Clovis listened intently as his father ran him through all the preparations . There was so much thought into this… he actually felt honored . It was rare for the Emperor to take time out to be a father to any of his children, last of all the one son failed to truly understand . Yet, every moment he spent with Clovis was cherished by his middle son .
"Does that sound pleasant? I mean it won't be a intimate gathering but it should give you an idea of who you want . " he finished explaining with a smile and Clovis nodded, having truly paid attention to every word .
Advertisement"It sounds effective . My only concern is cost . " Clovis responded, unable to turn off the treasurer side of his mind . The Emperor's face turned stoney cold .
"Clovis, you are the Fourth Prince of My Empire . Your mother is the only woman to ever sit on the Throne as Mother of this nation . Bastil was born to a noble concubine, as was Damar . You and Alexi were the only sons born with a royal mother . If I can't spend at least as much on a ball to find your bride as I did buying Carina's hand for Damar, then there is something very wrong . You have put yourself third for the empire and remained been money conscious long enough . " The Emperor replied sternly, the entire spill catching Clovis off guard . There was no mirth in the Emperor's words . He was more serious than he had seen in a very long time . It took several moments for Clovis to clear his throat .
"Yes, Father . " he replied careful to keep his voice from cracking . The emperor smiled as that serious tone melted away .
"I love all my children, but when it comes to the throne there can be no mistake as to who has the most right to rule . Empress Evelyn has always been a amazing woman and the perfect mother of our empire . You are her son . My son . " The Emperor continued as if his son had not responded . The slight tint of sadness confusing to the boy .
"As it should be . Father, thank you . I am sure whoever Raina and I choose will be a good match not only for us, but the Empire . " Clovis replied nodding and making it clear he intends to find a Empress the People can be proud of . This wasn't about him in his mind, and his words and actions showed it .
The expression on the Emperor's face straddled between proud and unhappy with his answer . "I also think it is important the first wife matters to you . If I didn't have Evelyn I never would have survived my first year on the throne . Keep that in mind . " he added with a nod . "However, have you considered your Companion? Your only required to have one . "
"I have given that a lot of thought . I am considering Leopard or perhaps wolf . Both have their strengths . " Clovis replied honestly having contemplated most the animals in the forest . The Empress nodded slowly, processing this with a bit of surprise . "Is that a surprise?" Clovis asked seeing his father's response .
"Just not what I expected from you . Lions and Tigers have always been your draw since you were a child, yet you considered neither . " The Emperor replied and Clovis chuckled . He nodded his agreement as he took a small peach blossom crisp from the plate in front of him .
"I considered both but the two Male lions are at your side and barely get along . I do not want them to lose their position in the pride with a young upshot . " Clovis pointed out, sincerely worried about it . Two Lions was hard enough to manage without blood . He didn't have the time or energy to fight with that . "Tiger, well that's simple . The only Tiger in this garden was taken in by my elder brother . "
"Both are valid points but not completely true . " The Emperor replied pulling a pale tan parchment from inside his robes . The edges were singed jaggedly as though fire had ran the length on either side . A blue ribbon tied around it to keep the scroll closed . He offered it to Clovis with a grin .
Chapter end
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