Empire of Deceit

Chapter 12: Under Scrutiny

The Grand Hall was, well, grand. Hundreds of people were crowding the area as myself and Duchess Nikita walked into the room.

The banners of the Empire's sigil, a phoenix, hung from the ceiling where they were illuminated by chandeliers. To our left, wide windows allowed us to look at the view of the rest of the Capital. Most of the city was alive, evident by the sparkling lights which shined from most of the buildings. To our right, the waterfall flowed in glistening streams, the Naiads squealing as they swam through the waters.

At least fifty tables were scattered throughout the room, each possessing five name cards. They also boasted the same color scheme: royal blue, orange, and lilac, which were the colors of the Empire. Fancy silverware and table settings were placed meticulously; no one could mess up tonight.

There was also a large assortment of press walking through the crowd, asking questions and requesting to take pictures. Cameramen and Camerawomen walked through the crowd as well, paying special attention to those I recognized as being my competitors.

I recognized the hosts of the coverage for the Praelium interviewing Aashi Bea. Tyr looked as though he would rather be anywhere else, whereas Tiffany looked thirsty for drama of any kind.

Duchess Nikita walked opposite of them, motioning for me to follow her.

"They're vultures, I swear. Though I believe Tyr is more or less on your side."

I nodded in agreement. "When society casts you out of the acceptable norm, you often form bonds together to prove you're not the problem, they are."

"I trust Cassandra prepped you well?"

"For certain things. The Jacurans will be easy to get along with."

"Ah, yes," Duchess Nikita smiled at those who were starting to stare. I did the same. "Your father worked for the last king."

A human with tawny skin and cropped black hair approached us. He bowed. "Duchess Nikita, it is my honor to make your acquaintance tonight."

He was indeed handsome, with his square jaw and lean frame. As the duchess acknowledged him, I watched him appraise me. The duchess looked between us.

"This is my charge, Arerias."

"Yes, yes," he said. He bowed once again and extended a hand to me. "Lord Mohammed Kaleem." He leaned in and whispered, "But you can call me Mo."

I smiled, putting up the act that I did indeed want to be here and that I was more than happy to get acquainted with my fellow competitors.

"You can call me Rei," I whispered back.

He pulled away, a curious glint in his eyes. "Very well. I must bid you both adieu, as my mother is waving me over to speak with Admiral Hewitt. Hopefully we can get better acquainted later, Rei."

I nodded in agreement and watched him walk towards a noblewoman and a Valkyrie.

"Let us find your seat."

The duchess began to guide me through the crowd with a comforting hand on my back.

More and more people began to stare as we walked past; the anxiety welling in my stomach caused my tattoos to glow brighter and brighter the further we walked.

Finally, we found my name card at a table almost directly in front of the long table where the Empress, Jacuran Royals, and dukes and duchesses sat. Once we confirmed my spot, which was facing the long table, the duchess practically dragged me to greet them.

Empress Yana had a distant look on her face. Her fair skin had been painted an even lighter shade of porcelain, her hair was drawn back into braids which looked soft as silk, and her lips were coated with a bold red whilst her almond-shaped brown eyes were emphasized by colors of green and orange. A headdress made out of rich red fabrics and engraved with the Empire's sigil adorned her head, and her robes were made in a similar design.