Rikuto signs various documents. Some are logistics dispositions organizing the distribution of food, water, and other consumable supplies needed by the military. He has to make sure the borders are secure and the Royal Capital of Mornistae is safe, but he is preparing for his make-or-break mission. He has burned through a great deal of the resources he recuperated since arriving on Zenkon in order to afford the enhanced magic crystals he needs from Aramellianna. In spite of several attempts to summon her, Wenlianna has been absent. Aramellianna insists that Wenlianna refuses to help in the war effort, especially now that they all know that Daniel is the leader of the Citadel and the self-proclaimed ‘Fievegal’.

It’s understandable, since Wenlianna had gotten close to Daniel, but it’s not acceptable. Daniel is officially a traitor to the Kingdom of Mornistae, and Rikuto can’t afford to hesitate or show mercy. No one else in this world can truly appreciate the danger Daniel’s atom bombs present, and he hasn’t been able to convince anyone other than his orders are absolute as king.

Aramellianna should know better either way. No matter her own feelings on Daniel, she should know the threat he represents as an upstart. Individual treachery aside, he’s an insurrectionist at this point, rallying forces that can stand against the might of the Empire and the allied kingdoms.

Something doesn’t sit right, though. Aramellianna’s sudden neutrality in regards to the Fievegal, and Wenlianna’s disappearance can only mean a limited number of things, but Rikuto can’t afford to accuse Aramellianna of treachery or double-dealing. She still retains enough influence to be able to overturn Rikuto’s efforts and cripple the defensive campaign against Daniel and his forces.

Rikuto’s only chance to reign in Aramellianna will be to demonstrate the power of the void artillery, and then remind the Grand Duchess where her loyalties are sworn to lie.

While he’s finishing his documents, the door bursts open. “Rikuto!” Heralesse jogs in, panic-stricken as she seems out of sorts.

He stands up, surprised by her sudden entrance and the tears in her eyes. “Heralesse!? What’s wrong?”

“It’s Erimaya! She hasn’t returned from her tour of the eastern towns!”

“Wh-What!?” asks Rikuto. “Are you sure they aren’t just running late?”

Heralesse’s voice starts to waver as she chokes up, “She disappeared after turning in at the inn in Ullton. No one has seen her since. A messenger was sent as soon as it was discovered!”

Rikuto racks his brain as he sinks into his seat. As if he needed any other problems. Erimaya had plenty of guards with her, as well as serving staff and several knights, including the two who were involved with her fall from the castle ramparts.

It would take a considerable force to not only identify her, but also kidnap her and get away with it.

Unless…

Rikuto turns pale as the thought enters his mind. Once upon a time, he tried to give people the benefit of the doubt, including Daniel when he first went west. Daniel swore he wouldn’t bring Earth weapons to this world, and he promptly broke that promise, building the worst one.

And later, Erimaya snuck away from Mornistae while the rest of the royal family were in the Imperial Capital to meet with Empress Sundenelle for a war briefing.

The place she went to was the worst possible place she could go to; the place where the present enemy of the world could easily hold her hostage.

“The Citadel…”

“What?” asks Heralesse.

“She went to the Citadel again. I would bet money on it.”

“That’s insane! Erimaya would never…!”

“She already did once,” retorts Rikuto, searching through his papers for a blank sheet. He begins writing out a requisition order to hire contractors to try to retrieve Erimaya stealthily. They can’t be directly affiliated with Mornistae or the Empire, or Daniel could retaliate. Rikuto needs to be able to act before Daniel can use his nuclear weapons. If they can’t retrieve Erimaya, he’ll need to consider her lost, lest she be used as leverage against Mornistae. Their position is already precarious enough as it is.

Just until we can get the void cannons there. That’s all we have to wait for.

Heralesse, heart-broken, but knowing he’s right, asks desperately, “How do we get her back? We have to get her back!”

“I’ll try, Heralesse. This will be a commission to hire contractors; mercenaries or adventurers that aren’t associated with the kingdom military. But, you should know, Heralesse, if Daniel has her…”

She gasps as her eyes widen. “He wouldn’t.”

