An: So sorry for the delay, I had a tough day. Happy reading!!
The Divine Council stood in reverent silence as Jian Rui reached the center. There, he made his oath. Not to the council, not to the throne, but to the people of Virelia. His voice carried across the shrine, solemn and resolute, binding him to the empire's fate.
In that moment, Jian Rui felt the weight of years lift from his shoulders. He could protect them all—his mother, his brothers, his lover, his in-laws, and every soul who looked to him for guidance.
He removed the blindfold, his gaze sweeping across the gathered assembly. His eyes found his brothers, and for the first time in years, he allowed himself to breathe freely. The burden he had carried with his family now had the full support of the empire.
The divine had appointed him, but it was love and loyalty that gave him strength.
