Chapter 6 . The Next Heir

The sobs and wails of my mother, Lady Marie and her daughters could be heard echoing through the halls as we got to say our final goodbyes to my father. I walked over the coffin where my father was with heavy footsteps, the fragrant scent of white lilies filled my senses. I looked down at my father, his face peaceful as though he was merely asleep surrounded by beautifully bloomed white lilies, our family's emblem.

I stared at his face for a long moment, somewhat trying to make sense of it all. Not only did the rumours from earlier start to get to my head but the handful of good memories I had shared with my father was flooding through my thoughts as my vision of him started to blur. Tears were quick to flow, my throat tightening painfully as though I would feel better if I yelled out, if I just told everything I always wanted too but never got the chance to him.

A firm hand was wrapped around my shoulder, strong fingers giving me a reassuring squeeze. I glanced over only to see Aiden. He gave me a small smile before leaning the side of his head to mine.

"It's okay to cry, sister." He told me, his voice trembling ever so slightly. "You don't have to hold it all in."

I smiled, relaxing into his hold. "I know. Thank you...Aiden." I told him softly even though my tears had stopped flowing as soon as it started. If he had not come to my side, I wonder what I would have done. After a moment of silent goodbyes to my father, Aiden and I went back to where mother was. He comforted her the same way he did to me.

I looked over to Lady Marie and her children as they too were equally affected by this sudden loss. Even though their tongues were sharp and they were only ever hostile with my family and I, they too lost a husband, a father, an emperor.

I could not stop myself from looking over to the coffin where my father rested once more, gaze lingering as though I could not believe that this was my reality. Even when Lady Marie and her children left the hall to return to where the other guests were, even when I heard Aiden call out my name, I continued to gaze upon the blindingly white box with the scent of lilies surrounding the atmosphere.

I found it hard to walk away. Whether it was the black-haired boy from my memories, or my father...I was never fond of saying goodbye.

*

Once the burial service ended, everyone who came to pay their respects left after bidding our family their final condolences and farewells. Lady Marie and her daughters as well as my mother retreated to their own rooms whereas Frederick was preoccupied talking to the councilmen that father personally appointed and trusted. Even though I could not hear what they were talking about, their tense expressions were rather telling.?

Especially Frederick who was never good at hiding his expressions. I could tell by the look of his face that alarming news was just shared to him by Gideon. My gaze fell on the sealed document he held in his hands, my eyes widened when I noticed father's royal wax seal on the back.?

"It is probably father's will." a familiar voice called out. I turned to the source, meeting with Aiden's azure eyes that mirrored my own.?

"Do you think Frederick will be chosen as the next emperor?" I asked him in a hushed tone.?

"He is the oldest of our father's children. I do not doubt it."

"What would happen to us if that were to happen? Lady Marie is not very fond of us after all...I wonder if we will get kicked out of the palace." I said, attempting to joke around with my younger brother when in all honesty, I was afraid of what would actually happen to us.

"Then let's start a new life in the countryside. I was always curious about growing my own crops." Aiden nodded to himself.?

"A farmer is a rather admirable career." I agreed, nodding along with him.?

"And you? What would you want to do, sister?"

I paused. "There's not much for an omega to do." I said, remembering how society does not appreciate omegas.?

Not only are they often deemed to be the bane of any alphas existence due to their alluring heat cycles but they are often looked down upon for being physically weaker compared to alphas or betas. I clenched against my dress as merely thinking about this was starting to frustrate me. Was I to be categorised in such a manner? Is my worth truly decided by my second gender alone? Nothing else? Nothing more??

No matter how much I grew stronger or smarter, everything would be deemed irrelevant as long as I carry the label of an omega. For a split second, the thought of how it must be nice to be an alpha came to mind but that immediately vanished when I remembered how much expectation was put on me as a child. But no, those expectations were not just my burden to bear. Aiden, Frederick, Elina and even Lilian had to spend their youth with the goal to be a proper alpha. What does that even mean?

"Then, let us all work at a farm together. Mother always spoke about her love for the fresh countryside air. I think it will be good for us." Aiden smiled. "We'll start a new life and support each other, no matter what."

I pondered over his suggestion. "Hm, only if I get to take care of the animals." I smiled back playfully. "But do you not enjoy your current life, Aiden?" I asked.

I do not know why I was expecting him to share his burdens with me, because he never did. Aiden, my younger brother, was mature for his age and completely selfless. It was hard to get him to complain about anything and even if he did, he would complain on behalf of others. He is too kind, too sweet and sometimes I pray that he would not meet anyone who would take advantage of his kindness.

"I do to an extent...but ever since we were little, I grew up watching you suffer from your illness and now you are suffering because of your second gender. If being a royal means watching my dear sister constantly suffer over things she cannot control then..."

"Aiden." I called out, reaching out to squeeze his hand. My point is proven in an instant. Even when I asked him about himself, he prioritised worrying about me instead. Oh how desperately I wanted to pull him into a tight embrace. "You truly are a kind soul. I am sorry that I have been making you worried."

"There's no need for you to apologise, sister! As I said before, you cannot control this. That's why...I will do whatever in my power to protect you and mother."

I chuckled. "You truly have grown to be a wonderful man, Aiden. I feel like I am miles behind you even though I am your older sister."

"Don't say that!" Aiden furrowed his brows.

"It is the truth." I pouted.

"B-but sister, you are amazing as well. You are so smart-"

"Only because reading and studying was all I could ever do growing up." I shrugged, recalling all those times I was bedridden and reading a ridiculous amount of books from fiction to encyclopaedias just to keep myself busy. Just to feel as though I had purpose in my life besides wasting it away trying to recover.

Aiden's handsome face was now spoiled with a deep frown. He opened his mouth to continue to protest but held his tongue when a figure approached us.?

"Prince Aiden. Princess Cordelia," Gideon greeted us once again with a small bow.?

"Is something the matter, Gideon?" Aiden asked, glancing down quickly at the advisor's hands where the sealed document was in full display.?

"I would appreciate it if the both of you would gather in the council room promptly."

"Is it something to do with father's will?" Aiden continued.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Could it not wait? We had just buried him..." I muttered. "This feels rather inappropriate."

"I am sorry princess but it will be for the best if we reveal his will immediately because..." Gideon's words were muffled when the door was slammed open, causing all of us to turn to the source in a sudden fright.

Lady Marie and her two daughters walked in with absolute grace and poise and yet no amount of elegance could cover up the rage plastered on her face. She looked around the hall until her furious glare landed on Gideon. She relaxed her face before making her way towards him and even offered him a polite smile but her eyes were filled with annoyance, the air around turned cold from hostility.