The group follows Kaiden, with Wulfric occasionally sneaking glances at Loden, his expression skeptical. Brokenfang remains predominantly quiet, often shrinking behind Loden and Wulfric. As they walk, Kaiden glances back at the warriors periodically, pausing to ensure the group is nearby.

  Kaiden notices Brokenfang's unease as he walks behind them all, and a thought occurs to him. With determination, he turns around, maneuvering between Wulfric and Loden to reach Brokenfang's side. This surprises both, Wulfric and Loden who stop, watching Kaiden backtrack to reach Brokenfang.

  As Kaiden steps up to Brokenfang, he reflects on his plan and asks, "Hey, Brokenfang. Are you alright?"

  Brokenfang averts his eyes, his tail still and limp behind him. He responds, his voice soft and reserved. “Of course, my priestess. I'm fine.”

  Kaiden notices how Brokenfang avoids eye contact with him and how his tail is hanging motionless. "Are you sure? You seem nervous.” he presses, concern evident in his voice.

  Brokenfang shakes his head and waves his hand, dismissing the notion of nervousness. "I'm perfectly fine," he affirms, though a hint of tension is evident in his eyes and the subtle way his ears flatten. Brokenfang quickly glances away, as if startled by an unheard sound, his composure faltering for a moment.

  Kaiden shakes his head, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Intuitive and empathic, he recognizes that Brokenfang is likely feeling overwhelmed by the palace's sensory barrage. Kaiden gently reaches out and grasps Brokenfang's arm, concern etched on his features.

  Loden and Wulfric observe silently, their trust in both Kaiden and Brokenfang evident in their calm demeanor. Brokenfang looks at Kaiden with slight surprise, yet he doesn’t pull his arm away. Kaiden glances back at Loden and Wulfric. Their calm silence encourages him to proceed in the way he feels best.

  Kaiden, sensing Brokenfang's discomfort with the overwhelming environment of the palace, puts him at ease with a gentle smile. "I understand that this is a lot to take in, and it must be overwhelming for you," Kaiden assures. "But you can trust us. We trust you. We will help you. I promise."

  A smile spreads across Brokenfang's face as he turns to look at Kaiden, a sign that he is beginning to feel at ease. For a brief moment, Kaiden finds himself entranced by Brokenfang's heterochromatic eyes, the vivid blue and green orbs sparkling in the warm morning light of the palace windows. The blue and green hues seem to dance together, creating an almost mesmerizing effect that leaves Kaiden enraptured for a moment before he jolts slightly. Realizing he had been staring, Kaiden quickly averts his gaze, hoping that Brokenfang hadn’t noticed his momentary distraction. He takes a moment to mentally appreciate the vibrant colors of the warriors eyes before snapping back to focus, a warm smile adorning his own features. The moment farther interrupted by the sound of someone clearing their throat, bringing his focus back to the present situation in front of him.

  Kaiden and Brokenfang turn their attention to Wulfric as he clears his throat. His expression is stoic, his arms crossed. With a neutral tone, he inquires, "Should we continue moving or stand still like statues in the hallway?"

  Kaiden shakes his head apologetically, addressing the group. "Sorry," he says, his hand still holding onto Brokenfang's arm. He starts to release his grip but suddenly changes his mind, instead gently tugging on Brokenfang's arm to move him to the front of the group, joining Kaiden in the lead position.

  Brokenfang attempts to object but doesn't resist as Kaiden leads him to the front of the group, past Loden and Wulfric. Brokenfang shoots a desperate look at both Loden and Wulfric, silently pleading for them to intervene.

  Loden and Wulfric raise their hands in a gesture of surrender, trying to control their amusement. Unable to contain their laughter, they struggle to suppress smiles. They compare Brokenfang to a puppy being led around by Kaiden, finding humor in the situation.

  Kaiden releases Brokenfang's arm once they reach the front, and Brokenfang shakes his head, still uneasy about the situation. Still, he adheres to the priestess' wishes and walks closely by Kaiden's side as the group proceeds down the hallway toward the banquet hall.

  ————————

  The group's walk through the hallway is undisturbed until they near the banquet hall, where they come across a few servants and attendants gathered in small groups. Kaiden smiles at the sight of the people, hoping to see a few familiar faces maybe.

  Kaiden notices Yetta in one of the groups immediately, her tall figure making her stand out even in her palace servant uniform. Her chestnut brown hair is neatly gathered in her signature hairstyle - two buns tied high on her head. Her brown chestnut eyes glance over to Kaiden as the group approaches closer. A gentle smile appears as she recognizes the Priestess and then the smile vanishes as her eyes briefly move to Brokenfang and dart away.

