The next day, the Southern Empire delegation arrived with great fanfare. They entered the throne room dressed in luxurious attire, led by Ambassador Marius, a man with a pointed beard and sharp black eyes.
The king, who sat on the throne with difficulty, welcomed them. The welcoming ceremony was long and exhausting. Then, the tests began.
Cassian went first. He held a military exhibition, a parade of troops, a demonstration of new weapons, and war exercises. The delegation was impressed, but Ambassador Marius commented, "An impressive force. But force requires a lot of resources. Can your kingdom afford it?"
Finnian held a lavish dinner with music and poetry. He spoke about culture and history with Valeria, demonstrating a deep knowledge of Southern customs. It was subtle and effective. The Ambassador seemed pleased, but again, the comment was cutting: "Culture is beautiful. But trade is about profit, not poetry."
My turn. Instead of an exhibition or banquet, I took the delegation on a walk through the city's public market, with discreet escorts. I showed them how goods from the South were sold, talked to merchants, listened to complaints about tariffs and delays.
"Your Excellency," I said as we stood on a bridge watching the ships load and unload, "our current agreement increases trade volume, but the profits are uneven. Valeria merchants pay 20% higher tariffs on their exports to the South than vice versa. And the port emergency clause..." I looked him straight in the eye. "That is a thorn that could cause an infection in our relationship."
Ambassador Marius was taken aback. He hadn't expected me to be so direct, or so well-informed. "That clause is a security guarantee for our investments."
"Security can be guaranteed through mutual trust and joint patrols, not occupation," I replied.
"I propose a revision: we lower tariffs on luxury goods from the South, and you lower tariffs on our raw materials. We allow joint monitoring posts at the port, not military occupation. The result: a 30% increase in trade within a year, estimated."
He narrowed his eyes. "Have you calculated it?"
"I have the numbers here." I pulled out a scroll containing data collected by the Purple Network and loyal bureaucrats. "This is a mutually beneficial agreement. Or... you can deal with my brothers. One will demand concessions with military threats, the other will persuade you with empty promises. I offer logic and mutual benefit."
It was a bold move. Delegitimizing my brothers right in front of a foreign delegation. But Viktor knew that in negotiations, sometimes you have to show your hand.
The ambassador was silent for a long time, studying the document. "You are not what I expected, Your Highness."
"Expectations are often outdated," I replied with a smile.
That evening, at the official closing banquet, Ambassador Valerius stood to give a speech. He praised Valeria's military strength (for Cassian) and its cultural appreciation (for Finnian). Then he added, "However, in matters of state, vision and precision are essential. Prince Aurelian has demonstrated an extraordinary understanding of the mechanisms of trade and the needs of our two nations. Our empire hopes to work with leaders who share such vision."
It was not open support, but it was clear praise in front of all the Valerian nobles. Cassian's face turned bright red. Finnian kept smiling, but his wine glass was clenched too tightly.
The king, from his throne, nodded slowly. The third test had been won.
The next day, the official announcement was made: based on the assessment of the three tests, the new Crown Prince was Prince Aurelian.
The palace erupted. My supporters cheered, the others fell silent in shock. Cassian slammed his chair down and left. Finnian approached, bowing gracefully. "Congratulations, my brother. You deserve it." But the next whisper was only for my ears: "But watch your back. A throne won with words can be taken with a sword."
The coronation ceremony was scheduled for one month later. During that time, I had to stay safe.
But the enemy did not rest. Two nights after the announcement, a group of intruders tried to break into the wing of my palace. They were mercenaries, untraceable.
My guards, led by Kael, drove them away, but one of my guards was killed. They left a message scrawled in blood on the wall: "BLOODY THRONE."
It seemed like a warning from Cassian. He was going to use violence.
I knew I had to act. I couldn't wait to be attacked again. But attacking Cassian directly would make me look like a traitor who killed his brother.
So, I used my other weapon: information.
I had Cassian's sins: misuse of funds, cruel orders against villagers, the murder of a nobleman who had opposed him years ago. The evidence was gathered by the Purple Network. I didn't give it to the King, because that would have looked like a hasty attempt to bring down a rival.
Instead, I "leaked" some of the information to the King's most moralistic advisors. Let them be horrified and bring it to the King. That happened three days later. The Grand Advisor, an honest old man, confronted the King with the evidence.
The already ailing King was furious. He summoned Cassian, confronted him. Cassian denied it, but the evidence was too strong. The King, his voice trembling with rage and illness, removed Cassian from the succession forever and ordered him imprisoned in his castle in the south.
A great victory. But as Cassian was led away, he shouted at me, "This isn't over, Aurelian! I'll see you fall!"
Finnian was now the only remaining rival. And he was far more dangerous.
A week before the coronation, the King fell gravely ill. The royal physician said his time was almost up. The coronation was moved up to three days.
The night before the coronation, Finnian invited me to drink wine "as brothers." I was suspicious, but refusing would have looked cowardly. I came with a taster and a guard.
Finnian was friendly. He talked about our childhoods, about how different we were. Then, suddenly, he said, "You know, Aurelian, my father didn't actually intend to make you Crown Prince at first."
I was silent, waiting.
"He told me you were a last resort. It's just that you don't have as many enemies as the two of us. He thought you could be controlled." Finnian took a sip of his wine. "But you proved him wrong. You can't be controlled. That makes you dangerous."
"Or it makes me fit to lead," I replied.
"Perhaps." He nodded. "I have considered supporting you. On one condition."
"This isn't a negotiation, Finnian."
