Chilled: Elemental Warriors (A Sci-Fi Alien Warrior Paranormal Romance) by Ashley West

Author:Ashley West [West, Ashley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Paranormal Alien Warrior Romance
Publisher: Monster Media LLC
Published: 2016-09-28T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

The Anquera sun brightly illuminated Emperor Kanton's packed audience hall. Shards of sunlight sliced through the floor from a skylight. On either side of the vast space, nobles and functionaries stood wearing brightly colored robes made from exotic fabrics. At regular intervals, imperial guards stood at attention in glistening armor.

When Kai and Commodore Bretland entered, they saw the Emperor sitting at a table plated with silver. The table brightly reflected its mirror finish. The Emperor's son, Prince Warrel, sat on his right-hand side. A small throne sat empty on his left. It was traditionally the position of the Empress, but since Kai's mother didn't have royal blood, she wasn't allowed to occupy the throne. The chair would remain empty as long as she lived.

On high court days, when Kai was at home, he stood at the Emperor's side. As the only member of the royal family currently serving in the military, Kai's presence was a symbol of the Emperor's total commitment to the fight.

On this day, Kai stood before the Emperor as a supplicant, not as a symbol. The Emperor sat on his throne and gazed at Kai and Bretland impassively.

Kai took the opportunity to study the Emperor's face, looking for any signs of stress. Few knew it, but Kanton injured his heart in a battle long ago, and it was weaker than normal. In private, the Emperor credited Kai's mother with giving him the strength to continue.

"Commander Imwaden," said the Emperor, "Thank you for bringing the enemy to our door with their proposal. We will consider it in session. Kai, join us while the guards take the Earth warrior to his quarters."

Kai sighed with relief. The Emperor did not use the title of hated enemy when referring to Bretland. He called him a warrior. It was a good sign.

Bretland looked at Kai questioningly but the Anquesh warrior, bound by court protocols, could not glance at him. Instead, he gave a brief nod of his head hoping to convey sentences in a slight movement. It is normal, and you are in no danger, Kai thought.

Kai wasn't sure if the Emperor would approve of the human's proposal. Bretland's claim that an Anquesh ally sought to weaken the Empire was not well-received by the nobles. It resulted in many angry looks. They expected deception from their enemy, not assistance.

Kai could only imagine what was going through the human's mind, and didn't have time to think about it. The Emperor expected him in the Council Chamber. He stepped forward, following his stepfather and the retinue of high advisors. Kai was the last to enter the room and found all the chairs at the long rectangular table occupied. Kanton motioned for him to step forward.

"You've brought us a proposal. I'm interested in your thoughts on the matter."

"I think we should consider it," Kai said slowly.

Immediately, the nobles at the table rose their voices excitedly. The loudest shouting was an argument against Kai's position.

The Emperor held up his hand. "I agree with Commander Imwaden. The war is getting expensive.

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