“He’s our enemy now, Heralesse. Erimaya tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, and she could jeopardize this whole kingdom. I’ll do everything in my power, I swear it. But, that still relies on her cooperating.”

“Erimaya is not a traitor!”

“I believe you, but we need to be prepared to defend against Daniel’s forces. We can’t rely on Aramellianna, we don’t have any powerful allies other than the Empire, and we can’t let our guard down with the demons. I don’t have a lot of leeway.”

“Don’t talk like that! We have to save her! Erimaya is a princess!”

“I know!” shouts Rikuto. “I know… But, I’m saying that we’ll have to make choices. I’ll do everything I can to make sure that choice ends up with everyone happy in the end. Just… it’s a delicate situation right now.”

Heralesse shakes her head, trying to think of alternatives and to banish the thought.

It’s unthinkable that Erimaya could be lost for good. Daniel saved her once, and she spoke on his behalf in this most recent situation. He couldn’t -he wouldn’t- betray that trust, would he?

Heralesse pleads, “Please, hurry, Rikuto. I… she’s my little sister.”

“I know.” He approaches her and hugs her. “She’s my little sister now, too. I will do everything I can for her.”

She nods, sobbing into his shoulder.

Rikuto looks at the stack of documents, the planning, the weapon designs, the crystal orders, letters from various contacts. Everything has become a bigger mess than when Bromlund imploded. It’s even more precarious than the economic state of Mornistae when Daniel and Rikuto arrived.

If we can lure Daniel out, he is the priority. Once he’s dealt with, the rest should fall apart, and Erimaya will be safe.

Rikuto comforts Heralesse, taking her to her room when she’s calmed down so she can rest. He returns to work. He still has many things to take care of.

***

Daniel’s group gathers together in a large room roughly the size of a basketball court. The golems will carry out certain actions, but once in the audience chamber, they will mirror the motions and mannerisms of the respective members. For each of Daniel’s companions, as well as himself, there is one of the sentient golems that run the infrastructure of the Citadel so Daniel doesn’t have to think about the inner workings very often.

Each golem is able to relay the motions of the actors -Daniel’s companions- with surprising accuracy, and Xyreko will be using magic to project the interior of the audience chamber as a hologram in the room, so that the actors know where to look.

Daniel asks, “Everyone ready?”

Cheers come from everyone. Those participating are pretty much everyone; Ryuogriar, Geirahoel, and Reignleif are carrying their eggs -which will be emulated on their illusions-, Hekate is wearing her full royal attire, including the extravagant crown Daniel made for her, and the various outfit pieces she received as birthday presents. She looks like an extravagant Empress, as do the Dragon Empresses. Shek and Skloe are also dressed up, looking more like dolls than stereotypical goblins, and Thymeria and Illianna are looking after Jieka and Tekten, their daughters. Treia and Gwenesphia are wearing armor to hide their identities, serving as knights. Vaergraes is dressed in her Archpriestess habit, which is a fairly quaint outfit. Kera’tai and Aoloan are dressed in their own traditional bridal attire, which doesn’t look like a wedding dress to anyone else, and looks regal and beautiful enough to be fitting for an imperial audience.

It has been a few days since Doephluev, the archoneldwyn assassin, was granted permission to leave her cell and spend time with Daniel to fulfill the mission Ryuogriar gave her. Daniel asked her to sit in on the audience and see if she recognizes anyone, just out of curiosity. Ryukana is also observing from a secluded lounging chair, providing both backup and simply observing. Lastly, Erimaya is sitting with Wenlianna, playing with Jieka and Tekten. Like the two gatonines, Erimaya and Wenlianna can’t be seen by anyone in the eastern alliance, lest they be branded traitors. Erimaya wanted to play along, but Hekate insisted that she needs to retain the option to return home. The only option to allow that would be to treat her as a prisoner, which could only exacerbate the tensions between nations.

Ucahote informs them, “The shuttle Is arriving. Is everyone ready?”

The actors gather in the center of the room. They confirm their readiness.

Daniel instructs, “Whatever happens, I won’t be angry. We're just doing this to poke fun at Sundenelle to make negotiations later easier. If we fail, we'll figure something else out. So, relax and have fun.”