"Everything is a negotiation. My conditions are simple. Make me Chief Advisor. Give me control over domestic administration. And marry Lady Seraphina. That will unite the two most powerful families in the kingdom."
That was his offer. It was a clever offer. If I agreed, I would grant him great power and be bound to him by a political marriage. If I refused, he would become an enemy worth fighting.
"I'll consider it," I said, standing up to leave.
"Consider it quickly, my brother," said Finnian, still smiling. "Because tomorrow, when you are crowned, there are two possibilities: you will be my king...or my corpse."
The threat was clear. I left the room calmly, but inside, alarm bells were ringing.
Back in my room, I ordered Kael to double the guards. I also ordered the Purple Net to monitor Finnian and his supporters' every move.
My sleep was restless. I dreamed of the past: I saw the shots at the harbor, Viktor's blood flowing, and then my resurrection in this body. Was all this just so I could die again for the throne?
Dawn arrived. The day of the coronation.
The throne room was filled with nobles, knights, and high officials. King Alistair sat on the throne. His face was like a skull wrapped in skin, but he endured for the ceremony. I stood below him, wearing a purple and black robe of office with the prince's crown on my head.
The ritual was long. Oath after oath was sworn. Finally, the moment arrived. The High Priest lifted the royal crown, a gold ring set with sapphires and rubies.
"In the name of the gods and the people of Valeria, I crown you, Aurelian Valerius, as crown prince and heir to the throne."
Suddenly, the hall doors burst open with a loud bang. Finnian walked in, followed by a group of armed guards. "STOP!"
Everything became chaotic. The palace guards drew their swords. Finnian walked to the center of the room.
"Father! Before the crown is given, I have proof that Aurelian is unworthy. He has used forbidden magic!"
A gasp swept through the room. Using magic was the greatest sin, punishable by death.
"What is your proof?" the king asked weakly.
Finnian took an object out of his pocket. It was a small clay statue with black hair (my hair) glued on top and strange symbols. "This was found in his secret basement!" He used ancient magic to manipulate minds and make Father and everyone else support him. That explains his drastic change!"
It was a clever forgery. The statue must have been planted by one of my servants. Someone who knew my secret room very well. I saw Leo, my spy, standing among them. His face was pale, and he avoided my gaze. Traitor.
All eyes were on me. Even the king looked uncertain.
This was a critical moment. If I argued emotionally, I would appear guilty. If I remained silent, I would be punished.
I took a step forward, my voice calm and clear. "If it's magic, Finnian, then it's very bad magic." I raised my hand to show that my fingers were free of rings except for my signet ring. "Magic requires focus and components. I've been surrounded by people the whole time. When would I have had time for a ritual? And why would I keep that object in a place where it could easily be found?" I looked at Finnian. "Unless someone planted it there to trap me."
"Liar!" Finnian shouted. "Arrest him!"
Several of his guards stepped forward. But then another voice rang out.
"STOP!"
Lady Seraphina stepped out of the crowd, her father, Duke Ignatius, beside her. "I can testify," she said clearly. "Prince Aurelian has spent a great deal of time in my father's library and archives. Studying history and law. Not magic. I also know..." She pointed at Leo, the traitorous servant. "…that the servant received a secret visit from one of Prince Finnian's agents three nights ago. I saw it myself."
It was a lie, but she delivered it with incredible conviction. She was risking her reputation for me.
Finnian was shocked. "You...you're lying!"
"Should we interrogate the servant?" challenged Duke Ignatius, his voice echoing. "Under oath to the gods?"
Leo trembled violently, then fell to his knees. "Forgive me! Forgive me! Prince Finnian ordered me! He threatened my family!"
The room exploded with commotion. Finnian's face red with anger and panic, he drew his sword. "Silence, slave!"
But it was too late. The palace guards loyal to the king surrounded Finnian and his men.
With the last of his strength, the King stood up. "Finnian...my son..." His voice broke. "You have tried to kill your brother not once, but twice. And now, with despicable slander." He sighed deeply, like the wind whispering in a graveyard. "Take him away. Lock him in the north tower. Forever."
Finnian screamed and struggled, but he was disarmed and taken away. His last glance at me was filled with pure hatred.
Then, a tense silence fell over the hall. The king looked at me and nodded to the high priest.
"Continue."
The crown was placed on my head. Heavy. Cold.
"By the power vested in me, I declare you, Aurelian Valerius, Crown Prince of Valeria. Long live the Crown Prince!"
"LONG LIVE THE CROWN PRINCE!" echoed the cheers from across the hall.
I stood up, turning to face the crowd. There, among the cheering faces and the stunned faces, I saw him: the King smiled slightly, then slumped in his throne. The physician rushed forward.
He died a few hours later, peacefully, they said.
And just like that, in one day, I became Crown Prince... and de facto King, because the throne was now empty.
That night, in the King's private chambers, now my room, I stood on the balcony, looking out over the kingdom that was now my responsibility. The crown lay on my desk, reflecting the moonlight.
Kael entered, bowing. "Your Majesty. All is secure. Finnian's supporters have been detained. Cassian remains imprisoned."
"Good." I didn't turn around. "And Lady Seraphina?"
"She and her father are waiting below, if you wish to thank them."
I nodded. They had saved me. Debts must be paid.
But first, I had to make sure this throne was secure. My enemies were still alive, albeit imprisoned. The nobles are still uncertain. And the Southern Empire is watching.
Viktor Dragov finally has his own kingdom. But as I've always known, seizing power is one thing. Holding onto it is an entirely different story.
I hold the crown, feeling its weight. This isn't the end. It's just the beginning of a bigger game.
And I'm ready to play.