Draconia Offline vol. 1

54.2. No Rest for the Emperor - Part 2

"They're staring even more than yesterday," I grumble and my smile is cringy.

"Well, not only I'm finally accompanying you today, your new partner is a fresh news," Erik says and helps me get the fabric of my ceremonial robe under control. There're still a few minutes left before a morning session.

"Won't you be bored?" I worry because he can't stay with me.

"Are you kidding?" he laughs. "I expect thorough questioning from all spouses that the delegates brought with them."

I see Gotrid talking to my guards that took position by the walls and Vermiel shaking his head for some reason. Gotrid then returns to me, obviously saddened.

"They said I can't join them because I'm not the royal guard even though I was in the game," he cries. "Can't you just order them, Your Majesty?"

"I have no power over my protection," I have to disappoint him. "You'd have to talk to Liana about it."

"On the second thought, better not bother Her Excellency," Gotrid waves his hand.

"She's not that scary, you know," I poke him and look at her chatting with Bauerova a few metres away from us.

"Only you might think that, my Emperor," he disagrees.

I have to think about it for a moment. Sure, Liana is very strict, uncompromising, ambitious and demanding but scary? No, no way. She's also so kind, open-minded, non-judgmental and supportive. One of the best people I've ever met.

"Try not to argue too much during socialising, will you?" Liana returns to her seat when it's almost time to start. "Elizabeth will introduce you to a few diplomats and it'd also help a lot if you could leave a good impression when it comes to the wife of the Japanese Prime Minister. We're meeting their delegation in the afternoon."

"Are you excited about meeting the representatives of your homeland, Your Majesty?" Gotrid is curious.

"I consider Bohemia to be my homeland," I answer and take a conspicuous look to the left side of the hall where they're sitting.

Since there're hundreds of people in the hall, it's hard for me to perceive anyone specifically unless I really focus on them. So I do try now. The Japanese Prime Minister's expression is unreadable but I can feel that he's nervous about meeting us. Our gazes meet and when he realises I'm watching him, he starts sweating.

"Are you listening, Your Majesty?" Gotrid takes my hand. "I was asking you if you need another glass of water."

Sorry, I was trying to read the Japanese Prime Minister, I answer telepathically.

Gotrid has experienced connecting to me yesterday but not a casual telepathic conversation so he twitches in surprise. Then to quickly cover his weird move, he pretends that he has to scratch his wing. Erik pulls him by his sleeve because it's high time for them to go.

"I'm not sure if you'll be more distracted or less now that you have a Celestial partner as well," Liana winks at me and it's the last thing she manages to do before the first speaker presents their topic.

In the second half, Deminas talks about the situation in Russia and middle-Asia. Most delegates managed to get used to his formidable presence by now so they're finally able to listen properly.

I'm a bit worried that he'll take Fefnir with him. Fefnir didn't say anything, only Emi was explicit about not returning to Prague, but everything is changing by the minute. I hardly had any time to talk to my dear friend and every time I saw him, he was with his Patriarch. I really like having him around, will he be taken away from me as well?