They all chuckle together, agreeing. They watch the magic projection of the scene hundreds of miles away.

True to what he expected, the Imperial Capital and its central Imperial Palace are breathtaking. Each is humongous for what it is; the capital itself looks like it could host millions of people living and working in the city, with various defensive walls that would make full-conquest of the Capital extremely difficult. It reminds him a fair bit of fantasy cities in a few of the animes and a western animation Daniel watched, though the walls aren’t dramatically tall, other than to make it difficult for even siege towers and ladder teams to be able to ascend them.

Kera’tai giggles as she admires her fancy dress near the others. “I feel so elegant.”

“It looks beautiful,” replies Hekate warmly.

“Thanks! Daniel never treats me like an Empress, so it’s easy to forget that I could be.” She giggles, and Hekate jokes, “Watch it… I like you, Kera’tai. You’re fun.”

“I am? Thanks!” She grins at Daniel, teasing, “Hear that, Daniel? I’m fun.”

“I never said you weren’t.”

“Daniel,” starts Aoloan mischievously. “Whose dress do you…”

“Sundenelle’s,” replies Daniel mercilessly, and he gets a few gasps and playful glares.

“Wait a second! We haven’t even seen it yet!” complains Hekate. She grips his jacket’s chest, shaking him. “Just admit that you like mine the best! It’s an easy choice!”

The human mechanic chuckles warmly. “Hekate, Hekate, Hekate. You of all people should know the fastest way to lose the Hekate game is to ask me my favorite when surrounded by other women looking for the same answer.”

“I personally think Hekate’s dress is the most beautiful,” replies Ryuogriar with a matronly tone.

This surprises almost everyone, and Hekate replies skeptically, “Thanks… Ryuo…”

Ryuogriar nods with a smile. “Of course, Sweet Hekate. Daniel, you should know better. It is perfectly acceptable for you to choose your child as your favorite in such company…”

“HEY!” snaps Hekate. “I knew it! You temptress!” She points at the matronly platinum dragon, who giggles deviously. “Put your egg down so I can properly discipline you.”

“Ten seconds,” calls out Ucahote as the image of the ground gets closer; the shuttle is about to land.

Hekate growls, and the others chuckle at her impotent frustration. “I’ll remember this, Ryuo. Your insolence will be met with insolence!”

Everyone stares at Hekate, and she glances around, blushing when she realizes she said something strange. “I… I mean… Shut up! Look important everyone. We have to make an imposing impression on these foolish human-kin.”

Treia scoffs, and Gwenesphia chuckles. Hekate adds, “No offense to friends, of course.”

“Of course,” replies Gwenesphia playfully. “Your Greatness.”

Hekate nods. “Let’s do this. Daniel, your arm.” Hekate holds her arm up, and Daniel offers his arm. The dragons play a quick game of rock-paper-scissors, a game Daniel taught them. After a couple of quick rounds at the last second, Reignleif wins, and she adjusts her first egg on her ready-to-pop belly, holding it with her right hand. She then approaches Daniel and loops her left arm around his right, while Ryuogriar and Geirahoel grumble. The eldest of the three remarks a little coldly, “I’ll allow this, Reina, since you won, but it really should be the first and second empress on Daniel’s arm.”

Reignleif retorts with her soft voice, “I’m enfeebled with my pregnancy. I should be escorted.”

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Shek and Skloe don’t complain,” retorts Geirahoel with a light sourness to her voice.

“We happy to be part of family,” replies Skloe excitedly.

Shek nods in agreement. “Sunden… Sunenill… Empress of human-kin need to know goblins part of Fievegal. We no will be look down on.” She holds her head high, even though she and Skloe are the shortest beings present, other than their daughters.

Of course, everyone approves, because they and their allies have proven that goblins can be more than barbaric dungeon plagues or demon army battle fodder.

The shuttle comes to rest on the ground, as indicated by the perspective on the illusion screen, and Ucahote announces, “Touchdown. Imperial Family, please ready yourselves for departure. From here on out, I’ll remain silent and use visual messages to communicate emergencies. We will do our best to hold the illusion, even under pressure, but do not feel the need to withstand discomfort.”

