Kaara felt a chilling humiliation wash over her as everyone in the tower turned to look at her and her mother who was now squeezing her tail in a vice grip. She swallowed, unable to get the lump in her throat down. She could feel her mother seething next to her.

Tika did not let it show on her face, nor did she apologize on Kaara’s behalf. She held a cold glare to The Emperor, jaw clenching.

The place became a wasp’s nest of whispers and snide remarks under breathy tones.

“What an… unsurprising interjection from The Tibur clan. As common of tongue as they are of mind.” Braiken continued to the uproarious laughter of the crowd, “Now Introducing his Grace’s chosen inheritor to the Ziikiro, Firstborn of Beowa Xirxus, youngest champion of the Bravalos open tournament, Dekadimus Alveridan.”

Kaara stared at him. His hair was blood red, darker than her own, but his skin was an ashy gray. He black sclera just like Kaara, which made his crimson eyes far more pronounced.

Kaara also noticed strange, black, bone-like scales along his jaw and cheekbones which hardened his already intimidating expression.

He had to be no older than Kaara, but he carried himself like every other adult in the building.

“If I may, Marquess.” Dekadimus spoke up, “I would prefer it if I were called Deka, no need for formality from my peers that is yet unearned.”

There was a benevolent hum from the crowd now. One in direct opposition to the vile buzzing Kaara and her mother had gotten before.

The Marquess looked over to the emperor for approval, who promptly nodded.

“Oh, um- Then so it shall be! The Humble Deka Alveridan! Three Cheers!” The nobility let out an ear shaking cheer.

Kaara looked to her mother, who remained silently staring at the emperor. When the cheers had stopped, everyone resumed what they were doing, some even being bold enough to introduce themselves to The Grand Duke and The Emperor himself.

“He’s family isn’t he?” Kaara asked, finally, “The Emperor and Deka.”

Tika’s tail slackened, “They are. He is my half cousin. Second half cousin to be exact, so the blood is only a loose thread between us, but we share lineage nonetheless.”

That sounded pretty cool to Kaara, but from the way her mother was talking about it, she didn’t exactly feel it was a good thing. Did a half cousin mean someone was going to be split in half?

“Well if they’re family, then I’ll be sure to share plenty of meals with Deka when we’re out in the Altix!”

Kaara saw the slightest curl of a smile on Tika’s lip. She grinned, “We’ll be okay right mama? The worst is over, and we'll all get to eat together.”

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‘The worst’ in Kaara’s head had been the lengthy mind melting introduction of each and every individual child of noble importance.

Braiken was definitely a wind user if his throat could endure talking that loud for so long. It was a skill.

It wasn’t long before Kaara watched both Kadmus and Ilmalak disperse the crowds of lesser nobility clamoring for notoriety. The two of them stood shoulder to shoulder like two sides of the same gleaming coin.

Kaara could see how they conversed with one another, not bothering to even look at each other. A crowd of higher nobility followed at their heel, bringing their own entourage of children like obedient ducklings in tow.

They were coming right towards them.

Tika put on her best smile, and Kaara followed her example.

“If it isn’t my beloved cousin!” The Emperor said with surprising informality, “And this is your daughter, I presume? As beautiful as her mother in every regard, but she has such a boisterous and untamed soul. How exotic! What is your name, darling?”

Kaara had faced down towering deadly beasts since becoming a huntress. She had evaded Malaki as they howled their discordant cries in the night.

This xio scared her more than any of that, and left her speechless. She was utterly paralyzed by the dominating presence Ilmalak imposed upon her inferior frame.

“You may introduce yourself, Kaara.” Tika said, snapping her out of her trance.

“U-Um I’m-” She remembered to curtsy, “I am Kaara Tibur, H-Hunter of the Altix- Huntress!- Erm” She drew a complete blank on the rest.

“Oh my, so very shy! At least you know your manners. Such an elegant curtsy for someone used to gnawing at bones.”

Kaara knew it was meant to be a bad thing, but bone marrow was delicious so she did not falter, “Thank you sir!” She said.

Kadmus stepped forward, “When I saw the young lady in my city, I had no idea she carried the same blood as our great emperor.”

“We all carry the same blood within us if you go back far enough, Kadmus. Though The First King could be considered an exception as I'm sure you’re aware.”

Kaara could sense an ice cold war brewing right in front of her.

“Blood my good sister has bestowed upon your prodigious heir, no less. A fantastic rival for my kin to sharpen themselves on.”

“Careful you do not let your children grind themselves to the nub trying to keep up.”

“Oh I’m sure that won’t be an issue. Their generation shows fantastic potential greater than our own, and my kin are no exception to that rule even if they may be exceptions elsewhere.”

“I am sure they will all have the opportunity to learn what humility means when they face the challenges of The Altix as we did all those years ago,” The Emperor said.

“Humility is a lesson I’ve already taught my children. Something they are likely to teach to yours,” Kadmus said, looking around at the crowd of nobles who had gathered to eavesdrop on their war of words,“Shall we find somewhere more private to discuss?”

The Emperor nodded, “Indeed. Tika, join us will you?” It didn’t sound like a question to Kaara. It was a demand, “It’s been too long! I was practically a child before you disappeared. We’ve so much to catch up on. Why don’t you entrust your daughter to Deka for a little while? I’m sure he- and Lord Xirxus’s children- will need time to themselves for their own introductions as well.”

Tika bowed her head, “If it is the wish of the Emperor of Itaro, then I will comply, your grace.” She turned to Kaara with the most indifferent and cold expression she’d ever given her, “Do what you do best, Kaara. Make friends, alright?”

Kaara felt like she was about to be drowned, and that was saying a lot for someone who couldn’t drown.