Kiera Sol stood outside the doors of the Imperial Throne room anxiously waiting for her audience with the emperor. She smoothed out the floor length crimson gown, tugged on her black elbow length gloves, and patted her head to make sure her hair hadn’t fallen out of its braid; not like it would. Emily, her handmaiden, was excellent at her job. The waiting was killing her and not fidgeting was proving difficult.

“Relax…Your Highness,” Emily said, her pause caused by her glance at the pair of soldiers that stood in front of the doors. They were in public, and despite their familiarity, protocol had to be observed. “You’ll be stellar.”

Kiera turned and gave Emily a small smile. She would have loved to engage Emily in a small conversation to distract herself, but that was against protocol as well. The only reason that Emily was allowed to speak without being spoken was because of her status; a handmaiden wasn’t just any servant. They were a confidant, a bodyguard, a lady-in-waiting. The position was highly coveted and came with a variety of privileges such as finer clothing, their own quarters, and leisure time. Their duties were demanding enough that they earned their privileges, and were exempt from serving in the military.

A side door to the waiting chamber opened and a short man dressed in crimson and silver livery, the colors of the Empire, entered. Kiera recognized immediately as the Court Steward, but she couldn’t remember his name. “It is time, your Highness,” he said before vanishing through the same door.

The guards took synchronous steps to the doors and opened them in unison. Kiera took a small breath, adjusted the deep purple and red sash that crossed her body, picked up her gown and walked forward. Her heart was racing with apprehension and she did her best to school her face so it didn’t show. She took comfort that Emily was right behind her.

“Announcing her Highness, Princess Kiera Elise Sol” the steward announced. Kiera lifted her head and continued forward only stopping when she reached the dais the throne sat upon and curtseyed.

The Emperor, Amadeus Astaria, was a tall, fit man with eyes the color of ice and a thick black beard. His dark hair was immaculately groomed, a golden crown rested upon it. The crown only had three tines, at their base was a Star Sapphire, a Quasar Diamond, and a Nebula Ruby. He wore a black button up shirt with a crimson tie and smoking jacket, black slacks and sensible black shoes. He wore no other jewelry or obvious weapons; with the Warlord at his side and the Royal Imperial Knights flanking him he wouldn’t need any. Even without his retainers the Emperor was a terrible and tenacious opponent.

Warlord Jassak Kor, head of the Imperial Military and primary advisor to the Emperor, stood to the Emperor’s right. His most obvious feature was the pair of antlers on his forehead. His deep brown hair was worn in a simple braid, and complimented his lavender skin. He wore a dress uniform, the coat a deep red with gold tassel epaulets and a silver sash. The only ornament that was worn on his coat was his badge of knighthood, a six pointed star on an eight pointed one. He bowed to Kiera when she finished her curtsey to the Emperor; she gave him one as well, just not as deep.

The Emperor gave her a small smile. He could be an intimidating man even with his slight build. He could silence a room with his gaze alone, and expressed any frustration by speaking very precisely and quietly. He was a man slow to anger and no one had witnessed his wrath since the death of his wife; which led to the conquest of three systems, the complete annihilation of an intersystem assassination guild, and the very public execution of the men who killed her and the man who hired them.

“You have made me incredibly curious, your Highness,” the Emperor said, his voice warm and soft, “requesting an imperial audience. Please, hold nothing back and speak.”

Kiera took a breath and closed her eyes. She slowly let out the breath, opened her eyes and returned the smile, “Your Excellency, it is by your decree that all citizens of the Astrian Empire serve in the Imperial Military after coming of age. In two years I will be of age. I formally request that I be allowed to begin preparations so that I may pass the entrance exam and be accepted into the Danelar Naval Officer’s Academy.”

Kiera felt the Emperor’s gaze on her, like he was scrutinizing her even though there was no change in the expression on his face. It was hard to keep her composure and not panic under the weight of that gaze. Then it lifted and she felt herself relax. It was the first time that she had ever felt his gaze but had seen others buckle under the pressure of his attention.

“Is there some kind of special preparation that you have in mind?” Amadeus asked, “Something that you cannot do to prepare for the exams here?”

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“The Danelar Naval Officer’s Academy offers best training in the Mechanized Combat Corps beyond the standard Jaeger and Orion mecha that other academies and enlisted soldiers train in,” Kiera said. “Having first hand experience piloting a Mecha that just isn’t in a simulator and a specific tutor to advance what I know, who has experience in these matters would help me. The numbers of people who make it into Danelar’s academy each year are limited,” she paused, “also, it’s the academy that Liri, I mean, Captain Tamariel Nova attended. Please forgive my informality. I also found someone willing to train me”

“Who is this instructor that has agreed to teach you?” the Emperor asked.

