Hibiki

As with any place in his own domain where the Eternal Emperor chose to prioritise privacy, the Inner Receiving Chamber at the Winter Palace was decorated in dark colours. The floor was wood stained the colour of red wine in the glass. Black lacquer screens lined the walls, inked abstractly with thin silver lines. The room was not large, and there was no seating.

Hibiki pushed open the door himself and stepped inside without breaking stride. Waiting for him in the middle of the room, in the pool of weak light spilled by the dainty chandelier, were two figures. Duke Pirenne Hyperio wore a three-piece suit in grey, his head framed by white crownfeathers that looked a little the worse for the wind on their walk from their limo to the Palace. Next to the Duke, Helia wore a white blazer and slacks, her flat shoes a dark suede that probably shimmered purple in better light.

"Pirenne," Hibiki began cheerily, crossing the floor as his guests made their bows. He shook the Duke's hand. "I hope your journey was pleasant?"

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"Quite trouble-free, milord," said Pirenne.

The Emperor turned to the Duke's daughter. "Helia." He took her hand and bent to kiss her knuckles. "It's your first time here, yes?" When she bobbed her head, he smiled. "Welcome to my home, I hope you will visit again at some less chaotic time."

"It would be my pleasure, milord," she said, nodding again. Her manner was stiffer than Hibiki remembered from the last time they'd met, and she glanced occasionally at her father. There was no opportunity to separate them for now, but maybe it could be arranged later in the festivities.

"Well, I'm afraid I cannot keep you long." Hibiki folded his hands together in front of him. "A demon's work is never done, you know. I hope you'll join me for dinner, tonight at seven?"

The two Hyperios murmured assent, neither looking entirely happy about it. Hibiki let them hover in the expectation of dismissal for a moment, then said, "Just one thing." Both faces in front of him tensed at his tone. Looking at the Duke, he continued, "Do not think for a moment I have overlooked your attempt to force my hand. My instructions have not changed."

As Pirenne's cheeks flushed, Hibiki watched Helia. The young Marquess was looking from her father to her Emperor, her expression a mix of suspicion and cautious optimism. Probably Pirenne hadn't told her of Hibiki’s instruction not to disown Phoebe. There was hope for her yet.