Very Minor Spoilers for "The Bull's Shield"

Born to Crown Queen Litua Syllorel and King Consort Eoin Syllorel (nee Cottier), Emeric knew fairly early on that he’d likely be declared Crown Prince as opposed to his younger brother, Samius Syllorel. Emeric adores his elder brother to the stars and back but he had far too much heart in order to be the type of ruler Ranisia would be. It was a small mercy that Samius knew and understood this fact early on, instead also deciding to be the best type of support Emeric would need in the future. Growing up, Samius was Emeric’s reminder that it’s okay to still listen to his heart, to acknowledge his feelings, even if he must act against them.

Crowned as Prince Consort shortly after turning 13 years old, Emeric had a fast tract of learning what it would mean to be future Crown King of Ranisia. Learning the tensions with Siltya and Theboria that rose and fell, with war somehow avoided (even if by a small margin); learning to balance the wants and needs of all Ranisian's people, from those born unfortunate to those born with all they could want; learning how not to fall asleep from the boring yet important lectures about harvest numbers and economics, often by trying to find the more ridiculous yet somehow valid questions to ask. At times, it was only Samius and his childhood friend, Senen Maelisar, that kept him sane. Throughout all of this, there was an underlying feeling that Emeric *needed* to learn this all quickly.

It was when both of his parent's health rapidly declined when Emeric was just shy of 16 that he understood why. The illness that had swept through Ranisia when Litua and Eoin were young, that both had managed to survive, were raising its head. His mother's health, while declining, did fair better than his father's but Emeric knew neither would be fit to be leaders of Ranisia for many more years. It was at this point Emeric was informed he would be given the Crown very shortly after his 18th birthday, when he's legally and socially recognized as an adult (albeit a young one).

Emeric, for the most part, took this in stride. While learning to become the future Crown King was exhausting at times, he also felt a deep satisfaction he would not trade anything for. His only heartache came from knowing that him receiving the crown early was at the cost of his parent's health and well being. A reality that struck deep when Eoin passed in his sleep a few short months after being told the future plan. Emeric took some comfort that at least his father passed peacefully.

By the time Emeric turned 18 years old, he almost felt ready. Nervous still, yet, but far more ready than he expected himself to feel. The Crowning Ceremony was bittersweet. His heart still aches upon remembering the look of pride and sadness as his mother placed the crown upon his head, knowing the weight she was placing onto him at an age younger than desired.

But Emeric took to being Crown King almost as well as a fish took to water. He sought out and listened to his advisors, using what he learned in the 5 years as Crown Prince to surround himself with people he trusted would give him the guidance and advice needed to lead Ranisia. He knew he could rely on Samius to remind him to listen to his heart and for Senen to forcibly remind him he can't give more than he has. He spent as much time as he could outside of the palace walls, meeting and getting to know the people he was responsible for.

As was expected of a newly appointed Crown King, Emeric also sought out to expand his Royal Guard. Which just so happened to lead his path to crossing the paths of a young palace knight named Varis Daloria. On Emeric's side, it was love at first site that he tried to stifle. Yet, he had found every excuse he could to just so happen to spend more time with this young knight. Assigning Varis to his Royal Guard (going through the official process to ensure Varis had the skills needed for the role), finding any reason to go on leisurely rides, taking his meals with the blue eyed man. The teasing he endured from his brother and childhood friend was brutal, relentless, and utterly valid.

But, in the end, it was worth it to Emeric when himself and Varis agreed to a courtship when Emeric was 19. And when Emeric was 21 and Varis 22, Ranisia celebrated the marriage of their Crown King and newly crowned King Consort. A year later, Senen offered to be the surrogate for Emeric and Varis. A few short yet impossibly long months later, Emeric was leaning into his husband's embrace as he held his baby girl, his heart filled with a joy he couldn't describe.

Raising Arabella brought new highs and lows that Emeric wouldn't trade for the world. Not when he scared a few years off of him when she would try to ride the untamed horses. Not when he argued with Varis about Arabella learning proper swordsmanship, nor when Varis held and reassured him until Emeric's worries were eased enough for him to allow it. Not when he spent rare lazy mornings in bed, watching his husband and daughter slumber peacefully in his arms. Not when his heart was filled with joy all over again as Arabella was officially appointed Crown Princess. Not even when the assassin tried to take her life years later.

Now, at the age of 47 years old, with tensions rising with neighboring Empires and the weight of deciding what was best for his daughter and Kingdom alike, Emeric tries to take comfort in the small moments he's able to steal with Arabella and Varis.

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