8.4 Reprisal

Several guards are stationed before the entrance of your home, all eyeing you suspiciously as you approach.

"Who goes there?" One of them questions rather aggressively, stepping forward as you approach.

"Stand aside, guard." You snap irately, holding forward your hand which is adorned with a ring given to you by Alexius. "Or do you not recognize your own Empress?"

The guard pales quickly upon seeing the signet ring and glances at his consorts somewhat nervously.

"Empress Kora." He clears his throat anxiously before finally stepping aside. "We did not expect you back so soon..."

The man's words trail off as it is clear he's completely unsure what to say. Exhaling in frustration, you brush past the man and move towards the now open doors. Once inside, your servants are far more attentive and swiftly see to your wounds. After some inquiry, you learn you have made it back the day before the election will be held. Gritting your teeth angrily, you cannot help imagining the **** you will bestow on your would-be captor. Once you have received the necessary medical care, you quickly return to your chambers. Completely exhausted, you spend a rather fretful night of strange dreams and omens. When you awake the next day, you find yourself in an odd state of detachment. The entire morning leading up to you arriving at the city's center feels almost unreal, as if you are simply moving through predetermined motions.

You can feel all eyes upon you, looking with a mix of intrigue and confusion from your disheveled appearance. Despite your servants best efforts, there was only so much they could do to cover up your wounds. Ignoring the strange looks, you glance over at your opposition disinterestedly. You hardly make note of their appearances, let alone their addresses. When it is your turn to speak, you feel as if your mind has completely left you. Absent-mindedly, you ascend the stairs of the platform and walk towards the crowd gathered below. There is a long moment of silence as you briefly attempt recalling your previously planned speech. After a moment, you realize it's all quite pointless. Sighing softly, you look out at the crowd before finally speaking.

"It has occurred to me," You begin placidly, staring out at the group before you solemnly. "That I do not care whom you vote for."

The pause left before your next words only punctuate them further. "Whether it be militaristic bravado or youthful ideology, it is of no consequence to me. I have seen what power can do to a man and realize it does not matter their upbringing nor morality, they all result in the same iniquitous cretin. If you wish to continue with this line of foul mediocracy then do so, as long as it is acknowledged that you held the opportunity to make change and failed."

Without any other words, you brusquely turn away to descend the stairs. You're aware of your opponents eyeing you with a mix of confusion and fury. Their emotions, however, are far from a priority. Dismissing the opportunity to further mingle with your constituents, you instead return once more to your home. After several days of waiting, you're finally summoned to meet with the patricians along with your opposition. The news of your elections fall on slightly deaf ears as you're still rather in shock of the whole event. It seems your uncensored words ended up resonating with your people, resulting in a landslide of a vote. Some feeling begins returning to your body as the realization of the news slowly begins setting in. Your victory feels almost shallow in light of trials you have endured. However, some semblance of joy is felt with the knowledge you will now retain the power needed to exact your retribution.