Daniel nods in agreement, “Agreed. If anyone needs or wants to leave at any time, just go. The worst that can happen to us right now is failing our goal of unsettling Sundenelle. Once I drop the main joke, feel free to behave as you wish.”

They all nod in understanding.

Hekate cheers, “Let’s do it! Ucahote, open the doors! Xyreko, have everyone connect us.”

“As you wish, your Greatness.”

The perspective of the illusion changes, and the whole main area of the room becomes a magic hologram. Xyreko states into the earpiece Daniel is wearing, “Daniel, I have budgeted two days worth of mana for this room. Please ensure your business is concluded by then.”

Daniel replies quietly, “Thank you, Xyreko. Let me know if there are issues.”

“Of course.”

Daniel looks at Hekate and Reignleif, who are each holding one of his arms. They smile at him in return, and he leads the way ‘down the shuttle’s ramp’, which the golems that are actually in the Imperial Capital imitate.

***

Sundenelle has a small view of a big event taking place in the main front courtyard of the Imperial Palace. She heard about the ‘Iron Wyvern’ project the Stalvaltan Grand Duchy produced in an attempt to be able to battle dragons, but the vessel descending from the sky is wholly alien to the world of Zenkon. It’s larger than the ‘flying ships’ she received reports of after the failed invasion, which was beyond the scope of her desires to begin with. Stories tend to evolve into exaggerated tales by the time they cross hundreds of miles. The only reliable alternative is to receive direct reports from first hand trustworthy accounts, and she couldn’t even trust those.

General Jothraligus repeatedly referred to Hekate as a lengthy and reverent title, and he was also compelled by magic contract to keep something secret. Even so, he was able to confirm and explain the existence of these strange flying ships, even though Sundenelle couldn’t picture it.

Now, she sees exactly what he meant. The vessel is large enough to carry fifty people, and it rode in at a speed comparable to winged wyverns, which served as the escort with a handful of golems. The soldier golems form up at the rear of the flying vessel, and Sundenelle strains to look through the magic crystal showing her a small perspective as projected by one of the mages that is present at the courtyard to see the arrival of the Fievegal’s representatives.

Even as outnumbered as the Empire has the Fievegal in this situation, there is a fearful nervousness that keeps the courtyard quiet, with only whispers spreading.

And, Sundenelle is stuck in a room with her mother and a few advisors in hopes of ensuring her safety.

Her better view is of the audience chamber, which a handful of mages are standing by to project to the room she’s in.

Exiting the flying vessel is a full entourage, starting with a tall human man escorting a teen girl with black hair, big triangular ears on the top of her head, and a black, puffy tail like a fox. The other woman is even more anomalous. She has soft blue hair, dark, metallic blue horns rising slightly out of her head, a dress that hides some of her body figure, but her belly is very obviously pregnant. She would be ready to burst, almost, but the humongous egg cradled in her right arm signals that it’s not a normal pregnancy.

Following them are two more women of similar appearance, though they are not pregnant themselves, the more buxom of the two with platinum blonde hair has a single egg, while the redhead has two eggs, each fastened into a special fabric harness and decorated with shawls to look good, but to very obviously show off that they have the eggs.

The next pair are goblins with stocky-looking builds and beautiful dresses, though all of the dresses pale in comparison to the young fox-eared girl, who, by the crown she’s wearing, must be Hekate.

Behind the goblins, two demon kin are following, each wearing elegant clothes that are rather alien to Sundenelle, seeming to be more directly from their own cultures, rather than Eastern cultures.

Last appears to be another demon-kin, though she’s wearing a more religious looking dress, with conservative designs and simple comfort to the clothes.

Sundenelle wishes she could see all of them in person. She has such a narrow view of the arrival, and while she can guess at certain individuals, it’s clear that they don’t know enough about the Fievegal or their inner circle.

Fortunately, Daniel is the only obvious man, other than two knights that follow the female demon bishop. Given his height, the fact that he’s human, and he matches the descriptions, she’s certain that it’s Daniel, the person Sundenelle most wanted to meet.

