[Diana]
Once the cruiser landed, I hurriedly stepped out to change into the outfit Samina handed to me. Trees and plant life engulfed the area surrounding the landing pad. I noticed that banners bearing an ornate crest were all over the place. I paid little attention to the symbol on the standard and raced to the restroom to get changed.
Once I located the restrooms, I got in and started stripping. I took the clothes out of my bag and was astonished by how luxurious they looked. I snapped out of my reverie and quickly changed. I wouldn't want to keep them waiting after all.
~oOo~
As I hurriedly but carefully headed back to the landing pad, I couldn't help but feel a little silly. The outfit was eye-catching and sumptuous; however, it was noticeably heavy. The large crystal attached to the corset was dragging it down. The folds of the skirt were tiring to hold onto, and the bodice was, well, let's say it did not look flattering.
"Someone looks quite regal today," Thomas teased.
I clumsily walked up to the group. They changed from their grimy and soiled attire into cleaner and more elegant clothes. Sam was wearing a bright yellow gown encrusted with diamonds. Thomas, on the other hand, wore a green suit with a sash and medals attached to it. Devia and Gabrosch now donned their holy garments. The menyott sporting her traditional gown and headdress, bearing the crest of the Creyaltver. Gabrosch, now clothed in dark clothes, with his face covered by a silk headpiece.
"All of you look rather dashing yourselves," I replied.
"Let's save the compliments for later," Sam paused, "We can't keep the Empress waiting."
"Right, let's get a move on then," Thomas replied.
"You guys can go ahead. I'll be right behind you," Gabrosch said.
Sam nodded in response before taking my arm and pulling me with her.
It took us a relatively long time to get to the palace. The Imperial Gardens were impressive - but also expansive and tiresome to traverse. However, that wasn't the least of our concerns. Once we arrived at the palace, we easily navigated our way to the throne room. But the length and size of the massive hall made it even more tiresome.
As we entered, a horn resounded with a regal tune. Once the horn fell silent, a man then announced our arrival.
"Presenting, Lady Samina Levensyek; Lord Thomas Leventilf; Protector Menyott Devia ver Alfnovae; and Diana Saschka."
The horn blared with life once again as we made our way to meet the Empress.
The grandeur and splendor of the throne room meant nothing to me. The frescoes and statues lining the ceiling and columns seemed to scrutinize my every move. Marble and gold, velvet and crystal, all of these only cemented the pride and arrogance of Levelia. It made me angry for some reason. A sense of injustice towards the less fortunate people across the galaxy arose within me.
As we approached the end of the hall, I noticed massive painted windows. They depicted various scenes from; what I'm assuming is, Levelian history or mythology. At its center was a golden throne. Its design was reminiscent of the innumerable lotuses that once blossomed on Cragholven. Violet crystals adorned its "petals" and seemed to glow from the sunlight coming through.
Then, sitting a top of the flower-like throne was the woman who started it all, the Empress. She was elegant but thin; her regal headwear accentuated her age. And yet, she commanded the room with an air of power. As we drew closer to her, I got a good look and realized that she wasn't a Lumin. She was a Stavanese, a race of half humanoid and half plantoids. Curving lines covering her face seemed to pulsate with all the nutrients flowing toward her brain, which made me mistake her for an aging old lady. However, she was too thin for a Stavanese. In normal circumstances, she would be noticeably bulky. Even female Stavanese are known for their musculature, but the Empress was nothing like that. She seemed frail and tired. Decades of ruling over Levelia have exhausted her.
Samina stopped, and I did the same. She curtsied, and I followed.
"Your Imperial Highness," Sam said, addressing the regal figure before us.
"Rise, children," The Empress ordered.
We rose from the curtsy, and I gazed upon the noble lady before me. Something seemed familiar with her gaze. Her eyes were warm and loving, unlike the rest of her sharp features.
"Samina, your actions could have led to the downfall of your entire family. Are you aware of that?" The Empress quizzed.
"I am aware, your Imperial Highness," Sam answered.
"However, I understand your motivations, and in light of that, I have struck a deal with your grandmother," The Empress informed.
"Which is why we're here," Sam gently pulled me forward before continuing, "And she's the one you want, correct?"
The Empress was silent for a moment before she spoke.
"We must still confirm the legitimacy of your's and the Imperis Battavyesch's claims."
"And what would that mean, your Imperial Highness?" Sam asked.
"The girl must stay within the palace, or somewhere near at least. She will undergo a few medical tests before we confirm if she truly is my lost daughter," The Empress replied.
"With all due respect, your Imperial Highness, but isn't the band on her wrist enough evidence to support our claim?" Sam asked.
"It's been fifteen years; we can no longer guarantee the accuracy of its tests. Hence, the need for Diana to stay within the confines of the palace," The Empress answered.
"But-" Sam tried to reason.
"This is my final decision. If you wish to reason out, then we may discuss the matter later over tea. Understood?" The Empress asked.
"Yes, your Imperial Highness," Sam acquiesced.
"Then, this meeting has come to a close. You, Lord Thomas, and Devia are welcome to stay for as long as you wish," The Empress said.
"Thank you, your Imperial Highness," Sam replied.
"Mara," The Empress called, "Take Diana to her quarters. I'll meet with her there."
"Yes, your Imperial Highness," The attendant answered.
She made her way to me and beckoned us to follow. We headed out of the throne room and into the opulent halls of the palace.