The Legend of Carmine

Norand is a vast kingdom in-terms of lands as well as military strength. And it is far more prosperous and rich in the economy compared to Lapen. It could be considered as one of the strongest nations and it had proven it by conquering all the nations around it. And at this point, only Lapen stood in its way to conquer further. So, they really wanted to conquer it to venture further in their conquest. Norand is in this conquest because it was the late Emperor's dying wish. Late Emperor and Empresses had died in an ambush while going for a peace treaty among the nations. And this ultimately pushed the current Emperor Cyanx and Prince Rulean to be determined as ever to fulfill Late Emperor's dying wish. Furthermore, they were able to reach their conquest goal at a rapid pace because both brothers worked together to achieve it. Norand was ruled by Emperor Cyanx, who looked into government and official matters whereas Prince Rulean was one of the greatest warriors of the nation and fought at the forefront of the battle. That is why the people loved them. Emperor Cyanx was 20 years old but was wise beyond his age and understood that to have good support in the court he needed to treat his subject well. He has a very calm nature and had an eye for people's abilities and talents. And he used it and put them in the right positions and treat each of them very well. This eventually made him a beloved Emperor.

On other hand, Prince Rulean was in a totally different league. Prince Rulean was 19 years old and was already a national hero for conquering so many nations vigilantly. Rulean had a short-tempered personality and sometimes could act on a whim. It could be said he was the polar opposite of Cyanx. Rulean was smart but not as bright as Cyanx. But he was a brave person and was a fast learner. Cyanx always thought highly of him and loved him dearly because he always felt that someday he will surpass his own ability. Besides Cyanx adored him a lot.

However, there was an open unspeakable secret of Norand's royalty and it could never be mentioned. And it was that the royal brothers were an only half brother.

The Late Emperor of Norand name was Nevaeh who immensely loved his first wife Celeste. And Celeste gave birth to Cyanx. However, Nevaeh was ambitious. So, to fulfill his dreams to form a large united nation he accepted a political marriage with Princess Erela. So, he could have enough military strength to forward his dream. Finally, when Erela got married and came into Norand palace. She realized that the Emperor only had Celeste in his heart and there was no place for her in his heart. And the reality hit her really hard. She thought of herself as a chess piece for her husband. Erela gave birth to Rulean but she was too sad and depressed with her life to live on and eventually, her health started to deteriorate. And finally, she was on her death bed bidding the Emperor good bye. Erela said, " Emperor, Do you know being a princess, how I was raised. I was raised to be a dutiful wife and queen. My whole life revolved around the idea that my prime duty is to marry the right man to shoulder my father's responsibility. And when I was bestowed to marry you. I knew that this was my life purpose. Alas, when I came here I realized that you never took me as your wife in your heart. It was just a pathway that helped you achieve your goals. Tell me, did you ever loved me?" But before the Emperor could answer Erela gave a deep sigh and said, "Forget it, I do not want to know it. His Imperial Majesty, I am on my death bed and keep thinking that my life had no purpose after all. You have wronged me in many ways. You got the strongest military you desired and conquered other nations using me."

Emperor could not say anything to her because every word she said was the bitter truth. He indeed never loved her.

"His imperial majesty, Will you grant me a wish? Since you own at least that much for me as your last duty as my husband."

Emperor knew that he owed her a lot and this was the only thing she had ever asked of him. As the emperor was lost in his thought.

Elera said," His imperial majesty, can you promise me one thing."

Emperor came out of his trance and she continued, "Emperor, I will not ask you to have me in your heart nor do I wish royal throne for my son. But I only hope you to love our son equally as you do of Celesta's. I do not want him to feel not loved like me."

Emperor said, "I know Elera, I have wronged you and not fulfill my duties if this is what you want then it shall be."

With those last words, Elera eventually died in peace with the agony of not being loved.

So, the Emperor and all the subjects treated both of the princes equally. Everyone except Empress Celesta. She did not shower the motherly tender love to Rulean as she did to Cyanx. And why would she, as for her he always reminded Elera presence in Emperor's life. Though Elera never got the Emperor's heart but Celesta could not even bear to share any affection of Emperor with another woman. Therefore, she always hated Elera and now Rulean. However, Emporer loved and adored Rulean very much. Emperor always guided Cyanx stating that he is Rulean's elder brother and he needs to look after him. Therefore, Cyanx always had a soft spot for Rulean. As they were growing together Celesta would only shower her love and attention to Cyanx and would barely acknowledge Rulean's presence. Rulean started to become mischievous just to get her attention and end up getting punishment from Celesta. But Rulean never stopped because those were the only time when he felt he was acknowledged by his royal mother. Most of the time to protect him, Cyanx use to take the blame to protect Rulean from his royal mother. And sometimes they would end up getting punishment together for Rulean's mistakes. This ultimately helped develop a very strong bother-hood. Rulean always knew that Cyanx would always be by his side and protect him. This was proved time in and time out throughout their lives.