Chapter 21: The Heir
"Our late king's eldest daughter has announced she's expecting an heir of her own blood," Arel said, pointing to Bilun and Vera standing beside her. "Our designated heir, chosen by our late ruler, has declared she's pregnant with an heir born from the spirit of her father," he continued, nodding in my direction as a sign of respect.
Even being considered the heir and receiving such honors was enough to tick Bilun off. Yet, she kept her cool, not letting her inner turmoil show.
"We're in this unusual situation today because years ago, our late ruler made a change in selecting the new ruler," Arel spoke from above us, glancing first at me and Bilun. Then, his gaze wandered to the nobles and their latest generation lined up behind us, and finally to the mixed group of noble families at the back, before continuing: "We've researched how to choose the rightful heir if both children claim the title. This has happened only once before. That ruler, guided by the Holy Spirits, first checked whose descendant the heir was. Since both were from the palace guards, equally ranked, a second criterion was set. Whoever's heir is born first becomes the heir," he explained.
My smile widened as those among the nobles who truly supported me and those who switched sides realizing I would be ruler applauded, while those backing Bilun voiced their objections loudly.
Arel raised his hand, and the room fell silent. "Even if Vera is the firstborn heir, her father is a human. The unborn heir, being a part of our late king's spirit, is superior."
Not looking at the mother-daughter duo beside me, I could still hear their swallowed protests and feel their crushing defeat. I couldn't help but smirk.
"I won't accept this," Vera burst out. "It's not fair, deciding who's superior before the baby is even born!"
Arel asked calmly, "What do you suggest?"
"I want to duel the heir when they reach a certain age. The winner..."
"That's ridiculous! Will the throne remain vacant until then?" Arya, Ravi's guardian, cut off Vera, speaking directly to Arel as murmurs rose again.
This time, I was the one to silence them, turning back to Arel, "Please continue."
"Why don't we have a vote? If both sides have an heir, let the majority decide," Vera suggested again.
"That would be fairer!" naturally, it was Şafak supporting Vera's idea.
"I want a vote too."
"Don't obstruct our chosen heir's path. If the late king didn't believe she deserved the throne, he wouldn't have given her a part of his spirit."
"Your late king didn't deserve the throne either."
"Watch your tone, disrespectful noble!"
"You're afraid of the selection!"
"You're suggesting a vote because it's easy to cheat!"
"We suggest a vote because basing superiority on lineage isn't right." I had to bite my lip not to laugh at the irony, given that everyone in the room was living off the legacy of their ancestors, but nobody pointed out the inconsistency in the noble's argument.
As the debate among the latest generation of nobles heated up, Arel had to shout, "Silence!"
"We will not deviate from our traditions regarding the throne, following the footsteps of our ancestors who made decisions with the Holy Spirits. May the Holy Spirits not lead us astray, blessing the decision made," Arel concluded, noticing Vera's motion but Bilun restraining her by the wrist.
"Are you just going to give up the throne like that!" All eyes turned to Vera as she shouted at her mother. Bilun, maintaining her posture, silenced her daughter with a look. The Vera I knew from Earth, who was much less aggressive and more reserved, seemed far from this vehemently breathing one. I shook my head; the Vera from Earth was an actress, but this enraged Vera was real.
"Because she has an heir..." Arel continued. "Our heir can now become ruler without further approval." Turning to me, he said, "We start preparations for the coronation ceremony, my heir."
Cheers and jeers mingled as I stepped up to Arel. After scanning the crowd of nobles and clearing my throat to gain silence, the noise gradually died down.
"While preparations for the coronation ceremony are underway, I'll organize a celebration to make it easier for you to congratulate my baby," I declared, starting with Çağın and then making eye contact with everyone, emphasizing, "Both the public and the nobles are required to attend."
No objections were raised, only a mild applause filled the room. "Now that the issue is resolved, we can disperse. Thank you for your attendance," I said as I descended the steps and headed for the door. Outside, I instructed a guard, "Send Çağın to my room." A positive atmosphere seemed to prevail for resolving our issues.
Unable to wipe the victorious smile off my face, I didn’t stop even when I heard someone running behind me. Vera blocked my path, my smile widening.
"I won’t let you become ruler just because of the privilege your father handed you without lifting a finger."
"Did I ask for your permission?" I retorted, raising an eyebrow.
She laughed. "Remember, I told you I'd have a lot to tell you during our last meeting on Earth."
