9.1 Left

Feeling slightly at unease, you find yourself suddenly alert and very much awake. Frowning softly, you decide to head in the direction of one of the many large rooms lining the great hall. Slipping into what was once Alexius' strategy room, you absentmindedly walk around glancing at the many scrolls that have been gathering dust. Though you have visited this room in the past, its potential importance seemed inconsequential until this moment. Furrowing your brow again, you quickly begin searching through the vast contents of the space. You continue this search long into the night, feeling only more invigorated when the first rays of dawn begin pouring in through the windows. Satisfied with the information you have gathered, you finally make your way back to your chambers.

After arriving back, you are somewhat alarmed to find the place has quite obviously been visited. Glancing trepidatiously at the scrolls and other various items strewn about, you can only thank the gods you did not return earlier. Nervously, you quickly straighten the room in anticipation of your retinue arriving. Sure enough, it is not long before they unceremoniously enter and begin assisting you prepare. The next few days pass by excruciatingly slowly despite your best efforts at distraction. Still slightly shaken from your previous discovery, you resort to stationing guards inside your quarters for the time being. While the arrangement is far from ideal, it at least provides you enough relief to gain a moderate amount of sleep. Time continues passing stagnantly as the day where results are finalized draws near.

Slightly preoccupied, you find yourself distracted when the long awaited day finally arrives. Returning to the center of the large center of the city you cannot help but feel somewhat lifeless as you approach the stage you once enthusiastically stood upon. The lack of sleep has unfortunately overtaken you, causing a light fog to swirl around your mind. The head of the patricians ascends the platform and begins speaking. His words sound muffled in your ears as you notice it becomes hard to concentrate on the proceedings. Only when your name is mentioned do you startle to attention. Frowning in confusion, you glance around attempting to piece together what had been said. The crowd has erupted into enthusiasm and seemingly celebration. Looking to your side, you see Kyros and Nereus appearing both alarmed and enraged.

Turning back to face the patrician, you see him looking at you expectantly. Still marginally disoriented, you slowly make your way to join him. The man looks you over with a rather skeptical look as he repeats, "I present our new ruler, Empress Kora." Blinking in surprise, you turn to face the expectant group formed below. Swallowing nervously, you cannot help but wonder if this is all some cruel dream. Glancing over the crowd around you, it all begins slowly sinking in. Your struggle and patience has finally paid off, leading to you being the final victor. A genuine smile slowly spreads over your face and you begin addressing your subjects. Keeping you speech short and to the point, you thank them for their support and assure them of your adherence to your previous commitments.

After a short meeting with some higher ranking citizens, you are able to retire to your estate. When you arrive, you are slightly surprised to see a feast has been quickly thrown together in your honor. Blushing lightly, you become increasingly aware of your new elevated status. Though you possess the same title, you now have a more powerful sway over the large nation. Bolstered by this knowledge, you enter your now crowded abode with a moderate air of confidence. The majority of the group is civil towards you, though an obvious tension hangs in the air. It has not escaped you that you are the first female in this nation's recorded history to ascend to such a level of power. Remaining a bit apprehensive, you're acutely aware of those in the group that appear far less enthusiastic. In spite of your resolve to remain lively, you find yourself slowly anxious.

Thankful for your guard by your side, you try your best to appear both humble yet authoritative. As the night progresses, you slowly begin unwinding as you finally allow yourself a small drink of wine occasionally. These small amounts have eventually added up, leading to your now more open disposition. Forgetting your previous concerns, you begin freely mingling about the crowd. As the night progresses you have all but forgotten about your previous apprehension. When you see Nereus skulking at the edge of the crowd your senses are unalerted. It isn't until he begins brusquely making his way forward that you become slightly concerned. Before you have time to react, you are rather surprised to see one of your guards swiftly move to stand in front of you. Looking in a mix of both alarm and impression, you watch as a full on attack is mounted.

Nereus lunges forward, causing the guard to slightly stumble back into your unexpectant frame. Gasping in shock, you feel his armor crash against you, causing you to lose your balance. Falling backwards, you roughly connect with one of the large tables behind you. The loud sound of plates and pottery falling against the stone floor echoes through the now buzzing hall. Groaning softly, you pull away, feeling warm liquid running down the hand that first landed on the table. Unable to fully regain your composure, you find yourself pushed out of the way again when the guard is **** backwards by his assailant. Wincing in pain as you fall to the ground, you feel your vision beginning to grow blurred after your head glances off the table on your way down.