"His Imperial Majesty, Antonius De'Ricci, Emperor of the Romans, has passed from this world," the physician declared, his voice heavy with finality. "God has called him to His heavenly kingdom. May he now protect all Romans from the heavens above."
The weight of those words sent a fresh wave of sorrow through the room. Tears flowed freely from men who had never once wept on the battlefield. Some nobles fell to their knees in grief, while others buried their faces in their hands. Their emperor, their general, their leader, and for many, their friend — was gone.
The emperor's body was washed, his wounds cleaned, and his face gently wiped free of blood and dirt. He was redressed in royal burial robes of deep purple, embroidered with golden thread and bearing the double-headed eagle, symbol of the empire. His sword, which had served him faithfully in both victory and defeat, was laid across his chest. His eyes, once so fierce and full of purpose, were closed for the final time.