He is almost obscured in a garden of beautiful flowers as being rather plain, other than his height. But, it’s good that they took precautions while showing at least some respect. Sundenelle has read in reports how powerful Hekate alone is, and given those following her and Daniel, it’s possible there aren’t enough soldiers in the Capital to do anything about the entourage from the Fievegal.

Daniel approaches the chamberlain, who bows politely. The two women with him release Daniel’s arms, and he bows as well, while his lady companions spread out to be visible. They all curtsy, with exception of the Chi’rinnis woman, who are a tribal people who only bow or kneel to those who defeat them in battle.

Hekate introduces herself. “We are the Fievegal Imperial Family. I am Hekate fell Lawson, First Empress of the Fievegal and the Citadel, and this is my Emperor and husband, Daniel kos Lawson. Please allow my companions to introduce themselves.”

Hargaff, the chamberlain, nods once. “Of course.”

Ryuogriar proudly states, “I am Ryuogriar gur Lawson, Second Empress of the Fievegal and First Dragon Empress.”

Gasps fill the room with Sundenelle, including Byleathea. It’s a bold declaration that, given the intel that came out of the invasion, means she very much likely is a dragon. And, this is further confirmed by the massive egg in the special harness, which she also cradles with her arms. Sundenelle manages to outwardly keep her composure, but her heart is racing. They haven’t even done anything yet, and she isn’t anywhere near them, but she can feel the tension, especially because Hargaff twitched nervously. He also expertly maintains his composure, and the next woman introduces herself. “I am Reignleif gur Lawson, Third Empress of the Fievegal and Second Dragon Empress. Please treat me well.”

“Your grace,” whispers one of the advisors in the room with Sundenelle.

She retorts sharply, “I know. Do nothing to provoke them. They arrived under peaceful terms.”

The others nod, and the third dragon introduces herself as Geirahoel gur Lawson, but she has a sharper tone than the others. The goblins are much more modest and polite, calling themselves Goblin Queens Shek and Skloe, and then the Chi’rinnis Consort, Kera’tai, and the Succubus Princess Aoloan, also a ‘consort’, rather than a ‘queen’ or ‘empress’. Something she finds peculiar, even though she already knew they introduce themselves as such, is that Daniel has no regard for proper royalty or leadership. Having multiple ‘Empresses’ in positions of power is just asking for there to be trouble. She can’t imagine what their inner court looks like when no one is looking.

Especially since three of them are actual dragons, which Sundenelle has only read stories about. Powerful, temperamental, proud.

Last in the line is the Shrine Archpriestess Vaergraes, and she seems to be the most mature and wise of the group.

Hargaff bows his head politely. “It is my sincere honor to make your acquaintance. I am Chamberlain Hargaff. Her illustrious majesty, The Empress Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg is expecting you. Please be sure to extend all expected courtesies and respect.”

Hekate smiles, replying out of character in a sweet and mature tone. “I look forward to meeting her Majesty.”

“Very good. Then, this way, if you’d please.”

The Chamberlain begins leading the way, and the group follows in roughly the same groupings they had before. Hekate does walk in front, curiously studying the whole castle while trying to keep her expression neutral. She’s the ruler of possibly the largest and most technologically advanced castle in the world of Zenkon, but the Imperial Palace is far from a pile of stones by comparison. Elegant decorations and carvings are formed in the various surfaces of the castle’s walls, with elegant chandeliers at the ceiling illuminated using magic crystals. There are banners with the sigil of the Grand Empire of Zenkon, which looks like what Daniel would envision as a kraken. It looks like a giant squid, but with a somewhat shark-like shape to its body, at least in the artistic depiction on the sigil. And, with its many arms, it is embracing a circular depiction of the world of Zenkon, given the shape of the continent visible on the sigil.

Sundenelle, waiting in her secret safe room with a visible representation of the throne room, awaits patiently for the doors to the throne room to open.

