The empire was mourning as preparations were made for the emperor's funeral. Flags were flown at half-mast and the streets were lined with black ribbons. The entire kingdom was shocked as the news of the emperor's death spread.
In the Cassiana Kingdom, Queen Luciana sat in her throne room, her mind in shock. She couldn't believe that the emperor was dead. Her daughter, Princess Croasia, entered the room and immediately sensed something was wrong.
"What's happened, mother?" Croasia asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"The emperor is dead," Luciana replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Croasia's heart sank at the news. She knew what this meant for the empire and her family. Her step-sister, Cassiopeia, would now be the next empress. Cassiopeia had always been a thorn in Croasia's
