Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 6

began to recognize the sword in his hand.
    "It was given to me."
    He watched her face grow mottled with rage, "It means nothing."
    "It means everything."
    "I will not be held prisoner by the voices of invisible Old Gods that sit upon their pedestal and dictate what man should do. This Empire is mine. Not theirs. I earned it. I claimed it."
    "You stole it."
    "And you think to take it back? What makes you believe that you can do so? What makes you believe that you have the strength?"
    "I could explain it, but words are meaningless. Years from now, only my actions will be remembered. You laid the parameters for this duel and I have agreed. Now," Chien flicked the sword, taking a moment to admire the balance of the weapon in his hand, "I would prefer to end this."
    "Cocky little brat."
    "I have waited thirteen years for this moment. Thirteen years of groveling, of watching while your disgusting sons lorded over this palace and watching as you ran this Empire into destruction. Thirteen years of watching my people turn to our enemies to save them from your rule. Thirteen years of vengeance burning inside of me. I have had thirteen years, my aunt, to contemplate the different ways I would enjoy seeing you die. And at last it will come to pass."
    "Not yet my, dear nephew." She sat back in her throne, Chien's throne, and flicked her hand, "As the prince has spoken, the rules have been set forth. He has challenged his cousins for their position."
    Tuan and Minh stood, and Chien realized just what she planned. "The both of them. At once."
    "Better to get it over with quickly, do you not agree?"
    To his surprise, it was Bao who stepped forward, "This is hardly fair, Empress."
    "Quiet, General. The future of our Empire is at stake and you expect fair?"
    "You would pit your trained sons against a child who has barely lifted a sword in his life." What was the Bao doing? "How would beating a single child like that show your strength to the Empire?"
    "He has committed treason. I do not think he intends to stop with this attempt. What would you suggest, my General?"
    "Banish him then. Or hold him under tighter guard. Make it clear how little a threat you find him."
    "I wonder, General, why you plead so hard for his life."
    "Because he is nothing to you, Empress, and you should show such through your actions."
    The Empress seemed to honestly consider his words. "Many have considered your compassion to be your weakness, General, but I have always considered it your greatest strength. It is clear that you care for the people of this Empire. You care to ensure that my rule remains strong. Never before have I felt reason to doubt the oath you gave me when I made you general."
    "I have never betrayed that oath, Empress."
    "But you would now. I knew you spent time with my nephew, but I had assumed you were not a part of this plot as well. Treason carries a heavy price, Bao."
    "Never once have I failed in my duty to you."
    "Did you know of my nephew's plans to poison my sons before he did so?"
    "I did not."
    "But you did afterward." She shook her head when he did not respond. "Men are so often led by their baser instincts. There are many who could warm your bed, yet you choose the one that would have my head. I will give you one last chance for loyalty, Bao. Step aside now and you may avoid the sharp end of my sword in punishment."
    "I will not."
    "Then you would break your oath? You would throw away your honor? For him?" The Empress was confused, as if she could not contemplate such a possibility.
    Bao did not respond to her, but Chien could see the play of emotions across his face. The toll it took for Bao to break his oath. The Empress's expression darkened. "There is a heavy price for treason, Bao. You will discover this once I have dealt with your lover." She waved to her sons once more and they pulled their weapons.
    When Bao went to pull his weapon as well, Chien stopped him with a hand on his arm. "What—"
    "This is my fight." His hand tightened for a moment and he felt reluctant to let go. "Thank you. For standing with me."
    "I did not betray you." But he had betrayed the Empress, and for all her wickedness, Chien could see that the betrayal weighed on him.
    "I know." He'd known from the beginning, but rage had allowed him to sink into despair. He could see clearer now. If he had only not been such a fool before, he might have seen it sooner. They might have spent a few remaining hours together. "When this is all over, we will