“It’s sunny outside.”

The man wearing black robes sits on a golden throne as he glare through the large arching windows, resting his chin under his fist in annoyance. “The girl arrives today, doesn’t she?” he asked.

“Yes, the entourage will be here any minute now my lord.” His advisor blinked.

“I’m not really comfortable making trades with such primitives, I believe the people in our siege are far more capable without all this.”

“My lord, the people from the mountain of Kinan are exceptionally good not just in farming but also with their combat skills and battle strategies, their lineage had been there for thousands of years and their line of survival is unwavered. This is an advantage for our long term establi--”

“Yes, yes, I understand all of that. Save the lecture and please draw the blinds, I trust that you hear my remark the first time, Macias?”, raising an eyebrow with a stern look on his face.

“Sincerest apologies, my lord. It will be done at once..” Macias replied as he bowed promptly to the impatient nobleman. He walked briskly and ushered the servants to draw and move the huge drapes of burgundy lined with dark gold prints of roses drawn on it.

The king slouches on his throne. An enormous golden chair intricately lined with patterns of various mythical beasts drawn in silver. He sits proudly at the center of a hall that is at least 30 feet high and wide. The halls are hollow yet fortified by the huge pillars lined up towards the throne. The windows are almost as big and tall as the walls with intricate embellishments that follows its Gothic framework. It is no surprise that the lord in black robes finds it too bright for his taste.

Suddenly a guard makes an abrupt appearance and whispers something rather serious to Macias. “Er, my lord King Rickardo... forgive my intrusion but the girl has arrived.”

“Finally!”, the lord said as he rolled his eyes and ushered a gesture of approval with his hand. “What are your standing there for? Send her in!”

The guard bows, proceeds to stand upright and announces, ”May I have the honor to present you, young lady Asterion, sent as an official envoy from the northern province of Kinan, leader of the tribe hunters, now present at your court, my lord.”

A young girl dressed in a beige cloak with faded red and blue patterns marched in and bowed in front of the lord, Following her are two men wearing similar cloaks.

“My lord, the elder shaman of Kinan sent me to bring you the finest grain from our tribe.” Aster said, still facing her head to the ground. “We understand that the kingdom has an actual supply enough to feed everyone here in Sentralia but we ask that you--”

“You are quite small for your age.”

Aster blinked. “Pardon, my lord?”

“Either you are too small for your age or this shaman of yours has sent a child to mock the kingdom, what exactly does your shaman want, little girl?” King Rickardo continued.

“My lord, apologies, our shaman sent you three hundred sacks of fine grain from our tribe. That can last a decade than the average supply of food this kingdom has to offer, it is also enough to feed your infantries for the wars to come. Our grain is a gift to you my lord, to prove that our allegiance lies onto the throne..” Aster answered, raising her head and looking directly at the Lord’s eyes.

“Another thing that bothers me is that how a child like you gained such a title?”

“My shaman bears no ill will for this allegiance my lord, My appearance is but a victim of circumstances.” Aster rose up bearing a stern face. The lord rose up to his chair and walked towards Aster, peering down on her. He was about to answer back when his trail of thought got cut off as he felt something around young lady.

“You... You have something in you that you’re not showing.” His eyes widened and looks at her intently.

Aster stared at him, rather glaringly, “I have no idea what you’re talking about my lord.” she replied.

The lord grabs her wrist and pulls her glove not breaking eye contact. Her wrist revealed glowing white insignias that are eeringly symmetrical to her arm, it seems that her cut back at the hut with the shaman formed marks and symbols to which she wasn’t aware of, everyone was surprised including her two attendants. Was it a soulcraft from the shaman? Was it something he placed in her? How did he sense that? She didn’t know. He leaned her hand at a distance so close Aster can feel his breath against her skin. She gulped.

“You seem… to stand out from the others. Quite charming.” He grinned toothily. Aster doesn’t flinch and pulls her hand away quickly from his grip.

“Macias! It seems that we will be having Lady Asterion for the Lord’s Gathering!” The king gave his advisor a meaningful glance. “Just as I have agreed upon with her shaman, take her to her chambers for she will be staying here as our guest for the weeks to come!”

“My lord, with all due resp--”

“The throne thanks your tribe for your loyalty and service, young lady Asterion.” the lord announced.

His tone changed as if he found something that sparked his interest. Aster bowed promptly but glared in suspicion. She walked out of the hall, troubled. Eager to write to Aurora about her encounter with the king as soon as possible. Something doesn't feel right.