Once they do, she flinches a little, cursing herself under her breath. But, no one says anything, and she does her best to remain regal and composed. She stands up to greet the group that enters. This prompts the handful of nobles that have seats to also rise, and Hekate leads the way into the room, looking around briefly at the throne room. Sundenelle’s illusion is standing on a raised dais, but she still welcomes the newcomers with respect. Her goal isn’t to defeat Daniel, but to bring him into the Empire.

Hargaff announces, “Presenting the ruling body of the Fievegal; Daniel kos Lawson of the Otherworld, Hekate fel Lawson, Ryuogriar gur Lawson, Reignleif gur Lawson, Geirahoel gur Lawson, Goblin Queen Shek, Goblin Queen Skloe, Consort Kera’tai, Consort Aoloan, and the Archpriestess Vaergraes.”

Most of the women curtsy respectfully, except for Kera’tai, who is a Chi’rinnis. Chi’rinnis only bow for those who defeat them in battle, so Sundenelle makes no objections. The other is Vaergraes, who bows respectfully. Last, Daniel provides a simple bow, but his etiquette could use some work.

“Welcome to the Imperial Capital of the Grand Empire of Zenkon, travellers. We are certain you know who We are, but I will introduce myself all the same. I am Empress Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg. It is our sincere pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She curtsies as well, showing respect towards her counterparts. Many of the nobility want her to treat them like barbarians or insurgents and imprison Daniel to force him to produce his weapons. Sundenelle also opted to not acknowledge Hekate as an Empress, but that was part of her strategy.

She then gestures welcomingly, “It is our understanding that the Fievegal has established itself as a standing sovereign in the west, but simply declaring oneself an Empress is not enough to prove sovereignty.”

Hekate replies politely, but with a point. “Pardon me for my frankness, Empress Sundenelle, but perhaps it’s my youth. Why would the Fievegal be any less legitimate than the Grand Zenkon Empire?”

This causes a few surprised murmurs amidst the nobles around them, but Sundenelle takes it in stride. “We understand you asking that question, Lady Hekate. But, among other reasons, the primary one is to be recognized by other nations, and to our knowledge, the Fievegal is not recognized as a sovereign nation by any other legitimate nation on the continent.”

Hekate crosses her arms as she thinks, humming. “I see your point. But, what do you call it when your territory is invaded and you repel those forces with ease? Does that not make the Fievegal strong enough to be recognized?”

This causes the audience chamber to have a lingering silence that becomes potent. The more significant of the two main attacks on the Citadel was directly sanctioned by the Empire, and though not signed off on in the same scope by Sundenelle, it did occur under her name.

Ryuogriar then asks after letting the silence fester for a moment, “Apologies for cutting in. Let me rephrase Her Greatness’s question, Lady Sundenelle.” This form of address, copied from Sundenelle addressing Hekate as such a moment earlier, earns the platinum dragon several hateful glares from the various nobles around them. “If an impenetrable defense is not enough to earn acknowledgement from other nations, perhaps conquest will be the only option.” This again causes an obvious nervousness from the Imperial nobility, and Sundenelle can’t help but twitch nervously. She’s fairly confident that Ryuogriar is in fact a dragon, and she alone could lay waste to the Imperial palace long before anyone could respond, which is exactly why Sundenelle isn’t in the throne room.

Ryuogriar continues, “We are well aware that you ceded Twilight in response to our demands to divide our forces and trap us in an unfavorable position between the eastern alliance and the demon covenant. This would also serve to weaken our appearance if we lose Twilight to either side. But, you will be waiting a long time for the defeat of the Fievegal.”

Hekate points out, “But, Empress Ryuogriar, if we conquer everyone else, who will acknowledge us as sovereign?”

Ryuogriar scratches her chin, giving the appearance of being surprised by this notion having merit. Sundenelle runs through scenarios in her mind. She can’t simply give them everything they want, but she also needs to work favorable conditions in if the Empire is to recognize the Fievegal as a nation. After all, many of the other non-vassal kingdoms and territories allied with the Empire still view the Fievegal as nothing more than a collection of demon-kin, and thus, no different from the Demon Covenant. If she simply gives them what they want, and they aren’t peaceful, she’ll be assassinated in no time. But, if she rejects them outright, she risks making them enemies, and the obvious scenario of finding out whether or not they actually can conquer the east will become a reality.

