The Decision of an Empress

Richard Duke Of Gloucester And The Lady Anne 

Walking in the funeral procession for my father, King Henry, I feel deeply bitter. But I cannot express my feeling to anyone since I have to take over the task of winning the war. My kingdom is a place abundant in natural resources; people live a blessed life without any war in their entire lives. However, right after my father’s death, the kingdoms in the north planned to start a war against us in order to expand their territory. Their armies are stronger mine and also have more experiences. How can I win the war? Prince of another kingdom, Richard, who is notorious for his cruelty and scheming, approaches toward me. He and his retinue wear blood red with adornments, while other people are all in black. He says he is willing to assist me in winning the war as long as I promise to marry him. This request sounds ridiculous to me. I tactfully refuse him. He wants me to consider again, and then he leaves.

After the funeral, my mind races for other strategies to win the war. I am worried my people will hurt, my land will be incomplete, my kingdom will no longer be a fertile place. I wish I could rule the kingdom successfully just like my father. I wavered, what if Richard was right? Would marrying him be the best solution? At that moment, my servant gives me a letter in reply from my uncle, the king of the country far from mine. In the letter, uncle said he and his army are on the way toward here.

They arrive three days later, just before the war started. Soldiers and I fight together for our kingdom. We trust each other. Death didn’t threaten us at that time. Eventually, we won the war together.

I have a sigh of relief. I can rule my kingdom by myself, and I don’t have to marry someone that I hate.

Going back to the road that my father’s funeral was held; I can still remember those scenes of that day.

Now, I am empress. This is the start of my ruling. I believe I can rule the kingdom as well as my father did, and bring my kingdom to another glorious era.