  Kaiden notices Cerelia next standing nearby in her own group apart from Yetta. Cerelia’s palace servant uniform is made up the same as the others, her long, jet-black hair cascading gracefully over her shoulder though. Her light green eyes glinting as they sweep the group, but pausing when they fall upon Brokenfang and dart away.

  Kaiden observes the servants' reactions as they notice the group's approach, their nervous gazes averting and some even darting away down an adjacent hallway. He slows his pace and leans backward to get closer to Wulfric and Loden. In a hushed voice, he whispers to them, "Why are they all avoiding us like that?"

  Before Loden or Wulfric can respond, Brokenfang intervenes, his whisper barely audible. He had overheard Kaiden's comment and was also keeping track of the servants' whispers and murmurs. Brokenfang, aware of the situation, lowers his ears further onto his head and tucks his tail under his cloak before muttering in a soft voice, "They‘re afraid of me. I am a Beastel."

  Kaiden pauses, causing the group to halt for a moment. He glances between Brokenfang and the retreating servants. Kaiden looks toward Loden and Wulfric, who both nod in understanding, acknowledging the truth in those words.

  Kaiden shakes his head, his voice gaining volume as he addresses the situation. "Brokenfang is a celestial warrior, and he's part of our team. He's our friend," he states firmly. Pausing for a moment, he continues, "In time, they'll recognize that. For now, just ignore them. Let's keep moving." Brokenfang looks at Kaiden, surprised by the strength in his words.

  Kaiden lifts his head high, and grabs Brokenfang's arm, gently pulling him along. Loden and Wulfric share a knowing smile, acknowledging Kaiden's unique nature. His kindness and perspective on others reveal the depth of his character and his willingness to help.

  Stolen story; please report.

  Kaiden, his focus unbroken, continues forward without pausing to glance back at the servants or Yetta or Cerelia. As they approach the massive doors of the banquet hall, he instinctively raises his hand to push them open but is surprised when they magically swing open on their own.

  Kaiden, Brokenfang, Loden, and Wulfric slowly step into the spacious banquet hall, the doors creaking closed behind them. Two servants, stationed on either side of the door, diligently shut it after the group's entrance. They stand with their backs against the door, their gazes cast downward towards the floor. A hint of unease and tension lingers in the air, hinting at the possible negative reception the group might receive in the room.

  Kaiden redirects his attention to the front, where the Emperor and Empress are seated at the table. A plate of food is already laid out in front of them. The couple's expressions are a mix of surprise and shock, their eyes fixed on the group.

  Wulfric swiftly bows, quickly followed by Brokenfang and Loden. He speaks with respect, "Your Majesties, it is an honor to be in your presence this morning. Blessings of Astryaln be upon you."

  Kaiden, feeling a bit awkward for his delayed response, bows his head and briefly glances in the direction of the Empress Caecilia and Emperor Regulus Aurelianus. However, unable to catch a clear view of them, he swiftly returns his gaze to the ground, making sure to maintain a proper show of respect.

  The emperor, Emperor Regulus, grants permission for the group to rise. "You may rise, Priestess." He gazes at the warriors, his expression hinting at a mild disapproval. "You may rise as well, Celestial Warriors."

  Loden, Brokenfang and Kaiden rise from their bow, assuming a more relaxed position. Wulfric takes a slightly longer time to stand upright, his gaze shifting between the Emperor and Empress before casting his eyes downward.

  The Empress, her face etched with concern and disappointment, speaks up, "We have heard from both the guards and Tibost about the distressing condition of our celestial priestess." Her brow furrows into a frown as she continues, "How could either of you let this tragedy happen, and how could you even permit this Beastel to enter the royal palace, let alone go near the priestess?"

  Kaiden attempts to speak up, eager to defend his friends, but Loden quickly seizes his arm, gently restraining him. Kaiden turns to look at him with surprise, but Loden silently signals a "no" with a shake of his head. In a hushed voice, Loden mouths “No, don’t.”

  Wulfric steps forward, his expressionless face a contrast to his sincere words. "Your Majesties, we are truly sorry for disappointing you. I would have come to inform you sooner had I been given the opportunity to converse with you during this unfortunate event." Continuing, he vows, "But we will do better."

  Wulfric continues, elucidating, "I have already deployed soldiers to apprehend the ruffians responsible for the abduction and poisoning at the Northern Gate. Kaiden has recovered and is no longer facing peril."

  The Emperor, Emperor Regulus, surveys the group, his amber eyes pausing on the group before nodding slightly. His black hair, adorned with the crown, moves in sync with his movements.

  The Empress Caecilia stands abruptly, her long chestnut brown hair cascading gracefully behind her. Her honey-brown eyes fixate intently on Wulfric as she points towards Brokenfang, her tone hinting at a growing impatience. "You have failed to address the Beastel in this room," she accuses. "Do you think my patience is something to toy with?"

