It's the people's choice! If they wanted Aether, they would have to give up something, too!
Now, the people would not speak to belittle their Empress. Instead, they would whisper and proclaim how she had sacrificed herself for the sake of her people!
That was the story that would spread through the cities and villages.
That was what Aether wanted all along.
This had been his endgame from the very moment he set his plan in motion.
There was, after all, a huge difference between the rulers celebrating and the people celebrating.
For a true ruler, the joy of the people was far more valuable than any private victory.
Aether looked at Aqualina, his eyes wide with shock and pleading. "W-What are you talking about? E-Empress, please, forgive her—she didn't mean it that way!" His face twisted in horror, as if the ground had dropped out from under him.
