Page 43 of Song of the Shadow Prince
I smiled cheekily. “Don’t.” Dismissing her, I turned my attention back to Lord Zacharia. “Do you know why the emperor summoned us?”
He shook his head. “No, darling, I don’t. But we must be careful. At yesterday’s council meeting, the emperor was not happy. We don’t know what his mood will be like today.”
I nodded and Gianna said, “Of course, Father.”
As our carriage climbed the final stretch, the full majesty of the dragon palace unfolded before us. Perched like a crown atop the highest peak of Dragon Valley, it was a sight that could make even the most cynical tourist drop their camera in awe. Unlike the castles plastered over postcards and fantasy book covers, this one had an architectural flair that screameddragon-made. The main structure spiraled upward, mimicking the natural curvature of a dragon's tail, with towers that resembled claws reaching skyward as if trying to scratch the clouds.
The walls of the palace shimmered with a scale-like mosaic, reflecting the sunlight in a thousand hues—reds, golds, and deep greens that shifted with the light. Massive archways loomed likethe open jaws of a dragon, inviting—or warning, depending on your mood—visitors to step inside.
As we drew closer, the gates of the palace opened to reveal a grand courtyard paved with stones that sparkled with embedded gems, likely treasures from the dragon's hoard. The courtyard bustled with dignitaries and palace staff who moved with the purposeful haste that accompanied high-stakes gatherings.
Lord Zacharia, ever the composed noble, adjusted his collar before stepping out of the carriage, while Gianna practiced her most diplomatic smile and mentally rehearsed her curtsy. I was the last to exit the carriage. As I stepped into the crisp mountain air, I felt every bit an imposter in my borrowed finery. My nerves buzzed with a mix of excitement and mild panic—typical fake family lunch vibes, if your fake family happened to involve dragons and mysterious imperial summonses.
We were greeted by a herald who bowed deeply, his robes sweeping the ground. “Lord Zacharia, the Emperor awaits your presence in the Sovereign Hall,” he announced, his voice echoing slightly off the stone.
As the grand gates of the Dragon Palace closed behind us with a resonant clang that could have been mistaken for a distant thunderclap, Lord Zacharia led the way. Our footsteps echoed off the high stone walls, a subtle reminder of the grandeur and gravity that surrounded us. The path to the Sovereign Hall was a winding journey through corridors that seemed to throb with the pulse of the palace itself.
The hallway was flanked by towering statues of past dragon rulers, each carved from a different type of stone, their eyes set with precious gems that seemed to follow our movements with unnerving precision. Pungent incense filled the palace with a smoky fragrance that mingled with the cooler mountain air seeping through the hidden alcoves.
“Stay close,” Lord Zacharia murmured as we followed him through the hallways. He knew his way through the palace and from the looks of it, so did Gianna. I assumed if Arya was here, she’d probably know it as well. I was the only outsider.
Gianna reached for my hand and clasped it. Startled, I flinched. She peered over at me and frowned at my reaction, but held firm as she turned her attention back toward Lord Zacharia. I honestly couldn’t get a read on this chick. I didn’t know what her intentions were or whether she was as good as she pretended to be, so for now, I remained mindful.
The winding corridor finally opened into a vast antechamber filled with light. Towering walls were adorned with intricate mosaics depicting the legendary battles and alliances of the dragon clans. The level of detail was staggering; each tile was a whisper of history, laid by hands who honored every legend.
Finally, the Sovereign Hall loomed before us, its doors as tall and imposing as the reputation of the emperor himself. The doors silently swung open, revealing the grandeur awaiting us inside.
“Remember to stay close and follow my lead,” Lord Zacharia cautioned under his breath again right before we crossed the threshold.
The Sovereign Hall, as we soon saw, was a masterpiece of architectural and artistic prowess. We passed through hallways lined with tapestries that told the history of the dragon clans, each thread shimmering with magic that made the scenes move and pulse. The hall itself was a vast, open space topped with a high, arched ceiling supported by columns that seemed to be carved from crystal, reflecting light in dazzling arrays. The floor was a polished stone that mirrored the ceiling's light, creating the effect of walking on the sun.
A herald stepped forward as we entered Sovereign Hall and his voice echoed grandly in the cavernous space. “Lord Zacharia and esteemed guests, the emperor awaits.”
The sheer opulence of the place struck me like a wave. My eyes gaped and my mouth hung open a bit longer than I'd care to admit.
Small, low tables were arranged around the perimeter of the room, surrounded by plush cushions instead of chairs. There, clusters of elegantly dressed figures were already seated, their attire glittering under the soft glow of the crystal chandeliers that hung high above. Each person looked more distinguished than the last, obviously key players within the empire's intricate social tapestry.
But all paled in comparison to the figure at the room's heart—the emperor. Positioned on a raised dais at the far end of the hall, he sat not on the floor like everyone else, but on an elevated throne that commanded the space. His table, unlike the others, was clearly designed for a single occupant and was set apart by its grandeur and height.
The hall's atmosphere was electric, each whisper and clink of cutlery resonating with an undercurrent of power and opulence. The emperor, a regal figure draped in silks that cascaded around his form, exuded an air of serene authority. His eyes briefly met mine, a piercing gaze that seemed to weigh and measure in a single glance.
As I ventured a closer look, my eyes were snared by something other than the emperor's commanding presence. The tables were masterpieces—crafted not from wood, but from what appeared to be solid gold. Their surfaces gleamed with a rich, almost indecent luster that captured every flicker of light. A small gasp escaped me, partly in awe and partly in a whimsical thought of how many heists it would take to clear this room.
The temptation to 'liberate' some of this splendor was a fleeting, mischievous thought—quickly dashed by the realization of just how out of my league I was in this den of dragons and diplomats.
“Lord Zacharia!” Emperor Valenor called out with a boisterous laugh. “How wonderful of you to join us!”
Gianna and I followed Lord Zacharia toward the center of the hall and all eyes darted to us as a hush fell over the room. The emperor’s words demanded immediate respect. When they dropped to their knees, Gianna pulled me down with her and I fell to my knees without a scrap of elegance and nearly tumbled over. Lord Zacharia and Gianna placed their right fist into their left palm and bowed, and I quickly followed.
“Long live His Majesty! May you live another thousand years!” the three of us said in well-practiced unison.
There was a dramatic pause and we remained without moving on our knees in a bowing position with our arms extended out. To say I was uncomfortable would be putting it mildly, but Maeve told me I couldn’t move. The seconds ticked by, yet we remained rigidly locked in position.
The uncomfortable silence continued until someone cleared their throat, followed by the emperor’s hearty laugh. “You may rise,” he declared.
We straightened and got to our feet. I was tempted to rub the soreness from my knees, but when I peered over at Gianna, I saw she was standing there stoically like Maeve taught me, so I mimicked her.
My gaze traveled around the room and I found a familiar face sitting at the first table on the right side of the room – Royal Prince Bai. He nodded subtly once we made eye contact, and I did the same.
