Ruby Empire Epilogue (complete)

    Thirteen years have come and gone since I took the Ruby Empire and made it my own. Thirteen years of working to unify it all into the Unified Nations of Demir. But today is not about that or about my accomplishments. Today I am traveling to the Rakshasa Court for the achievements of one very amazing boy.

    Dhaval, firstborn of Amit, is being crowned today. Amit has stepped down, which breaks my heart more than I can say. Amit was my closest confidant and friend, in all these years he never led me astray. Dhaval will make a fine leader though, he has the greatest qualities of both his parents, although looking at him he reminds me very much of Amit. His expression and mannerisms are taken straight from his father’s book.

    I have watched all these children from all these nations grow, and most of them are no adults and taking over for their families. They will become the fingers to my son’s own hand.

    “Dad, you’re crying,” Orrick says.

    I look down at smile at him. He’s just turned fourteen, but he is so much like his mother is astounds me. “Am I?” I laugh.

    Orrick arches his brows at me. “Mama told me to keep you in line.”

    “She fears I’ll come home and demand another child once your little sister arrives.” I chuckle and pat his back. “This coronation has me reminiscing on the past,” I tell him. “Do not judge me for getting sentimental.”

    “Mama says you’re just getting mental,” Orrick replies.

    I grin and thinking that hopefully, his sister will be more like me. “Do you have the gift for Maitri?” I ask him.

    He scowls and looks away from me. “How do you know about that?”

    “I’m your father!” I chuckle. I then look up, seeing the gates of the Rakshasa Court open. Once inside the streets are aglow with activity. The people are celebrating and having festivities. There are Rakshasa and Gnolls mingling together, there are Centaur and Tieflings. 

    We come to the entrance to the palace where I am greeted by someone who holds a special place in my heart, more so than Amit.

    Chiyo grins as she comes up to me. “Long time no see,” she replies. Behind her, there are two matching children. 

    I kneel before Chiyo and then hug her. “It has been far too long, dear friend.”

    Chiyo sighs and after the hug she touches my cheek. “My god, when did you start to grey?”

    “My mother greyed early,” I laugh. 

    “You sure ruling an entire nation didn’t cause it?” Chiyo laughs. She turns to Orrick and hugs him. “It’s good to see you, young man.”

    “Thanks, Auntie Chiyo.” He fidgets as Chi and Maitri come forward. They’re both dressed in ceremonial robes. Chi is in red while Maitri is in green.

    “H-hi Maitri,” Orrick ducks his head as the girl approaches him.

    Maitri tilts her head at him. “Hi,” she giggles.

    To my pleasure, my son and Maitri have been hitting things off. I had hoped he would marry Damini, but my adoration for Chiyo makes me happy I could be related to her in the future.

    “Where is your sister?” I ask Chiyo as we make our way into the palace.

    “She’s been preparing for this coronation for ages,” she answers. “She’s been tending to Dhaval mostly when she’s not in the kitchens or dealing with decorations.”

    “And what have you been doing?” I chuckle.

    “Making sure she doesn’t get caffeine,” Chiyo winks at me. 

    Chiyo leads me to the ballroom where many other royals in my Unified Nations have gathered. To my shock, I see Gregori the Polar King and his family in attendance. I see Briefstienn who has become a king in his own right. There’s king Niran and his numerous brood. 

    “So many people have attended,” I murmur.

    “Amit isn’t just well-liked by you,” Chiyo replies. “Amit is adored by many. Poor Dhaval,” she sighs, shaking her head.

    “Poor Dhaval?” I quip.

    Chiyo nods. “Amit has big shoes to fill. Dhaval has always struggled with nerves after the wars. He’s worried.”

    “Take me to him,” I reply.

    Chiyo shrugs and leads me back towards Mythri and Amit’s bedroom. Inside, the entire royal family is there. Amit stands to greet me, but Mythri doesn’t leave her son’s side.

    “Thank you for coming,” Amit replies. His glasses are much thicker than they used to be and some of the stripes around his face have begun to fade.

    “Why thank me for such a thing?” I laugh. “I am here because I love your family.”

