Another Side Of The Universe

Chapter 76 : Queen Sveratis

Outside the hall, is a big corridor. Big glass windows lined up at one side of the corridor. People who need a break from the crowd are all enjoying the sight of stars around them.

Axion walks to one of the windows and gazes at the stars.

"Are you okay?" Kaizo asks.

Axion slightly shook her head. "A bit tired. I'm never used to these kinds of things. Crowds, loud noises...."

Kaizo looked at her with concern. He can see the strain on her face.

She let out a long sigh as she took a sip from her wine glass.

"Perhaps you should call it a night and go back to your room," said Kaizo.

"I'm fine," Axion replied with a smile. "We have many guests tonight. It would be inappropriate if we leave first, don't you think? After all, we're the spotlight for tonight."

"Hmph! It's just a small party. Putting effort to keep good images on these people is not worth it," said Kaizo.

Axion chuckled.

"Taking a break?" asks a woman in a white dress who suddenly approaches them.

Both Kaizo and Axion turned to see Queen Sveratis smiled at them. Her face is serene, though her eyes seem gloomy. On her head, a queen's crown with a blue diamond shine under the lights.

Both Axion and Kaizo bowed. "Your majesty."

The queen smiled. "I cannot thank you enough for saving my people. For the past 3 years, many people from my kingdom have been unknowingly taken from us. We were suspicious about them being either trafficked or kidnapped. It's unfortunate to admit, but our resources weren't enough to save them." The queen looked at Axion. "Thanks to you, my people can go home and we can sleep better at night. Knowing we won't lose our people again." She looked at Axion in the eyes. "I am truly thankful for your help."

Axion can see the sincerity in her eyes. "Her majesty is too kind. I am merely doing my duty," she said.

The Queen steps closer to the window. She gazes at the stars. "May I ask you a favor?" she asked without looking away from the stars.

Axion looked at the Queen's reflection on the window. She can see the Queen's face is strained though she tried to keep her composure.

Axion glanced at Kaizo for a moment before she answered. "If it's within my power, Your Majesty, I am willing to help."

Slowly, the queen smuggled a sapphire ring into Axion's hand. A surge of power warmed her hand. Axion watches the queen's reflection on the window. Trying to figure out her expression. The Queen is smiling, but there's something wrong with her gaze. She's hiding something.

"Send this only to he who is destined to inherit it," said the Queen. "I trust, you can keep this safe until it reaches the prince's hand."

Axion saw the Queen suddenly flinched. She notices a man approaches them from the reflection of the window. Axion snuggled the ring in her pocket. They turned and looked at the man.

"Your Majesty, it's time to leave," said the man.

"Yes, of course," said the Queen.

The man glanced at Axion. Axion slightly bowed at him. He nods back before escorting the Queen away.

"By any chance, did you see anything unusual from the Queen?" Axion suddenly asked as soon as the Queen is far.

"Unusual?" Kaizo asks back.

"Never mind. It seems that I'm going to take your advice to rest early after all," said Axion. "I have a favor to ask."

"What favor?"

"Get Maskmana. I request a team meeting," said Axion. "I'll see you after-party."

Kaizo watches Axion walks away. He was silent for a moment before going back into the party hall. As soon as he's inside, he scours the hall, looking for Maskmana.

Suddenly, Ramenman pats his shoulder. "Hey! I saw you pulling Axion away from Albi. Nice move," he laughs. "That was a nice dance by the way. I didn't know you know how to dance like that," said Ramenman.

Kaizo rolled his eyes.

"So, how did it go?" he asks.

"What?" Kaizo replied indifferently.

Ramenman looked at Kaizo with a surprised look. "Don't tell me you forgot to confess?"

Kaizo didn't reply.

"REALLY?! Come on. That was perfect. The timing, the dance. I can't believe you missed it," said Ramenman.

"Shut it. I have more important matters to do," said Kaizo.

"But what could be more important than THIS?!" Ramenman insist. "Where's Axion? You should stick with her since Albi is here," said Ramenman as he looked around.

"She's going back to her room. Anyway, have you seen Maskmana?"

"Huh? The Admiral? He's probably greeting the top guest from around the galaxy,"

"Get Rum. Meet me at the Admiral's office after this party ends," said Kaizo.

Before Ramenman could ask why, Kaizo is already walking away.