Sundenelle finally speaks, “We have heard your arguments, but we encourage you to understand; we cannot simply grant you sovereignty with no evidence of stability as a nation. That is to say, we are willing to begin negotiations to determine the Fievegal’s viability, which would then lead into trade negotiations and treaties of neutrality or alliance. If you’d like, we could begin such negotiations in a more intimate setting. Please allow us to extend you hospitality for the night, and we shall convene tomorrow.”

“Actually, none of this is why we’re actually here,” replies Hekate bluntly. “I don’t care about the Fievegal being acknowledged by weaker nations. We came here for a different reason.” Hekate’s words cause a more audible outburst, and it surprises Sundenelle. She knew that Hekate didn’t seem like the type to simply go along with Sundenelle’s plans, especially because she’s coming off of several victories in battle -one of which she fought herself in a duel-. And, she was ‘given’ Fort Twilight due to the Empire’s ‘fear’. In truth, Sundenelle’s backup plan is to try to draw Hekate out of the Citadel with lowered guard, in case it’s possible to defeat her. If she becomes too arrogant, even she should be able to be taken by surprise and defeated.

Hekate, ignoring the rather noisy outrage around her, looks to Daniel. “Darling?”

Daniel nods once, and he steps forward a step. He then takes a kneel, saying loudly, “The true reason we came to the Imperial Palace of the Grand Zenkon Empire, Lady Sundenelle, is this; Lady Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg, I, Daniel kos Lawson, accept your proposal of marriage.”

This halts all noise in the audience chamber once more, and Sundenelle’s jaw drops. Her eyes dart around the room she’s in, as well as across the illusion showing her the audience chamber. She definitely didn’t predict this, and she never once made such a proposal. Did she? She recalls pondering it, but she never sent a proposal.

What is this? Did someone do so on my behalf without my knowledge? Surely Mother wouldn’t… She looks to Byleathea as she thinks, and the lady in waiting is stunned as well. No, Mother wouldn’t be so reckless. So, what is this? What do I do?

Daniel adds, “You are young and beautiful, Lady Sundenelle, and I am honored to be considered for marriage. After having considering it, I believe it is the best way to improve the Empire and bring the Imperial resources into the Fievegal for a better and stronger nation under the Fievegal’s rule. We’ll begin the preparations for an Imperial wedding at once.”

Finally, there is indignant outrage in the audience chamber as Daniel and his companions look around fearlessly. Daniel smiles, but his gaze causes Sundenelle to flinch. That’s it! He’s toying with me, just as I tried to with Twilight. Did he question my actions at all? In truth, I wanted him to open negotiations immediately or pull back from Twilight in concern of a trap. But, this? What do I do? He’s clearly insincere, but what if he isn’t? Is this my chance to lock him in as an ally? He’s right, our alliance would improve both the Fievegal and the Empire, namely because of his own technology and the Citadel. But, if he’s insincere, he is going to make me look like a fool if I accept. If I reject and he was being sincere, I burn the bridge to an alliance forever. If he’s insincere, then I save face, but that also means alliance was never an option.

Is this all a game to him? She’s struggling to hide her deliberations, as well as the anxiety she has. With taking control of the Imperial throne, Sundenelle was competing with people she grew up around; people she could easily predict, subjects she could easily win over because she knew their desires and needs, and soldiers who were loyal to her as the former Emperor’s most legitimate heir, even if she is a woman.

Daniel isn’t even from this world. He has no investment in the world at large, nor the Empire. He only seems to care about the others.

That’s it! Deferment. If I can defer the decision to a later time, I can properly strategize. But, I need to be careful. I can’t commit or imply commitment to either acceptance or rejection.

Just before Sundenelle can speak, one of the noblemen steps forth and shouts, “Enough of this absurd farce!”

It is the Grand Prince of the oldest dynastic family in the Empire, Grand Prince Yaulander kos Strylaph. He is arguably the second most powerful person in the Empire, even surpassing Byleathea, the mother of the Empress.

And, he is one of Sundenelle’s many suitors.

***