    Mythri looks up and smiles at me. “We adore you too Demir.” She then looks back at Dhaval who has a handwritten speech clutched in his hands.

    “I was told our king to be was nervous,” I stride over towards the desk and put my hand on his shoulder. “I wish to talk to him.”

    “We have tried,” Mythri whispers. 

    “I’m sorry, Demir,” Dhaval says with a quaking voice. “I do not mean to be so out of sorts while you have come to see me.” He looks up at me with the eyes of his mother but the face of his father. 

    “Listen,” I kneel down as I can face him eye to eye. “Back when I was your age, I was nothing. I was a slave and considered a burden. But I stood up and did what I knew in my heart was right. Leaders do what is right by their people. Your father has always been the shining example of that. I know that is why you are nervous, Dhaval.”

    The young man looks aside and down.

    “You are not Amit,” I tell him. “You are something better.”

    Dhaval lifts his eyes back to me.

    “You are his son, the greatest parts of Amit. You are also the son of Mythri, and you have the greatest parts of her. You are not your father, you are you. You don’t need to be anything else. You’ve had the best education in leadership out of anyone who has come to honor you.” I squeeze his shoulder, and a soft smile starts to appear. 

    “The best thing you can do is find someone as amazing as your mother to marry,” I grin at him.

    Dhaval laughs, and he wipes at his eyes. “That’s what dad said too,” he chuckles.

    “And I’m right,” Amit growls.

    “I’ve been trying to get him a girlfriend for forever,” Himank scoffs from the bed where he and Damini are playing cards.

    “And I told him I would take the coronation today,” Damini replies. “But no!” She huffs and goes back to playing.

    I smirk, enjoying this royal family very much. I look back to Dhaval. “I have your back,” I tell him. “You will never be in this alone.”

    “I know,” Dhaval whispers.

    Mythri beams and kisses his cheek.

    “Ugh, mom,” he turns and rubs his cheek. “I keep having to wipe your lipstick off.”

    “Forgive me for loving you,” Mythri huffs, and she turns to me. “Thank you for your sage words, Demir.”

    I leave them, heading back to the ballroom. I look around again, seeing many familiar faces yet again. As I go to fetch a drink, I see Nadeem standing by himself towards the back of the room.

    “How is business in Culuweth?” I ask him as I approach.

    Nadeem chuckles. “Same as always I suppose,” he sighs.

    “Why are you alone?” I ask. “Is your wife and daughter not with you this evening?” 

    Nadeem sighs and looks around the room, his eyes darting over everyone. “They stayed at home. My wife isn’t feeling well.”

    “I hope everything is ok,” I say.

    Nadeem chuckles. “This new baby is making her sick at every turn,” he sighs. “I need to learn to leave her alone. Then again, she needs to leave me alone.” The smile on his face is that of a satisfied man.

    “How many does this make?” I laugh. “Every time I turn around she’s pregnant.”

    “It’s not that many,” Nadeem laughs. “This is our fourth.”

    I sigh and shake my head. “Dali is in the same state I’m afraid. I’m hoping after the coronation Orrick, and I can sneak out and head straight back home.”

    “Is she due any day?” Nadeem asks.

    I nod. “She is.” I then see a woman enter the room. Her blonde hair is done in a long braid, and she’s wearing all white. Standing beside her is a lizardman with deep yellow scales. Both of them have lost expressions on their face.

    “Excuse me, old friend,” I reply as I gather two more flutes of champagne. There is someone I must greet. 

    I go across the room to greet Aisling and Jasper. “I am so glad you two could make it.”

    The nervous expression on Aisling’s face melts as she takes the glass. “Demir, it’s good to see you,” she bows gently.

    “I hope you two had a safe journey,” I reply.

    “As safe as can be expected. The ports from the Cobra Strait aren’t what they used to be,” Jasper replies with his usual overserious tone.

    Years ago, back when Sorrick was starting the plans for the Unity Road, he came across Aisling and Jasper. He learned that Aisling was actually the daughter of a disgraced noble whose kingdom had turned against him in a bloody coup. Jasper had rescued her and taken her someone she would be safe.

