Empire of Deceit

Part 2: The Praelium -- Chapter 11: The Banquet

When we arrived in the station, we were greeted by a flurry of paparazzi. Rex stepped in front of, pushing a path for me, the duchess, Lina, and my friends.

It was then I got my first glance at the palace. It was surrounded by water, as it had been built just below the Ayre Waterfall. The steady roar calmed me, made me feel safe. The white spires reached high into the sky, and I could spot four towers connected to the main body of the structure. Rivers flowed through the few pieces of earth on which the structure was built on. I could spot Naiads swimming through, their heads popping out of the water to stare as myself and Indigo passed.

The closer we got to the palace, the more I could see that the white stone was actually not the main composition of the structure, but rather a strange kind of warped glass; the kind made in the depths of Runda's mines.

"Welcome," we were greeted by a Jacuran warrior. Her smile, though large, did not mask the animosity shining in her light eyes.

"Present yourselves." Though it was worded in a kind tone, the edge in her voice let it be known that this was not a request, but an order.

"Duchess Nikita Gentry," the duchess stepped forward. "This is my charge, Arerias." I bowed my head in acknowledgment, noting how her eyes remained trained on me as the rest were introduced.

"Follow me to your quarters, Arerias," she said, beginning to march away.

I didn't bother to wait for the others. I followed her quick steps, for a moment failing to keep up.

As we walked through the palace, servants and other participants watched me. I kept my chin high, not planning on being caught off guard.

"You are a Valkyrie," I said, trying to start a conversation. "A real one, not the ones who act as our prison guards here."

She faltered in her steps but continued as though she hadn't.

"My father is from Jacur," I offered. "He served under King Rogo."

"What did he do?"

I smiled. "He was a scientist. One of the best, from what I heard. My uncles served on his Council as well."

We stopped in front of a door at the very end of the corridor. Instead of electrical lights, the corridor was set up so that the natural lighting outside was reflected through a large glass pane. The roar of the waterfall was closer now. Based on the droplets coating the window, I was willing to bet we were right beside it.

"Your room," the warrior said.

I entered the spacious area, refraining from squealing in surprise.

This place is bigger than the first floor of our house.

I surveyed the room with one glance.

The walls were grey; a rug with hexagonal patterns in the same color and white lay in front of a canopy bed that could perhaps fit five dwarfs. It was covered with a navy duvet and loads of throw pillows. I believe the sheets were silk. Though I never was a fan of hardwood flooring, the beautiful ash color stunned me.

"Your guard will join with you shortly," the warrior said.

"Wait," I said. Her eyes spoke of murder, but I had to ask. "What is your name?"

"Onyeka Idowu," she answered.

I bowed my head. "Thank you for leading me here."

I expected her to turn and leave after that, but she paused.

"Your father... was Arareas." She said the name with a reverent tone. "Which means your uncles were Andleas and Asdraen."

I cocked my head to the side. "My father's reputation must be greater than I thought."