Trying not to underestimate her, I responded, "And?"
"I'm warning you because of our times on Earth. What I have to say will hurt, you'd better step aside if you're wise."
"Ah, my dear niece... You're so much like your mother. Tell her when she comes to put the crown on my head, she should bring the ankh too." I didn’t look back as I walked past her, but I could feel her standing still.
Entering my room, the door was promptly knocked on. "Come in!" I called, and Çağın entered a few seconds later.
Looking fine in his black tuxedo and slicked-back hair, he stood with his hands behind his back. "You summoned me, my heir."
His formal tone made me frown. "Yes, I wanted us to celebrate together," I said, far more cheerful and warm-hearted than his austere demeanor.
"I don't understand?" he inquired. "Celebrate what?"
"Don't do this, Çağın..." I sighed, speaking softly. "You wouldn't act this way just because of a few angry words. Are you upset because I didn't tell you about my father’s spirit being the reason for his disappearance?"
He was emotionless, his gaze fixed beyond me. "Hey..." I approached him. "Don't do this, please. We're taking the throne, Çağın! Let's not spoil our greatest day." I touched his shoulder. "We can talk it out."
He remained unresponsive, his posture stiff and gaze fixed. "I'm glad you reached your goal, my heir, but that wasn't mine."
I frowned. "You're dragging this out and annoying me," I grumbled.
When he stayed quiet, I sighed heavily. "I'll remind you of this nuisance on this day forever." I squeezed his shoulder and smiled childishly, "Take a break, then we can continue."
Finally, his eyes met mine, roaming over my raised eyebrows and smiling lips. "You don
't realize, do you?" he asked bitterly. "You're unaware of what you're becoming..." He bit his tongue to stop himself, stepping back to free his shoulder from my grip.
"What are you talking about?" I laughed, unable to hold back my anger any longer. "I am who I've always been. My father entrusted me with a responsibility, and I've done everything I can to be worthy of it."
"Really?" he laughed with me, but out of frustration. "This is you being worthy?"
I placed one hand on my hip and extended the other towards him. "Excuse me, what exactly do you not like?"
"Let's see..." He closed the gap between us. "Making decisions on your own without consulting anyone is not the problem. Granting privileges to a few sycophantic nobles is typical. Trying to win over the people with some food to mask your deeds is one of your noble acts. Carrying a baby in your womb for the throne isn't the issue, but hopefully, it won't turn out like you or your sisters; that would be a pity. What was the last thing... organizing a mandatory celebration to congratulate the baby? Sure, you don't have to respect those who don't want you anyway!"
I pushed him away. "I act as the circumstances require! When I become ruler..."
"Stop deceiving yourself!" His shout startled me. "You'll continue like this, squandering Elysian under the guise of 'my responsibilities.' Because all you care about is having achieved something, regardless of how you got there."
"Congratulations, then!" I yelled back, his words piercing my heart and the venom seeping into my soul. I felt internally decayed. "You're dismissing all the years we've spent together over a few stressful months. Did you never really know me?"
"One doesn't know anyone until they see their weaknesses..." He spoke calmly as if he hadn't been the one shouting moments before. "Remember when I said your weakness might be Elysian? Sadly, I was right."
"I never really knew you!" I shouted over him. "I shared everything with you first, sought your advice; we were friends, partners! What you're doing is betrayal, ingratitude, disloyalty!"
"Betrayal?" He laughed, raising his eyebrows. "Come on..." he suddenly became serious. "Why don't you exile me too? I won't run away like Hesna, don't worry."
My hand struck him before I realized what I was doing. As he straightened up, looking at me, my breath hitched, and my body shook. A child inside me screamed silently, having died at ten, losing confidence with each loss. So lonely, always lonely.
Tears filled my eyes, my jaw trembled, and my teeth chattered. I trembled, begging him with my gaze, but he didn't see me. Touching his chin, he nodded, straightening up and swallowing hard.
He lowered his gaze to my stomach. "Congratulations, my heir." Without meeting my eyes again, he bowed and excused himself. "With your permission."
"Çağın..." I called as he turned to leave.
"Please don't go," I pleaded as he touched the doorknob.
"I'm sorry, Çağın," I said as he opened the door.
"I'm sorry, please come back," I watched him leave.
"I don't want to be alone," I whispered as he closed the door behind him.
And once again, I was left alone.