    I returned Aisling her birthright, her kingdom, and restored her fortune. Her kingdom was home to a massive coal mine, something I had been wanting to harness. Ever since she and Jasper have been loyal allies to me and have provided the Unified Nations with coal ever since. The only thing is they both still consider themselves everyday people. Aisling had been raised separately from her family; basically, a prisoner to her father and Jasper had just been a knight. Even after all these years, they were still unsure how to be royals.

    “I am so happy to see you,” I tell them. “It warms my heart every time.”

    “What heart?” I hear growled from behind me.

    I glance down, see the Queen of the Polar, Katrina. 

    This woman terrifies me even more than own wife. The last time I visited the Polar, this woman had made me fear for my life. She’s vicious and calculating and wiser beyond her years. I had tried to get her and her husband, King Gregori, to be as close allies as Amit was. They gave me the bare minimum.

    Katrina smirks at me, her red eyes piercing into my soul.

    “Katrina,” I chuckle. “It is such an honor to see you.”

    “No, it isn’t,” Katrina huffs. “Stop lying.” She points to Aisling and Jasper. “I need to speak with these two, so you can move along.”

    For some reason, Aisling and Katrina have become very close. Then again, the Polar is very reliant on coal so their two kingdoms are as close as can be. 

    I leave them, afraid of Katrina and what she might say to me, her tongue is like the sharpest sword. I leave the ballroom, stepping out into the garden and taking in the fresh air. 

    When the Gnolls declared war on the Rakshasa, this garden had been decimated and burnt to a crisp. It was a garden that had stood the test of time for centuries. I remember how Mythri wept over its loss. But she knew what was important, and had the homes of her people restored first before anything on the palace was fixed. That was when a miracle occurred. The charred and burnt garden was suddenly turning green. Sprouts were popping up from the blackened earth. The people of the Rakshasa Court came and planted their own plants in the garden. Queen Imani came, bringing with her an orchard of saplings. Hebbar, the Golem King, brought the richest earth from his kingdom to plant the new garden.

    This garden was the first truly unified piece of land under my hand. All nations had donated their time to it. The Golems, the North, the port of Obresh, the Lizardfolk, all had come to help Amit and his kingdom. They restored the palace and I, in turn, made the Rakshasa Court the capital of the Unified Nations. It was a neutral territory where all my disputes and the disputes of the other kingdoms were solved. 

    I could have easily made my home and my lands the capital, but it didn’t feel right. I wanted it to be somewhere where everyone could trust and look to with pride in their eyes and hearts. The Rakshasa Court, no, it wasn’t just that. It was because of Amit and Mythri I was able to achieve what I did. Without their support, I would still be fighting.

    “Demir,” a soft voice calls out.

    I turn as Mythri approaches me and I bow before her, laying my hands and arms on the ground. “My Queen.”

    Mythri rolls her eyes. “Oh, stop that now.” She makes me stand up. “ Dhaval is about to make his speech to the people,” she says. “I would like you to be with us.”

    I shake my head. “I am not family,” I chuckle. “This is an honor for your people.”

    “You are family,” Mythri tells me as she takes my hand. “And Dhaval admires you so greatly. He also wants you by his side when he hosts his first summit.”

    I sigh and smirk. I had made it a tradition that, once a year, there is a summit of all the royals. Much like the first one hosted in Obresh by Lord Nictis. It is my way to honor the royals as well as hear them out on matters most important to them. The summits were held in the Rakshasa Court. Dhaval has sat in one many of the meetings but this year was his first leading it.

    “I was hoping to be able to escape after the coronation,” I confess.

    “Chiyo has already promised to lend you Addor for a quick trip home. I know Dali is in an awful sorts with this new baby,” Mythri replies. “I’ve prepared her a goodie basket for when you return home.”

    “You can always read my mind,” I smile at her.

    Mythri winks. She’s still as beautiful and ageless as she ever was, but there are fine lines at the corners of her eyes now, and she has laugh lines by her mouth that have been well earned. Ever since I reunited her with her family, she has thought of me like a brother. She writes me and my family often as well as send gifts. My Dali has become reliant on her shipments of tea, spices, and wine. 

