Chapter Twenty-five
KYELLA
Myrin had been wrong about one thing: that the knowledge of her identity would somehow hurt or break the trust and love the people of the Tridian Empire had for her.
And while I was sure her initial concern was well founded—especially considering those bastard lords I had to deal with earlier—it had never been so clear to me just how much she was loved as a leader, no matter her identity.
By this time the news of her death, and her identity, had likely reached most parts of the empire.
The front courtyard of the castle, where new recruits had gathered recently to go to war, was filled to the brim with citizens that had arrived for Myrin’s vigil that night.
Hundreds, if not over a thousand people gathered, some willing to stand outside of the castle gates when the courtyard filled completely, to honor the life Myrin had lived.
To show their respect for the incredible Empress she had been for them.
We stood on a constructed platform near the castle entrance overlooking the courtyard as the gentle night-time wind filled the space with the scent of the sea.
My dark dress shifted against my frame, caressing my legs and making me shiver as goosebumps raised all over my body.
I assumed the platform was typically utilized to give speeches to the citizens of the Tridian Empire—just like the one I would be giving soon—but I had no doubt it had never been used by Myrin.
I could see citizens staring up at us in curiosity and confusion as Elijah rubbed my back gently.
Dakath and Kolvar stood slightly behind us, talking in low tones.
The citizens likely wondered who the hell I was.
It was fair, but the idea that they wouldn’t accept me simply because I was an outsider made my stomach turn.
Tristan and Bailey were with us as well, with Rina standing between them, though they stood further back.
Barnabus circled above the balcony before landing on the side railing of the platform.
While I had never been to a vigil before and wasn’t entirely sure what it included, it was clear there was some type of custom involved.
Each person who arrived carried a candle, though they varied in sizes and colors.
When I’d asked my men what the ceremony entailed before coming here, they told me they wanted me to see it with my own eyes, that it was hard to describe the beauty that could exist in a shared moment of grief.
Elijah had brought six white and gold candles, and they rested on a small table nearby. The full moon hung heavily in the sky, casting a gentle light on the scene. It felt surreal, watching the teeming crowd looking toward the castle for guidance in their time of mourning.
Suddenly, as if on an unspoken cue, Elijah stepped forward and spoke clearly. “We are gathered here today to honor our fallen Empress. Hold your candles as we pay tribute by sharing the flame.”
A hush fell over the crowd, and I watched with interest as the citizens listened to him with rapt attention.
He walked toward the small table that held our candles, turning to pass one to each of us.
I took mine last, inhaling a shaky breath as Elijah used a match to light his own.
My hands trembled as he turned, using the flame from his candle to light the wick on each of ours.
I noticed briefly that the others closed their eyes after their candles were lit.
I nearly did the same, but Elijah grabbed my attention by speaking softly.
“Take your candle to the stairs on the right side of the platform and light the flame of the person waiting there, and I will do the same on the left.”
Following his directive, I approached a woman whose eyes filled with tears as she lifted her candle, waiting for me to light the flame of mourning.
She softly thanked me before turning to walk down the steps.
I watched as she neared the far side of the crowd and offered her flame to a man there, which started a line of people sharing their flames with one another.
I watched in awe at the scene unfolding before me.
I walked back toward my men and stood next to Dakath, watching the crowd from above.
When he spoke against the shell of my ear, I leaned further against him.
“It’s a tradition to come to the vigil with a candle to honor the fallen.
The purpose is to feel a sense of community as we share the flame and our grief.
After all of the candles have been lit, each person says their own goodbye.
The flame is representative of Myrin’s spirit.
The candles remain lit until the first person who lit their flame, in this case Elijah, blows theirs out, indicating that everyone gathered was able to light their candle, stand together as a community, and share their grief, if only for a moment. ”
“That’s beautiful,” I said, my voice choking with emotion.
It was a stunning and awe-inspiring way to show unity and compassion in the face of such stark grief. Looking down at my own candle, I closed my eyes and offered a small goodbye.
Thank you, Myrin. You’ve given me the opportunity for not only freedom, but the chance to provide it to so many across the Cursed Divide.
Your selfless and courageous spirit will forever be honored in my mind.
I hope I am able to embrace the legacy you left in your wake and make you proud. I promise to lead with love, always.
I kept my eyes closed for a few seconds, feeling the hot prick of tears welling behind my eyelids. Chills ran along my skin, and when I finally opened them again, it was to see the entire courtyard bathed in a warm glow that left me feeling a bit overwhelmed.
I couldn’t stop the tears from falling, and I didn’t move to wipe them away, allowing myself to feel every bit of this moment.
Elijah stepped forward, making it clear it was time to blow out the candles.
I gently caught his hand, and he looked down at me, warmth in his gaze as he nodded, understanding what I was silently asking for.
Without a word, I blew out my candle—starting a cascade of the same action, until the entire courtyard was illuminated by moonlight and the torches lining the castle walls.
The silence that followed the candles being blown out was peaceful for a moment, but it wasn’t long before nervous energy began to filter back in, eyes falling expectantly on those of us gathered on the platform.
