Chapter Text
Lumine sat at a windowsill, simply staring out at the people down below as another man walked by her, looking at the tall, grand door that was beside Lumine.
“What are they talking about in there?” Dainsleif asked, looking back at Lumine with his normal, still face.
“They're making their decision about the 'suitors,'" Lumine said, not looking at Dainsleif, but sounding upset all the same.
“Suiters? I thought they dropped that idea.” Dainsleif asked.
“Nope, they decided that we don't have enough power over the other nations, especially Mondstat and Sumaru since they learned our ways of alchemy, so the council is holding a vote on whether or not we should force each nation to send a suitor to make a royal harem for me,” Lumine explained, finally looking as Dainsleif with a defeated look in her eyes. The artificial moonlight from the cave ceiling illuminated the grand hall where the pair was.
“And I guess they won't change their mind?” Dainsleif asked, knowing the answer already.
“Nope,” Lumine confirmed, I don't even want this. I already hate how the other nations fear us, but this? It's like we're going to be holding these people hostage. If only Aether were still here, he could have at least helped me rebuild our country's relationship with the other countries to be one without fear.” Lumine said as she pulled her knees to her chest.
“We both know he wouldn't have been able to handle it,” Dainsleif said
“I know, but the council was more likely to take his thoughts into account because he was supposed to be King, but they won't listen to me just because I'm a woman,” Lumine said.
“Maybe the suitors could help? They know their country's customs, and can help you rebuild international ties.” Dainsleif suggested.
“That could work, but I'm not sure how…” Lumine said as the grand door swung open, revealing the 5 elders that sat in the council room.
“Princess, if you could, please come in,” one of the elders said as Lumine shot up from where she sat. She spared one last glance at Dainsleif, the man who was once her twin brother’s best friend, and then walked into the council room as the grand door closed behind her.
“Yes, elders, what has the great Celestia ordered of us?” Lumine stated, having uttered this same statement many times before.
“Our practice of alchemy has been our one method of control over the other nations, a fear of the unknown, of what our true power was. But with Rhinedottir’s and the other sinners' betrayal, the secrets behind alchemy have spread, especially to Mondstat and Sumaru,” one of the elders stated.
“With the other nations learning alchemy, they can determine Khaenri'ah’s power, and even find ways to counter us.” Another stated.
“So, to continue to receive Celestia’s blessing to exist, we must gather a sacred bird from each nation to use as leverage against them.” This time, a female elder announced.
“So we're doing the harem? But how would that even work?” Lumine asked, horrified at the elder's decision, but trying to save face.
“In ancient times of Liyue, before Morax took his throne, many of the old gods had their own harems, suiters of nobility that swore loyalty to them, so we will be doing the same for you. And regardless of gender, we can just use alchemy to create an heir,” the first elder stated.
“And what about carrying? We all know that no woman is guaranteed to survive that.” Lumine asked, hoping to sway their decision. She didn't want to have hostages.
“We’ve already thought of that,” The female elder said,” Suitors can be replaced if they don't survive, and if they send a male suitor, a surrogate can be arranged.”
“There is no need to fear, Princess, we will make sure everything goes as planned.” The female elder stood up and placed their hand against Lumine’s cheek.
Refused to look any of the elders in the eye, knowing that no matter what she says, it won't matter, because in the end, she's just a princess and a simple puppet to the council.
If only aether were still here, this wouldn't have happened. Lumine thought to herself as she simply walked out of the council hall and closed the door behind her, breathing a sigh of relief.
“What was their decision?” Dainsleif asked, already knowing the answer.
“They want to hold innocent people hostage for what!? More power?! The people outside of Khaenri'ah already fear us, and now we're getting hostages disguised as romantic partners!” Lumine shouted, tears already welling up in her eyes out of guilt.
“I just… I don't know what to do. They even talked about how the suitors are replaceable if they die from pregnancy. I don't want our people to be feared anymore.” Lumine said as she slid down the wall and held her knees close to her chest.
Dainslef sat down next to Lumine as she cried, not sure how to respond as they both saw what little hope they both had at bringing peace between Khaenri'ah and the other nations crumble before them.