[Samina]
"You look quite tired," My chaperone noted, "Here, have some water milady."
I nodded and took the glass from his hand, "Thank you," I replied.
We ascended marble steps and stopped before two beautifully carved and ancient doors. Two guards stood before us and I handed them an envelope; they opened it and took out an elegant card, they read it, carefully put it back into the envelope and handed it to me. They then knocked on the doors simultaneously, and with a loud boom, the magnificent doors swung open.
"I will be taking my leave her, milady," The chaperone said, "I'll pick you up once the party ends."
"Alright, thank you," I nodded and went through the opening and into grandiose hall.
The doors shut behind me and I was all alone, all around me were aristocrats, nobles, politicians, dignitaries, and all kinds of influential people. A den of lions. I arrived relatively early since we were still in the palace's Grand Foyer, a massive hall of marble, velvet, silk, gold, crystal, gems, and all the fineries that wealth could offer. Crystal lamps lit the foyer, while a chandelier illuminated and showcased the beautifully painted ceiling above. Golden statues, fashioned into columns, lined the sides of the hall while paintings, vases, and armor stands decorated its walls.
"Lady Samina!" A familiar voice called out.
I turned to my left and saw Senator Obed making his way towards me.
"Senator, it's great to see you," I did a small curtsy and smiled at him.
"I say, the Empress ought to send an invitation you instead of your old man!" He jested, "Your fa- sorry, the duke, and the duchess never attend any of these social gatherings."
"Well, they are quite busy with preparations and other matters."
"Still, they should at least accompany their daughter," he bent down and whispered, "Share in your troubles here."
I giggled, "That would be too much, senator, they already have quite a lot on their plates."
"Well, they should at least show some concern since there are many 'wolves' roaming about in these parties."
I winced as he said that, "Anyways, will Thomas be joining you this evening?"
"He said he would be attending, but..." he paused.
"But?"
"He told me he would be bringing a young lady to this gathering," He grinned a most mischievous grin.
"Senator, I could care less if Thomas brought a man to a gathering such as this," I joked.
The senator laughed, "That would be a sight indeed! Oh, but my wife would definitely be livid."
I covered my laugh with a fan I had been holding, "The thought of Lady Miyana scolding Thomas..."
We both laughed since the senator's wife wasn't known for her outbursts, but her soft and quiet nature.
"Oh, Sir Obed I have a question."
"Yes, my dear, go on."
"Will you be part of the entourage at the Imperial Tour?" I asked.
"Ah, well I wouldn't be available then so my wife and son will be filling my place," He replied.
"I presume you have engagements at the senate?"
"Yes, it just so happened that the Chancellor called for an emergency Gathering at the same time as the tour..." He paused, "Come here first."
He took me by the arm and led me to a dark corner of the Grand Foyer.
"What's wrong, sir?" Concern slowly creeping over my face.
"Well, it's one thing to call for an emergency Gathering but to call it when the Empress is out of the country?" He looked around to check for any eavesdroppers, "That's incredibly suspicious."
"The fact that a large portion of the senate's majority party is absent makes it even more troubling. That is why, my dear, I decided to stay."
"But what if something happens on Cragholven? I doubt Thomas has the abilities to counter any move..."
"Don't worry, Miyana is skilled in espionage and counterespionage, and Thomas isn't as helpless as he seems," The senator placed a hand on my shoulder, "Trust in them, and also in your father, he is in-charge of security for the tour so I'm sure he'll think of every possible scenario."
I nodded, concern still plastered all over my face.
"Samina, it's going to be fine. You have the galaxy's best soldiers with you at all times" Sir Obed consoled.
"It's not that..." I sighed, "I'm worried for my friend, she lives on Cragholven and I'll be meeting up with her and... at this point I'm just not sure if we should go through with those plans."
"Well-"
Before Senator Obed could continue, a horn echoed across the hall, accompanied by a voice,
"Ladies and gentlemen! The Imperial Hall is now open, the festivities will begin shortly. Thank you!"
"It's time to go, but..." the senator fixed my hair and gently pulled my chin up, "You don't have to worry, just... just believe that everything will go accordingly; and as your mother says, 'Trust in the Creator'."
I smiled and said, "Thank you, sir..."
"Alright-y, let's head in shall we?" He extended his arm forward and I took it.
As we headed out of the little alcove we bumped into Thomas and his guest.
"Ah, Thomas!" His father, the senator, called.
"Pa-pa, Samina! I'd like to introduce to you guys Lady Orelia of House Gombuv."
"It's an honor to meet both of you," the petite girl curtsied.
"It is an honor as well, milady!" Senator Obed bowed.
"A pleasure, Lady Orelia," I replied.
"It seems we arrived just in time for the party," Thomas said.
"We were just about to head in actually," I opened my fan again and said, "Come on, we wouldn't want to miss the finger foods."
"Alright, come on then kids, let's get a move on!" Senator Obed cried enthusiastically.
We headed towards the grand staircase and climbed its steps alongside other guests, but I couldn't help but feel anxious. Will we really be alright? Will Diana be alright? Oh bother, we're here to party not fret over things.
Once we reached the top of the stairs we entered the Imperial Hall, an even grander and larger hall used as the Throne Room, but occasionally used for balls and parties on special occasions.
"Let the Creator worry for the future, for now..." I thought to myself, "It's time to party."