The Vitruvian Heir: Book II: The Awakening (The Vitruvian Heir Trilogy 2) by L.S. Kilroy

Author:L.S. Kilroy [Kilroy, L.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little Tree Press
Published: 2023-07-07T04:00:00+00:00

From behind Lore, Jesseny’s eyes were first drawn to the man in the center of the parlor because his regal presence commanded attention. He must be the Shihaisha. And he’d certainly fixated on their party, particularly on the young empress herself. Once she’d noted this dynamic, her eyes fell momentarily on a striking woman slightly to his side, but then upon a younger woman standing a few steps behind her.

Smaller and slighter than Jesseny, the girl wore an emerald kimono, her silken black hair done up in a geisha style and adorned with tortoise-shell combs. She watched Masaru with wide eyes touched with either fear or reverence, maybe both. Until finally, her eyes met Jesseny’s. The look felt deliberate, like a signal. But it also happened so quickly Jesseny wondered if she’d imagined it in her quest to uncover the Sensaina Ken.

Masaru moved towards their group. Archibald and Avery bowed in greeting; Lore and Jesseny followed suit. Masaru returned the motion and smiled at them, his eyes still transfixed on Lore.

“Welcome to Mahō No Chikyū. It’s not quite as grand as my other palaces, but it makes up in ambience what it lacks in grandeur.”

Other palaces? Jesseny wondered how many a man needed to feel important. This was, by far, the grandest place she’d ever been.

“And Your Imperial Majesty,” he said, now taking Lore’s gloved hand, “I’m most thrilled and humbled by your presence. I look forward to becoming more acquainted with you during your stay and to hearing how you plan to restore Vitruvia to its former glory – and by that, I mean the time before Henley, of course, and before our countries were adversaries for no real reason.”

Jesseny studied the line of Lore’s back and could see her straining for height. The empress stood as erect as her petite frame would allow. Even with her hair piled as high on her head as it could be, it still didn’t bring her anywhere near Masaru’s stature.

“Tennō Heika, thank you so much for hosting us. I’m grateful that Vitruvia is able to be part of this event after so many years. As for restoring my country to its former glory, I daresay I hope not to do anything of the kind.”

“Is that so?” He smiled and raised his eyebrows, sharp and black like birds winging across the sky in a painting.

“Yes, my country’s history, all the way back to its origins as the United States of America, has been mired in repression, hypocrisy, and arrogance. My intention is to build a more equitable society – one that works for everyone, not just the rich.”

“Interesting. I’d love to hear your ideas while you’re here. I will arrange a private meeting for the two of us.”

“As you wish, Tennō Heika.”

At this exchange, Jesseny watched the more regal woman beside him flinch – again, it was such a slight second that she doubted her own eyes. In a blink, she was the picture of composure, and held a pale hand over her

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