knew he was giving them mixed signals. "At your will, father. I wanted to go to my palace and rest, your Imperial Majesty," Magnus said. "Rest, my son. Then, I can send you some lionesses to your palace if you want." The Emperor teasingly said. "If you can find me a Phoenix, father." The Emperor laughed at his remark. The Phoenix is the Empire's symbol of an empress.