Kiera took a deep breath, and almost winced as she responded, “Jacquin Pulsar.” She said his name and not as a question! All that practice had paid off.

The Warlord kept his expression schooled, but the Emperor didn’t bother to hide his emotions, he grinned openly, his eyes sparkled and the atmosphere of the room seemed to relax, “Somehow, I am not surprised!” The grin disappeared and the Emperor once more turned his gaze onto Kiera. “There is more to entering the academy than the ability to pilot a Mechanized Combat Vehicle, and the training that you would receive would be different than military standard. There is a written test, a physical aptitude test, and a marksmanship test. Do you think you will be prepared to pass the entrance exam?”

Kiera nodded, “I have already been studying and I work out everyday. I’ve also been using my allowed IVN time to practice my marksmanship, swordsmanship and piloting.”

The Emperor subtly glanced at his Warlord who gave the barest of nods. “You have not taken this lightly and have already put forth effort. I find that admirable. Your request is approved.“

Kiera did her best to hold in her excitement, she wanted to dash up the dias and hug the emperor. She bowed her head and curtseyed, “Thank you, your Excellency.”

“The request has been entered into the records,” the court scribe announced.

“There are no more pensioners, Your Excellency, by your command, court is adjourned!” the steward called.

The court servants didn’t give Kiera time to leave, as was customary. She wasn’t quite sure what to do, did she turn and leave? Did she wait for the Emperor to officially close the court? None of her preparations for an audience with the Emperor covered this!

The Emperor rose, “Court is adjourned.” He stood and walked down the dias, a look of pride crossed his face, “You don’t have to hold it in anymore, Starlight.”

Kiera ran into the Emperor’s arms, a big grin on her face, “Thank you, Father, thank you!”

Amadeus returned the hug, “I was very impressed with your arguments and reasoning, but tell me, Starlight, why did you feel like you had to request an audience? You could have used your birthday wish instead of requesting the annexation of the Toth system.”

“They needed help, father. Tamieral was frustrated with the situation and she said the galvians having a foot hold a system that close to our borders could distract from the raids the Expanse was conducting. She was surprised by the wish, too and said I shouldn’t have used it on a problem that she mentioned off hand and that it wasn’t her intent. But it helped people, or will, won’t it? You’re always so busy, Father. I go weeks without seeing you and it’s usually only for an hour at dinner. Even then it’s hard to ask you anything. Liri advised me if I was really serious in asking for your permission, both to prepare for the exercise and to learn to pilot with Jac.”

“She’s not wrong, Sire, with everything going on with the Republic and the increased skirmishes with the Expanse, we have had our hands full. The comet is also looking like it will show us a new course,” Jassak said, walking over to Amadeus and Kiera, “To echo his Excellency, very impressive presentation. I’ve seen nobles with more experience do far worse.”

“I’m a nymph, Uncle Jassak, we’re supposed to be personable, charming, and maintain grace under pressure,” Kiera said, “It also helps that Emily is the most amazing Handmaiden in the Empire, she spent hours coaching me and helping me prepare.” She turned and threw her arms around Emily giving her a tight hug.

“I assume that you’ll be traveling to Albion?” Amadeus asked.

Kiera nodded, “Jac didn’t think that you’d want us doing training on Orlan, and that it would give me good experience since I’ve never been to any other planets.”

“Make the arrangements and send me a message when you leave and when you arrive,” Amadeus gave Kiera another hug, “By your leave, Starlight, I must be off. There are a hundred other things that require my attention.”

“Thank you, again, Father. It made me very happy to have this time with you. I will be sure that I keep you informed!”

Kiera and Emily walked back to Kiera’s suites. Once they were behind closed doors Kiera hugged Emily again, “Mother said yes and father said yes. I can’t believe it! It may not be guaranteed but…I’m so excited!”

Emily grinned, “The bags are all packed, all that is left is to inform Prince Jacquin and Commander Tamariel. I’m sure they will be excited to hear the news. I’ll go make all the travel arrangements.”

Kiera walked over to her commpad, a device that was six inches long and three inches wide which let her access the Imperial Network, play some games, take pictures and speak to or message anyone she had contact information for, and sent messages to both of her older siblings. She couldn’t wait to share the news.