The royal family approached the balcony of the vast palace. The people gathered were like sand particles in the beach. They can be seen everywhere. The Emperor stepped a bit forward and the crowd below cheered for the long life of their emperor. "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Seazle empire!" the shouts went on for almost five minutes until the Emperor himself raised his hand to calm the crowd. Alexander gently lifted his hand till his shoulder height and waved a little so as to signal to calm down. The crowd immediately went silent, yet the little murmurs still going on about what the so called grand announcement was. The emperor cleared his throat and and spoke. "My dear people. I"m glad you all respect my call and gathered here today." The cheers once again enamated throughout the grounds by the excited and antic.i.p.ated people. Eventually, when the cheers died down, Alexander looked over to Aeins.h.i.+a who was busy admiring the crowd below. n.o.body knew what he was going to say. Of course, it was about the declaration of young prince Evan as the next heir but, also the other thing he never told to anyone.
"Everyone, today we are gathered here to make changes in our economy." He gave a little pause so that the crowd could let the information sink in. He observed that the people went awfully silent. He internally smirked because of the reaction he got. He loved to surprise everyone with his decisions. He smiled a little so as to hide the smirk that was threatening to grow on his face.
"We are going to raise the barriers on the sea trade. As everyone in the continent knows, the Seazle empire is spread on the bay of vast ocean allowing us many many benefits with the trades. Barriers will be raised to ensure the safety of our empire as well as the continent." He stopped again to take a breather. Of course, he won"t tell any further. He was am Emperor, not an official to explain everything. "The rules for the new trading will be pa.s.sed soon. After the negotiations and permissions are done, the new trading trend will raise in our empire."
The murmurs were heard clearly now. With the shock in revelation of new trading concept. No one knew how this would happen and honestly, didn"t know how to react. The officials had expected this to be coming seeing the proposal was given yesterday at the meeting. But, the Emperor never discussed anything and directly let it out to the public. Everyone were now curious about what the Emperor was going to speak next.
Alexander knew this would be reaction from everyone. He hadn"t given out such announcements or implemented new rules in long time in his reign. But, he wanted the crowd"s full attention on what was he going to say next. He turned back and gestured for the prince to step forward. Evan stepped beside his father, who immediately put a hand around his shoulder. The murmurs from the people below turned into little squeals and bright smiles from women. While the men silently watched and gossiped among themselves. "Price Evan Seazle, is back to his empire after completing his learning." As soon as he said the gathering went wild and screams were heard. It would definitely take some time to calm them down. The Emperor sighed while, Evan let out a small smirk, knowing the effect he had on the people. The father and son duo looked at each other and shared a knowing smile. Evan was after all Alexander"s son.
Alexander turned and cleared his throat again. "I"m proud to announce the future heir of mine, the next Emperor is back to serve his empire with his new knowledge and extraordinary skills." The proudness in his tone was perfectly reflected from his eyes. The whole gathering grounds went wild with different sounds. Some were really inhumane. Everyone who were above with the royals, wondered who were letting out such noises. The Emperor burst into little laughter, recalling the past of his declaration as future Emperor. The reaction was similar. At that time, his father also had the same reaction as he was feeling right now. Satisfied and proud. Maybe his father was happy back then. But, he wasn"t yet. Not until he gives out the words that were in his heart for quite a long time.
He was confused on whether his decision was right or not. But, yesterday threw all the doubts he had out of the palace. Yesterday"s meeting seem to resolve all his worries he had for his son and the empire. He was sure after a small talk in the rose garden.
"Now, my dear people. I would like to say another word about my son. I now would love to take rest after giving all the responsibilities to my eldest son, who can carry them well. Guidance is most important thing while leading and deciding. And I"m glad I have found a good guidance to my son, who can support him through anything and at the same time think good about our empire." He releases his wrapped hand from the shoulder of his surprised son. He turns around to see the confusion etched on everyone"s faces. Satisfaction and pride were blooming in his heart. He beckoned Aeins.h.i.+a to join him.
Everyone were surprised at the understatement. No one, literally no one has seen this coming. Alexander held the young princess" hand gently and turned against the crowd. "I announce the engagement of Prince Evan Seazle with my niece Princess Aeins.h.i.+a Rutz, daughter of Andrew and late princess Beatrice Rutz. The young princess will become Empress of the Seazle empire as soon she comes of age."
Dull cheers were coming from the people. But, high pitch gossips were heard. n.o.body seems to notice anything as everyone was stunned. Finally, Alexander was able to feel happiness in him. He always knew Aeins.h.i.+a was a perfect candidate to be Empress of the kingdom. He had a doubt whether she liked his son back or not. He knew the feelings of young prince well. He was his son, he can clearly see his love for her in his eyes. He may not express what he is feeling, but as a father he saw what his son truly wanted. In yesterday"s meeting, he observed Aeins.h.i.+a"s reaction regarding the prince"s marriage. The way she was agitated and spoke without another thought, she must have something going on in her heart.Otherwise she wouldn"t have meddled in elders business showing that discourtesy.Although, she had no idea on what she was talking, she came up with a great idea. That was the reason why he ended the meeting without giving any conclusion.
The talk in the rose garden has given him a clear idea. And now, he took up the task of uniting the two young hearts who were meant for each other. He wanted his son to experience the same love he received from his Empress. He smiled widely baring his pearly white teeth. He was happy beyond limits.
Aeins.h.i.+a was shocked. She never expected this coming. She knew the Emperor always wanted this. In past life, this was not announced this early and infront of everyone. She honestly didn"t know what was happening. What was the reason behind this sudden announcement.
People and all other officials began to disperse including royalty expect two persons. It"s Princess Aeins.h.i.+a and the Samuel cullen. Princess Aeins.h.i.+a remainded in shock not believing what she just heard while Samuel cullen shaking in fear. Sweat began to drip from his forehead thinking about his future.Things turned in a very unexpected way. He thought they might kill him.