Chant Of The Twilight

Chant XIV

Chapter 14: Dance of Honor

Kunot-noong binalingan ng tingin ni Rhysand si Rafian na nasa kaniyang likuran. Nasa tapat na sila ng ornate na double door ng Banquet Hall sa Bronze Palace. The Emperor is about to enter the hall. Mahigit isang oras na nang magsimula ang banquet kaya maingay na ang banquet hall sa magkahalong ingay ng mga pag-uusap ng mga guests at tugtog ng orchestra.

"Achlise is not here yet?" kunot-noong tanong ni Rhysand.

Hindi naman agad nakasagot sina Rafian at Rebecca. They were interrupted when Lauren suddenly arrived while panting, trying to catch her breath.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"I am asking for Achlise. Dinig ko ay inabangan niyo siya sa labas. Where is she?"

"Your Majesty, kararating niya lang po. She's just dressing up and will come to you soon."

Rhysand frowned.

Dressing up?

"Excuse my insolence, Your Majesty, but we really need to enter the hall," Rafian said.

Napabuntong hininga na lamang si Rhysand at tinanguan ang dalawang knights na nakaabang sa pagbubukas ng pintuan. They immediately opened the door.

The music stopped and the guests immediately turned their heads to the door. The mood changed, as if a silent storm appeared.

"His Majesty, the Emperor Rhysand Harshid Yosof Ivelhan is entering!"

The Concubines are sitting side by side of the Emperor's throne chair. Nakahilera sila roon habang nakangiting nag-aabang sa Emperor.

Everyone immediately bowed their heads. The women held their skirt as they bowed, while the men held their chest. Even the Concubines did the same to greet the Emperor.

Rhysand walked in the aisle with his usual cold face and prim demeanor. But the pressure that his presence gives was too suffocating for the guests. But Rhysand's look today was more then enough to suffice their wariness to him.

Wearing a combination of white, gold and green outfit is enough to let everyone know that he covet the Ivelhan under his palm. His navy green cape with fur flattered along with his swift movements as he made his way to his throne.

"Greetings, Your Majesty. We greet you a happy birthday," the First Concubine, Barbara Kalanie Facto of Facto Marquisate greeted.

She is assigned for this year's first birthday greetings that's why she is the first one to greet the Emperor.

"Thank you," Rhysan coldly said before sitting on his throne.

With that, the banquet commerced. The envoys and important guests personally greeted the Emperor one by one and presented him with luxurious gifts.

Ngunit sa kabila ng mga hindi na mabilang na mga regalo at ilang trilyong gold na halagang mga regalo ay hindi pa rin maalis sa isipan ni Rhysand ang isang taong nais niyang makita ngayon araw. His eyes are wandering everywhere every now and then, trying to find that person's trace.

Matapos ang isang oras na greetings ay muling pumunta sa gitna si Rafian para sa pagsisimula ng Dance of Honor.

"To honor His Majesty's sacrifices for our beloved empire, His Majesty's benevolence and another year of prosperity and health of our Emperor, a Dance of Honor shall be offered."