    “No one does wine like the Rakshasa,” Dali always tells me.

    Since becoming pregnant again, she has gone without her special treats from Mythri. The goodie basket will brighten her mood.

    “I know Dhaval has dealt with anxiety since the wars,” I murmur. “Does he not blame me for it?”

    Mythri is solemn for a moment. “I don’t think it occurs to him to blame anyone. For the longest time, he tried to deal with it on his own. Amit and I knew something was wrong, but he would never tell us. He was afraid we would judge him.” She looks out over the garden. “For a moment, I thought of blaming you, but what would that get me? As Royals, we should expect some form of resentment. Hatred spreads like a disease. Bethsabe gave it to her people, the Gnolls spread it to us, and it grew and grew.” She closes her eyes. “That hatred is almost gone because of you and your dreams, Demir.” She looks back up at me. “Dhaval may have his nerves, but he’s alive, and you have a big hand in that.”

    I take Mythri’s hand and squeeze it. I know she’s nervous today as well, after all, her child is becoming king.

    I go with Mythri and stand on the platform with her and the rest of the royal family. Dhaval unfolds his speech, and his eyes scan the crowd below. The turnout is monumentous, all of the Rakshasa colonies are in attendance. 

    Dhaval glances back once before looking back out over the crowd. “Thank you,” the words come from him sincerely. “Thank you for coming here today. I am beyond humbled at seeing all of you here. It isn’t every day that a boy takes over for a great man.”

    I look over and see Mythri trying to keep strong. Amit’s arm is around her, and he too looks like a moment away from crumbling.

    “I never expected to ever step into my father’s place. If I am being honest I never wanted to,” he chuckles nervously. “I always wanted my father where he was. My hero, your hero. I know for many of you Amit was the pinnacle of what a king, or what a man, should be. He was that for me too. My father and my mother are the best teachers a life can provide. I was lucky.” Dhaval swallows and I see how his eyes shimmer. 

    “I want...to be half of what my parents are because I don’t know if that mold can ever be filled again. But I will try, and I will work myself to the bone to be as decent and wise and loving as they are,” a few tears slip down his cheek. 

    “This is not the end,” Dhaval’s voice cracks and I must confess I felt tears in my eyes as well. 

    “I am not Amit, far from.” Dhaval laughs. “I am Dhaval, and though I may be new, I hold in my heart everything my father has taught me along with everything my mother has given. I will not disappoint you. And if I do, I will die trying to earn your trust back.”

    Amit comes up behind Dhaval, placing the crown upon his head.

    The crowd erupts, and I watch as Mythri weeps into her hands, not sad, but triumphant in knowing she’s raised a king to be proud of.

    Dhaval rushes back, embracing his parents. Very much a man, but still a loving child. 

    “You did great, kid,” I then stop and laugh. “I mean, your majesty.”

    Dhaval wipes at his eyes. “I really tried not to cry.”

    “We all did, but crying is a testament of strength, not weakness.” I clap my hand to his shoulder. “I am proud of you.”

    That evening, Dhaval and the other children vanish from the party. I find them in the garden where they are eating and playing on their own. Dhaval is sitting beside Mila, daughter of King Gregori. Before them, Damini is showing off her dancing and teaching a few of the younger children. Orrick and Maitri is sitting together, feeding each other and giggling as they whisper to one another. Himank is sitting in the midst of all of Niran’s children, flourishing and posing as he tells a story. 

    This new generation is so close to one another, even if their ages are far apart. It gives me hope and fills me with pride. In all my dreams and hopes for the future, this was exactly what I wanted. Countries once at war with one another now feasting and celebrating together. If I died this evening, I would know my cause was just.

    The next morning, I go to the dining hall and find Dhaval sitting at the head of the table by himself.

    “Everything ok, sir?” I ask him.

    He looks up from his papers and notebooks and sighs. “I am.”

    I go and stand beside him. “Your speech yesterday was remarkable,” I say. “You’ll do just fine here.”

