REALMS OF DISCORD

Coronation

Sato gazed at her reflection in the mirror, admiring her appearance from head to toe. Her emerald green dress, adorned with intricate golden lace, accentuated her figure beautifully. With a delicate touch, she traced the lace that adorned her neck, cascading down her cleavage and ending at the elegant train flowing behind her. A satisfied smile graced her lips as she gracefully settled onto her dressing table, placing her hands on her lap. A nod to her attendant indicated her readiness, and the help behind her understood the signal. Moving with grace, a servant dressed in beige attire, wearing a light brown apron and a cream scarf covering her head, approached Sato.

The servant carefully positioned a pearl-encrusted crown upon Sato's neatly plaited cornrows. Sato returned the smile, adjusting the crown upon her head before stepping out of her chambers.

A procession of guards followed closely behind her as they traversed the magnificent great hall, which had been adorned in a different manner that day. Along the walls, where grand frames once displayed the portraits of her predecessors, now hung emerald green and golden fabrics, adorned with ribbons in her family's colors. The hall was illuminated by chandeliers suspended from the ceiling, casting a warm glow upon the long corridor that led to towering silver double doors. Sato's soft footsteps on the red carpet were juxtaposed with the clanking of her guards' metal shoes on the cold, cemented floor beside her.

This was the moment she had been waiting for—taking her rightful place as the emperor. As she reached the massive doors, she drew a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for what awaited beyond. Her eyes wandered to the right side of the door, where she noticed the engraved names of all the rulers of Kringa, including her grandmother and mother. With a gentle touch, she traced her fingers over the names, as if seeking their blessings, before signaling the guards stationed on either side to open the doors.

The room fell into a hushed silence as everyone rose to their feet upon hearing the doors' creaking. Sato reveled in the sensation of power, her hands resting atop each other just below her breast, asserting her dominance with a mere presence. With a regal posture, she proceeded towards the vacant chair at the center of the C-shaped mahogany table, a gift to the kingdom a century ago to commemorate an important agreement.

In recent years, the table had been covered in papers as the leaders of each land and their generals worked towards a continent without an emperor. But now, it was adorned with a lavish feast of various meats, including beef, pork, goat, camel, chicken, and even some exotic bush meat. Chang'aa and muratina flowed freely, the maids ensuring that the cups were always filled. Groups of people congregated around a large black pot, sipping busaa through long plant straws, engrossed in lively conversations. Sato relished the joyous atmosphere of the hall, appreciating the gathering of individuals who had assembled to witness her coronation as the emperor of Kringa.

To her far right sat Mambo, the leader of the Eya village and the chief in charge of security in Kringa, donning her village's colors. Mambo's dreadlocks were styled in a high ponytail, adorned with a red ribbon. She wore a long black sheer sleeve dress under a dark umber crocodile skin chest vest. A thick red sheer cape with silver detailing cascaded from her right shoulder, secured by a silver lion head with red eyes.

Seated next to Mambo was Kori, the leader of Nzani, renowned for their scientific and technological advancements in the continent. Kori's flowing white dress featured a silver neckline and a yellow sheer top, lending her an ethereal appearance. With a cleanly shaved head, she stood out among the other leaders.

On Sato's left sat Lulahve, representing the village of Urun and overseeing the continent's finance and economics. Lulahve, a bald and round figure, appeared less imposing in his purple robes with silver trimmings. He raised his glass of muratina to Sato before taking a sip.