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Chapter 44 Audience With The Emperor

Chapter 44 Audience with the Emperor

I quickly got up and began to get dressed in the formal five-piece suit that Coraline had laid out for me. Sebastian came in and helped me get dressed before leading me to a large audience hall. Waiting along the sides of the audience hall were many high-ranking people from the military, the church, nobles, and influential business leaders. They were all dressed in formal wear, and many seemed to be holding varying gifts. I look around for any familiar faces and notice my uncle talking to some other officials. For some reason, I am getting really nervous. "I feel so out of place. I think I am the lowest status person here, I thought I was going to have a somewhat private audience with Emperor Humana..." I mutter to myself

"Don't worry Darling, this is just the gathering around for the monthly report audience. Our audience with father will take place afterward, so there won't be as many people." Anne says coming up from behind me

I turn around and my jaw almost hits the floor. Anne has her hair braided in an updo that makes her golden hair look like a crown, then a silver tiara is glimmering with five different colored gems set into it. She is wearing the silver silk dress I saw in my dream last night, however, it looks way better on her than I originally imagined. It seems to shimmer with every little movement of hers and matches the stormy grey/blue of her eyes. It also exposes her shoulders, which she covered by lightly draping a green satin shawl. She also has a silver necklace with an emerald around her neck, and the soul ring I presented to her last night on her finger. Behind her Caroline is carrying what I assume to be the staff I carved wrapped in layers of cloth. "You look amazing Anne," I say with a slight bow so as not to stare too much at her

"Thank you, darling. You look quite good yourself." She says smiling. She really exudes the air of a princess.

"Where is everyone else, didn't your father summon all of us?" I ask bashfully

"They will be brought for our audience, however, it was requested that you attend this audience." She explains calmly

"I feel so out of place, everyone here is so highly ranked," I mutter

"Darling, you forget that your status as a first-class Fyreed Order mage is almost equal to a prince. You are one of the highest-ranking people here" Anne says with a light smile

"Uhh right.... So when is this going to start?" I ask

"Well, this time is used to socialize and mingle. The audience will start officially in about a half-hour with updates on how things are running in the empire. Then if anyone has any complaints about certain issues they can be brought forth after the updates. Finally, the audience ends with resolutions and goals." Anne explains

"And how long does this usually take?" I ask nervously

"We will be done around 1300, just in time for lunch." She says

"It is only 0700, you're saying that we will be here for 6 hours?" I ask surprised

"Yes, now we should mingle a little bit as well," Anne says entwining her arm through mine.

"I see you two are getting along well," Someone says behind us.

We turn around to find Queen Theresa. "Your majesty, good morning" Anne greets her step-mom politely

"Good morning your majesty," I say with a deep bow

"Wats... I told you yesterday, didn't I?" Theresa says sternly

"I-I-I'm sorry. Theresa. I thought this constituted as a formal occasion to greet you with proper title." I answer back nervously

"Y-you met her majesty yesterday?" Anne whispers to me