When the Emperor and Empress returned to their quarters, night had already fallen over the entire palace. The atmosphere in the room was heavy. The Empress sighed softly, her eyes following the Emperor's back with concern.
"Your Majesty, please don't blame Ethan," she said gently, her tone full of pleading.
"Ethan is still young and easily influenced by others. It is also my fault for neglecting his education recently."
The Emperor turned back, his gaze stern and full of anger.
"You think I don't know what you've been up to?"
He stepped closer to the Empress, his voice growing harsher.
"Don't rely on your position as the Dowager Empress's niece to think I will always tolerate your actions. Ethan has endured much. Later, when we return to the Kingdom of Helios, you and I must make amends for him."
The Empress bowed her head, her voice soft but her eyes burning with suppressed fury.
"I will obey, Your Majesty."
The Emperor stared at her for a long moment before turning away, leaving the Empress alone in the large, cold room. She swallowed her anger, but her eyes couldn't hide her resentment.
After the Emperor left, the Empress sat down, gripping the edge of her robe tightly, her mind filled with complex thoughts.
"Ethan, what have you discovered already?" she whispered, her gaze becoming resolute.
"Let's see what you can do."
Outside, the night wind blew, rustling the silk curtains. The moonlight cast fantastical shadows on the walls. In that quiet space, the undercurrents of the palace continued to surge.
The day Ethan Caelan was to leave for the Kingdom of Aria as a hostage finally arrived. From early morning, the officials were bustling with preparations. On the road leading to the palace gates, the Emperor, Empress, the royal family, and the officials had gathered. The morning sunlight peeked through the trees, illuminating the entire road.
The Emperor led the procession, his gaze solemn as he looked at Ethan. He stepped forward, placing a hand on Ethan's shoulder, his voice deep and full of authority:
"Ethan, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. You must remain steadfast and never forget the honor of Helios. Remember that you are a prince and must always be loyal to Helios and the royal family."
Ethan bowed his head, his voice heavy with responsibility:
"I will not disappoint you, Father. I will strive to fulfill my duties and not let you down."
Crown Prince Nathaniel Caelan stepped forward, his eyes filled with concern:
"Ethan, remember, the honor of Helios rests on your shoulders. The future holds many unforeseeable challenges, but you must persevere and be cautious. Use this opportunity to learn from the Kingdom of Aria, and then return to help Father strengthen Helios. I believe you will overcome everything."
Ethan bowed his head, full of gratitude:
"I will not let you down, Brother."
Third Prince Sebastian Caelan approached, his smile bright and eyes sparkling:
"Brother, remember to take care of yourself. Eat well and write home often. If you meet a beautiful lady from Aria, don't miss the chance to bring her back to Helios. We'll be waiting for you to return safely, okay?"
Ethan nodded, a gentle smile on his face:
"You take care too, Brother. I will remember your words."
The Empress stepped forward, her eyes red but hiding her tears. She gently adjusted Ethan's robe, her voice soft but full of emotion:
"Ethan, take care. I will always pray for your safety. Remember, I love you very much."
Ethan, moved, hugged the Empress, whispering into her ear:
"Mother, was it you who poisoned my real mother?"
Ethan's words were like a sharp knife tearing apart the Empress's pretense. She started, a slight shiver running through her body, but she quickly regained her composure, her gentle expression unchanged.
"Yes," the Empress whispered back, her voice filled with conspiracy.
"Ethan, remember this well. Never come back to Helios. If you do, it will be the day of your death."
Ethan slowly released the Empress, a faint smile appearing on his face:
"I will remember, Mother. I will definitely return safely to witness that day." The Empress gently returned to the King's side, her heart burning with anger as she silently blamed herself:
"Ethan, I should have drowned you back then. Anyway, today you take my son's place in Helios, so it wasn't in vain that I raised you."
After listening to all the admonitions, Ethan looked at everyone one last time. He bowed deeply, paying his respects to all:
"I thank you, Father, Mother, and my brothers. I will fulfill my duties and not let you down."
With that, he quickly mounted his horse, not allowing himself to look back. Behind him, the Emperor, Empress, the royal family, and the officials watched, their eyes filled with hope and worry. The palace gates slowly closed, and Ethan's figure gradually disappeared into the distance.