    Dhaval’s expression is serious and distant. “I was preparing my notes, and everything and all I could think of was when I was little and watching my dad do the same thing. He would go over everything so many times and with such a fine eye. I used to sit by his feet and listen to him whisper under his breath. I always thought my dad was the smartest person in the world, now I just realize he had the same anxiety I do.”

    Dhaval looks up at me. “It makes me feel better when I think that.”

    I smile at him. “Amit was a good king because he did worry, but when it mattered, he always knew when to act. I have watched you grow up Dhaval I have seen you go from a quiet little boy into this wise young man. If I had any doubts, I would not be here today. I have full faith in you as a leader and not just because of Amit.”

    Dhaval chuckles and looks back down at his notes. “Most of the people who will fill this room are like family to me. But somehow that makes me more nervous.”

    “Only worry about Imani,” I tell him with a smirk. “That’s what your father used to tell me.”

    Dhaval laughs and grins. “I love Aunt Imani, but she loves to argue.”

    The doors open and Amit steps in, his ears flick forward then he clears his throat. “Already in here, I see.” He takes the seat to Dhaval’s right.

    “Just preparing,” Dhaval replies. 

    Amit looks around the table and stares off into the distance. He takes a deep breath. “I always wondered how this day would go. I’ve gotten more soft than I expected.”

    I chuckle and look up as the door opens again. Iman I walks in with her daughter, Aksha, beside her. The girl is petite and wide-eyed, very dainty and pretty.

    “Good morning,” Imani says. “My king, Amit.” She turns her nose up at me, always has and probably always will.

    “Good morning,” Dhaval clears his throat.

    “How is it being king?” Aksha asks.

    “Heavy,” Dhaval breathes.

    The room soon begins to fill up with royals and nobles from around the land. There’s Hebbar, Czernobog, Nadine, Briefstienn, Niran. I can’t help but smile as I admire at all these allies I have made.

    “Come to order,” Dhaval says, his voice stern. It gave me pause for a moment because he sounded just like Amit. “Let’s start by going over old business from last week.”

    Niran stands and raises his hand. For a moment, I see Dhaval waver, but he holds his paw out towards him.

“Is there something you need to say?”

Niran nods. “I don’t mean to interrupt,” he says with a smile. “It’s just, I feel it is something that needs to be said, from one king to another. It is a disappointment to see Amit step aside.”

I see the look in Dhaval’s eyes, but his expression never shifts.

Niran shakes his head, his smile not wavering. “But it is not so to see you standing there. I remember when Amit took the throne and how I thought this country was in a world of trouble.” 

A wave of laughter starts with Imani and Amit who both eye each other knowingly. 

Niran chuckles then takes something from his bag and approaches Dhaval with it. “But that was far from the case, as we all know. Amit became a king worth loving, and I have no doubt in my heart when I look at you, King Dhaval. You are a king worth loving.”

He removes the purple silk to reveal a leather-bound tome. “This is the Book of Nations,” Niran replies. “A ledger and treasure of all the kingdoms in the Unified Nations. Keep this close, for it is a book of friends.”

“Thank you, sir,” Dhaval whispers as he takes the book. “I have,” he laughs, “something like this in my room.” He smoothes his hand down the cover.

“Actually, this was a story I was hoping to tell for later, but now seems fitting.” He looks across the room of royals. “I think all of you remember when I sat in on my first summit. I was eleven and wearing this turquoise robe my mother handpicked for me. I sat by my father, and I asked for a pen and paper. I took notes of the entire meeting. I took notes on everyone who was here. I wanted to memorize the list so the next time I saw you, I would know you.”

He looks back at the Book of Nations. “I remember being awed by Imani’s passion, floored by Hebbar’s loyalty, I was terrified of Czernobog-”

From his corner of the table, Czernobog snorted and clapped his hands.

“Yes, exactly,” Dhaval smiles and motions to the Unseelie King. “But most importantly, I wanted to ask each of you a question about what it was like being a ruler, or what it was like to be so important. Because as the first born son, I was terrified of my position.

“I still keep your replies to me in my own Book of Nations, and it is what has helped me get to today. I want to thank all of you for being here, and I hope to spend many years with all of you.” Dhaval smiles and he raises his paw. “Shall we return to old business then?”