It was my time to speak to those gathered. However, the nerves I felt from before had completely disappeared as a strength filled my chest. I swallowed around the lump that formed in my throat at the thought that the strength infusing my body felt as if it had come directly from Myrin herself.
Placing my candle back on the table, I took in a deep breath before stepping to the ledge.
I felt the weight of this moment all the way from the top of my head to the tips of my toes.
I squared my shoulders, refusing to let the weight crush me.
I was the Empress now, and I needed to convey my strength.
I had to be a pillar for them all to look to and lean on, and it was time to act like it.
“We lost a remarkable woman and Empress today. One who brought the Tridian Empire to the level of prosperity and peace that we know today.” I spoke in a loud, clear tone, my voice filling the space.
A hush fell over the crowd, and I took another deep breath as I pushed my shoulders back just a little further.
“She was a woman who sacrificed everything in her life for this empire, to give the very best for her people. We will not only bring her vision to fruition, but we will grow and push forward—to show the world that freedom, and the way of life here in our land, is something that can be experienced by everyone, no matter what land their feet walk upon.”
“And who are you? Why should we trust or even listen to you?!” Someone yelled out from the crowd, and a murmur of confused whispers followed the man’s words. I let out a steady breath before responding the best I could, maintaining confidence but also being honest.
I knew that this would likely happen. They had no reason to trust me.
“Kyella,” I announced. “My name is Kyella, and I have been named Empress in Myrin’s place—I am her successor.”
Whispers broke out immediately at my declaration.
Some were filled with confusion and others with surprise, but I continued loudly.
I didn’t want to ignore them, but I needed to ensure my message was heard.
“I understand the confusion you must feel. I understand your doubt. I understand that to many of you, I am an unknown. Yes, that can be terrifying, but what I need you to know is that I am here to lead and serve this empire to the best of my abilities. I am not here to disrupt your way of life or tear down what has been built here—I am here to continue Myrin’s work.
To build up the citizens and the empire, equally, as we navigate these unknown waters together. ”
The voices quieted, so I pushed forward, trying to not overthink any of the distrusting and confused expressions I spotted in the crowd. It was hard when I was staring right at them, but I understood they were likely feeling a lot of fear right now.
I hoped that by being vulnerable and opening up to them, I could help ease those fears.
“I come from a very different background than many of you.
The freedom that the Tridian Empire thrives under is something that is new to me.
My family was killed by the Emperor we are to march against in war, and I was then held as an unwilling Thrall to him.
I know the pain that those still suffering under his rule experience every day.
“When I came to this land, I felt the love and respect you all hold for one another…It is something I want to spread to those still trapped in the Thaician Empire. And I will sacrifice to keep that a fundamental part of this nation. I want to ensure that all of you, and your loved ones for generations to come, have the freedom you have come to view as normal, while providing it to those waiting for us across the Cursed Divide as well.”
This time, I saw looks of compassion and nods of understanding in return, giving me the strength I needed to push on.
“I want to create and live in a world where vampyres and humans are truly equal everywhere. So while I understand your doubt, I am here asking you to give me a chance to fight for that vision. Your Empress believed in me. She had faith in what I could do for this empire. If you give me the opportunity, I can, and will, become the leader that she believed me to be for you all.”
I felt the energy of the crowd shift, as they seemed to look at me with less apprehension and perhaps an ounce of respect.
I inhaled and said, “Your Empress kept her identity a secret the entire time she ruled, not willing to let her status as a woman distract from her strengths as a leader. She was under the impression that people wouldn’t respect her or perceive her as strong and capable enough to rule this empire if they knew the truth.
Because of this, she sacrificed everything for her beloved empire—it came first in all things in her life.
Maintaining secrecy about her identity was one of the strongest, most selfless things she could have done, and I will not let that legacy be forgotten. But I will not rule behind a mask.”
I paused for effect, meeting the eyes of as many of those gathered as I could.
I let my gaze linger on some of the faces that had seemed doubtful before I started speaking as I continued, “I know this empire can do better. In a place where humans and vampyres are equal—surely so are men and women. A place that offers so much freedom should extend that to every citizen and then share it with the rest of the world. We should be a beacon of hope for all of those who come here. For all of those who are trapped under a reign of terror, where freedom and equality are things they could only hope for.”
“Yes!” A woman yelled from the crowd, and before I knew it, the roaring sound of cheers were ringing out from the audience.
Emotion clogged my throat, but I forced it down.
“I will lead this nation to free those who don’t realize there is another way of life.
That was what Myrin wanted, and my first act as Empress is to bring that war to those who wish to suppress us.
We will not falter. We will stand together, shoulder to shoulder, with our friends, family, and neighbors as a united front. ”
Nods and determined expressions spread throughout the entire crowd, and I tilted my head up, feeling more hopeful than ever.
“A ruthless war is coming to the doorstep of the Thaician Empire. We will prevail, of that I have no doubt. Do you know why? Because we possess a ruthless love for our people and our empire, and love will always win.”