A Tale Of Queens

The Emperor

Sa-Alti arrived at Geleu by evening, just in time to prepare for dinner.

She and her attendants were received by the emperor's officials the moment her carriage halted. She was immediately led to a luxury suite to relax and refresh herself after her relatively long journey. While the people she came across were polite enough, there was something cold, something standoffish in the way they regarded her. She tried not to let this disturb her as it had little to do with her business here. Instead, she focused on her mother's advise on her speech and mannerisms, practicing in the mirror until a knock on the door indicated that it was time for dinner.

Her personal maids came in to help her prepare. She kept her dress and jewelry moderate, focusing on her face instead. Her eyes were thickly lined and her lips were dyed a faint red. The rest of her face was left bare, emphasizing these features even more. Satisfied with her look, she presented herself to be led to the dining room.

******

The large dining room was devoid of human presence.

The oak table itself was laden with delicacies of all types and variety. Wines of different tastes accompanied the food and carefully selected fruits could be seen among the lavish platter. Since she was alone, Sa-Alti was free to explore her surroundings.

The walls were lined with brightly lit lamps of different sizes. And there were decorations and artworks of remarkable quality placed in strategic spots on the polished marble floors. Paintings,  sculptures in iron and stone probably of Geleuan dignitaries and a wood carving that seemed out of place. It depicted an animal which she had never seen before. Sa-Alti found herself looking around in wonder, her nervousness gradually disappearing.

She was in the process of twirling round for a second time when the sudden appearance of a lone figure startled her. She yelped, unable to stop herself and breathed heavily, scared out of her mind. Belatedly, she realised that there was a spot in the room which the light did not reach and that all this while, this person had been watching her. Making a fool out of myself, she thought miserably.

Emperor Xhante stepped slowly into the light and Sa-Alti gasped at the sight of him. He was tall and moved with a confidence that made him seem even taller. His facial features came together in a way that gave him a sardonic look. His brows were curved in a brooding manner and rested above eyes that held innate intelligence. His full lips were pulled into a slight smirk and she found herself wishing to hide under the table. He was not particularly handsome but there was something electrifying and dangerous about him.

"Queen Sa-Alti of Khelet. You are welcome," he greeted in a rumbling voice, jolting her from her frozen state. He moved closer to her – too close, if you asked her – and took her hand, kissing the inside of her palm. She could have sworn that she felt his tongue but she brushed it off, choosing to smile cordially at him instead.

"Congratulations on your coronation," he added, eyes studying her face.

She swallowed thickly.

"Thank you, Emperor Xhante. You were very kind to have invited me."

"And I do not wish to regret it," he said chuckling as if he was joking. Sa-Alti almost laughed with him but there was something  in his eyes stopped her.

He was not joking.

Remembering what her mother had said and refusing to cower any longer, she looked straight into his dark eyes and held his gaze boldly.

"You won't," she promised.

The Emperor looked surprised, then impressed. He took her hand and led her to the table, pulling out a chair for her and walking to the opposite side to take his seat.