The Summit commences in the same fashion it always has. Old business is discussed, and new business is brought to the front. Dhaval is very much like his father, taking in things and writing every word down. He leads the meeting and isn’t afraid to speak up when things get out of hand. 

At the end of the Summit, as everyone is dismissed, I watch as Dhaval steps outside onto the veranda with Princess Mila of the Polar. Amit guides me outside, and I know he is proud because I am beyond proud.

Outside the door, Mythri is waiting with Chirayu, Damini, and Himank.

“How was he?” Himank bounces with excitement.

“He was fantastic,” Amit chuckles. “I couldn’t have done a better job myself.”

“Where is he?” Mythri asks.

“He’s talking with Mila,” Amit replies as he walks down the hall. “I think he needs a moment before his family pounces him.”

“And where might my son be?” I ask.

“He was out in the gardens with Maitri last I saw him,” Mythri answers.

I leave them to go find my son. As I step out into the garden, I see quite a sight. Maitri and Orrick are sharing a very sweet kiss. Maitri is all aglow and excited while Orrick looks baffled and unsure of himself.

“Can you believe it?”

I nearly jump from my skin. I turn around and see Chiyo perched up in the rafters, looking down on the children in the garden. 

“How long have you been there?” I whisper.

Chiyo slips down, using me as footing. She sits on my back and laughs. “Long enough,” she answers. “I suppose you’re getting your wish.”

“What wish?” I ask.

“Don’t play stupid you old mule,” Chiyo snips at me. “You’ve been aiming to get your blood into our family for ages.” She flicks my ear then slips off my back. “Perhaps there was nothing we could do from the beginning. Maybe Orrick and Maitri were fated from the beginning. Who knows? I’ve never believed in such nonsense.”

“After everything you have been through and seen, you still don’t think fate is at play? Not even a little?” I look down at her.

“I believe in what I see,” Chiyo replies. She looks up at me. “When I see it happen I believe in it.”

I chuckle and look back into the garden as Orrick and Maitri are joined by Chi and a few other children. Orrick is blushing like a fool and from the looks of things can’t remember how to use his legs.

“Is this what you saw?” Chiyo asks me. “All those years ago back when you decided to start your crusade, was this the dream you had?”

I grin and laugh. “Those were my exact thoughts yesterday during the feast,” I tell her. “I saw all the children in the garden together. Dhaval, Orrick, Maitri, Chi, all of them. Their ages are sparse, but all of them went through the same things. They all shared the same journeys. Their all friends and love one another.”

“Is that the long way of saying yes?” Chiyo scoffs.

I laugh and nod. “Yes. That is the long way I am saying yes.”

I walk beside Chiyo for a long time in silence. “How is Addor?” I ask her.

“Old,” Chiyo answers. “He’s been taking care of his daughter, and that has given him some peace. But I do not think he will be with us much longer.”

“I’m sorry,” I whisper.

Chiyo places her hand on her heart. “I can feel it inside me,” she murmurs. “We’ve been bonded for so long, and I know him as well as I know myself. I’m not sure what I will do without him.”

“I am not sure what the world will do without him,” I reply. “Dragons are scarce these days, and it frightens me,” I shake my head. “This world, all our land, was built by dragons and their power. We owe everything to them and if they are dying out then what will become of us?”

“We’ll perish,” Chiyo says with a shrug. 

I smirk at her. “I thought you said you don’t believe in things you cannot see.”

“I’ve seen death,” Chiyo answers. “I believe in it.” She turns to the window. “I can feel Addor dying, and there is a deep dread that comes along with it. Not grief. This feeling is different. It’s powerful and unnerving. Like you said, without dragons what are we?”

“Perhaps that is what we should find out,” I murmur.

Chiyo glares at me. “What do you mean?”

“Perhaps I should have been doing this all along,” I stare into the distance. “I wanted to unify our world, but I never included the dragons because I was afraid of them. But now...I see that was my first mistake.”

“You want to talk to the dragons?” Chiyo asks me. “And do what?”

“Save them,” I answer. “And save us.”