  Kaiden startles slightly in response to Caecilia's stern tone. Loden remains unmoved, but Brokenfang averts his eyes even further, his gaze fixating on the ground.

  “Of course not, your majesty," Wulfric responds deferentially, bowing before explaining, "I was just about to share with you Kaiden's discovery of the next celestial warrior, Brokenfang." He says gesturing to Brokenfang, “This skilled warrior helped save Kaiden in numerous moments of this…” However before Wulfric can continue, Emperor Regulus interrupts, raising his hand for silence.

  “You would have us believe that this Beastel is a celestial warrior," the Emperor asserts, rising to his feet, his expression skeptical. Empress Caecilia scoffs, her voice tinged with skepticism as well. "How utterly ridiculous," she adds, casting a skeptical glance in Brokenfang’s direction.

  Kaiden fidgets by Loden’s side by pressing his hands together, his unease growing. He glances at Brokenfang, feeling horrible for putting him into this situation. Seeing now why Wulfric and Loden were dismissive of Brokenfang, they weren’t the only ones who were blinded by tradition. Brokenfang himself has his head down still, not daring to look directly in the eyes of the Royal couple or anyone else. Loden remains steadfast, taking everything in silently, his hands at his side.

  Wulfric nods affirmatively, his tone sincere and convincing. "I assure you, your majesties, that what I speak of is the truth. He possesses the mark of Astryaln. Brokenfang has demonstrated to both Loden and myself that he is a capable and reliable warrior."

  The Empress Caecilia shakes her head, dismissingly averting her gaze. A servant swiftly approaches as she waves her hand in the air, obediently collecting the untouched dishes. "I've lost my appetite for the moment," she instructs. "Take the food away."

  Kaiden approaches toward the Emperor and Empress, unable to contain his surprise. Loden not stopping him this time by pulling him back or stepping in front of him. With a pang of hunger in Kaiden’s stomach, he urges, "You can't do this! It’s unfair. We haven't eaten anything in a while."

  The Empress Caecilia stands forcefully, her glare hardening as she addresses Kaiden bluntly. "Life isn't fair," she asserts sternly. "If you insist on being in our presence, ensure that the creature is not present the next time you seek a council with me." Without further elaboration, she turns and swiftly exits through the doors at the rear. Leaving the group and the Emperor behind, her footsteps echoing as the door closes behind her.

  Wulfric familiar with the dynamics and stubbornness of the royal family, maintains his composure, though a hint of sympathy lurks in his gaze as he looks quickly at Brokenfang and Kaiden. Kaiden, still adjusting to this new world and the rigid etiquette in the presence of royalty, looks shocked and hungry.

  Emperor Regulus Aurelianus observes as the Empress departs, his movements deliberate. He rises, glancing over the group with an expressionless mute tone. Then, with a gesture of his hand, he dismisses the servants gathered around the table. Stopping them from touching any more plates of food, the servants slowly stepping back, resuming their positions away from the table. Only minimal plates of food were taken before the Emperor intervened; most of the food remained on the table.

  “You must pardon the Empress," Emperor Regulus Aurelianus explains, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Tradition is a hard thing to break free from, or to perceive our indifference towards others." He invites the group, "Come sit and eat. Wulfric, Loden, Kaiden, do introduce me to your friend."

  Loden and Wulfric look at each other, surprised by the Emperor's change of heart so quickly. Kaiden looks at Regulus confused, still stunned by Caecilia's response to Wulfric’s words and his own. Brokenfang stands quietly, head still bowed, his tail and ears unmoving.

  Emperor Regulus Aurelianus observes the group's trepidation, shaking his head gently. "I am not like my partner," he assures them. "While I do harbor doubts, I trust my lead guard implicitly. Wulfric is not one to admit easily that someone has made an impression. He is also not one to lie to me."

  Wulfric gives a respectful bow, displaying his unwavering loyalty and respect for both the Emperor and the Empire. "Your highness," he says with sincerity.

  The Emperor moves around the table, extending a warm and genuine welcome to the group. He gestures for them to eat, asking kindly, "Please eat. You can tell me about the events of the past day and what has occurred." However, a hint of solemnity hangs in the air as he mentions, "I will then pass this information on to the Empress and hope that she comes around."

  Wulfric takes the lead, following closely alongside the Emperor and waiting for him to be seated before they take their own seats. Loden, Kaiden, and Brokenfang follow suit, only settling into their seats after the Emperor has taken his place.

  Loden, Kaiden and Brokenfang don't wait for permission or instructions, taking the initiative to serve themselves from the arrayed food on the table. They portion out a few items and set their plates back down, displaying a sense of independence and confidence in their actions.

  Wulfric shakes his head, feeling awkward and embarrassed, while the Emperor chuckles softly, amused by the spectacle. The emperor proceeds with his meal, and the others start eating as well.