Silence fell over the room. The guards exchanged glances. The king remained silent for long seconds. It was the chancellor behind him who spoke first.

"I hope this is just a bad joke. There was no mention that we should receive him."

"I apologize, Your Highness. This was his command."

The king glanced at one of the guards, who immediately spoke to the device on his wrist to find out what was happening. After a moment, he nodded with a look of horror. Noise from outside could be heard as someone approached.

The king rose from his throne as if he was about to faint. His confidence disappeared as he looked at his son.

"If this is true... Angron, get out of here! Watch over your mother and siblings. Do not come out until I say so!"

The prince nodded and hurried away.

The king looked around and quickly signaled the guards, who lowered their weapons. A few moments later, the door burst open, and the Emperor appeared on the scene. Quilen saw the fear etched on the faces of the king and the chancellor, and he almost pitied them for it. He knew how difficult it was to remain composed in the presence of the Emperor, as he feared him too, just like his brother. This was proven by the way he leaned closer to the ground when the Emperor passed by him, wishing he had stayed at home in place of his sibling. The only one who didn't show his fear was Hyraus.

The Emperor entered through the gate as if everything belonged to him, which was, in a way, true. Although there were still some planets, including Shouta, that claimed to be independent, they could be brought under control by force at any moment. It hadn't happened yet, but it was only a matter of time. His Majesty preferred voluntary submission.

A dark smile spread across the Emperor's face as he surveyed the room and the guards. Finally, his gaze settled on the king. His look was condescending, with a glint of malicious satisfaction in his eyes.

"I know the Kha, and I'm only interested in how you welcome the superior power."

Hearing this, the guards, as if they had come to their senses, fell on their knees and bowed deeply. The chancellor closed his eyes for a moment and then followed suit.

The king still appeared as though he were on the verge of fainting, and then a few seconds later, as if he finally came to realize whom he was facing, he knelt, bowed and touched his forehead to the glistening floor. A few moments later, he gathered the strength and straightened up but didn't rise. It would have been foolish and disrespectful to do so. Like everyone else, he knew how much the Emperor loved to bask in his own glory.

While Shouta officially proclaimed its independence, the king would never have dared to truly anger the Emperor. He knew exactly how dangerous it would be to defy his power for even a single moment. It was quite different to mock him from behind and send him the message from afar that his offer was of no interest, as opposed to saying it to his face.

"Your Majesty... I... We were not prepared... I apologize."

The Emperor interrupted him with a broad smile.

"This is a much more honest welcome. The power of surprise reveals the truth. I heard that you are unwilling to listen to my envoy. I dared to hope that my presence would be motivation enough to change your opinion, little king."

The last word carried a biting mockery, sending a shiver down Quilen's spine. He found it astonishing how little respect His Majesty had for anyone.

The boy wasn't exactly sure how old the Emperor was, but he had ruled the Galaxy long before he and Alsen were born. He was even older than Hyraus. He knew all too well how much good Emperor had done, how he united the planets and aided the people, but sometimes it seemed almost unbelievable. He was infamous for how cruel he could be to those who defied and betrayed him. Quilen had heard a lot of bad things about him from his father, and he had been raised to fear him, even though he had never experienced any hostile intent from the Emperor.

Hyraus, being constantly around the Emperor, had learned to suppress his feelings and concentrate on ensuring that nothing about his plans leaked out accidentally. He was the only one in whom the Emperor placed almost complete trust. Quilen never dared to imagine what the Emperor would do to them if he found out they were planning treason. Deep down, the boy wished the moment had never come for him or his brother to confront him. He doubted either of them stood a chance against him.

The Emperor turned to Hyraus with a smirk.

"Didn't I tell you? This trick always works."

"Yes, Your Majesty, you were right."

The Emperor then turned back to the king with a smile, stared at him in silence for a moment, and then struck him with such force that the man fell to the side. Quilen flinched. The guards made frightened noises, but no one moved. The king did not give any orders, only managed to get back to his knees and remained silent. Seeing his submission, everyone stayed still.

"Next time, if the question arises whether I and my face... What was it... can fit through, widen the gate!" the Emperor said.

"Forgive my disrespect, Your Majesty!" the king begged.

"I don't forgive it. So... where were we? Yes, the discussion... But before we begin, I want the prince and his little sweetheart to grace us with their presence."

Quilen would have sworn that pure panic appeared on the king's face this time.

"Is there perhaps an obstacle?" the Emperor inquired.

The Chancellor regained his composure more quickly. "Lady Silerin is currently not on Shouta, Your Majesty. She's away. Her academic exams are coming up."

"In that case, the little prince will be enough," the Emperor stated.

With a dark smile, he looked down at the king. "Perhaps he will be more inclined to behave obediently if I need to make an example of you."

During the tense silence following the open threat, Quilen noticed that the king clenched his fist. However, a moment later, the Shoutan man looked up at the Emperor and responded in a calmer tone. It seemed he had managed to regain his composure.

"There will be no need for that," he replied. "Clearly, Your Majesty has come with a much better offer than what we heard before. Chancellor, please summon Angron! We will listen to the Emperor's proposal."