[Diana]
It took Samina and Devia some time to drag me out of the bedroom. I was, honestly, too self-conscious. I'd never worn luxurious clothes, nor had I dined with a head of state, especially with the monarch of the most powerful nation in the galaxy. Well, this journey has been far from conventional. It's as if we're in an action film mixed with some history lessons.
Once in the parlor, Thomas and the Empress stood there, speaking to each other. They turned in my direction. Thomas looked surprised and in awe when he saw me.
"Damn, I've only ever seen Alessandra or the Empress wear that dress," He said.
"She'll need a dress for the ball tomorrow, so I'm loaning it to her for the time being," The Empress added.
"There's a ball tomorrow?!" I gasped from the tightness of the corset.
"I was going to tell you later, but since Thomas took notice of it," She paused as she glanced at Thomas, "Well, I decided to break it to you now."
I felt light-headed as the Empress' words sank in. I did my best to compose myself and asked,
"Will the time during tea be spent practicing for the party tomorrow?"
"Yes, and also to answer some questions. We'll be a couple of minutes late if we keep dilly-dallying here," The Empress answered.
We marched out of the suite together and headed to the gardens.
~o0o~
The gardens were as majestic and breathtaking as the rest of the palace. Stunning flowers of all varieties lined the paths as we promenaded beneath the shade of handsome trees.
"I've never seen so many plants in one place before," I gasped in awe.
"I heard that Cragholven's surface has been paved over by permacrete and durasteel," The Empress remarked.
"Ah, yes," I paused from my reverie and answered the Empress, "There's barely any evidence of Cragholven's lithosphere. However, there are a few parks and bio-domes, but only the elite can afford to enter them."
"Odd, there were myriad parks and green spaces scattered across the Crusavian homeworld when I last visited," The Empress replied.
"That must have been a long time ago, your Imperial Highness. Urban sprawl now defines Cragholven. The Amalgamation Act of 323 forced all city worlds to remove any natural features that would hinder urban development," I remarked.
"Quite tragic. Is the Oloyon Preserve still there, at least?" She asked.
"Oloyon Square took its place; in front of Cragholven's Federal Library," I replied.
"Oh," The Empress sighed in melancholy, "Well, that is the price of industrialization. Which reminds me, Thomas?"
She turned to Thomas, who answered, "Yes?"
"How were the talks with the Crusavian officials?" She asked.
"I was able to compromise with them," He answered, "They would remove any of their intel regarding classified Levelian projects in exchange for a research agreement."
She nodded and replied, "I will discuss those terms further with the President during my tour."
"Understood," Thomas responded.
I was baffled. When had Thomas been able to speak with Crusavian diplomats?
"When did you have those negotiations?" I asked.
"Oh, a few hours after our walk in the Gloschwort District," Thomas answered.
"Oh-h-h, When did you get back?"
"When you were fast asleep," He teased.
We continued strolling through the vast gardens of the palace until we reached a secluded path. We followed its winding curves until we arrived at a small clearing. A gazebo stood there, accompanied by servants setting up tables and chairs.
"This is quite lovely," I expressed.
"There are gazebos like this scattered across the gardens," The Empress paused, "I chose this one for its proximity to the palace."
The servants lined up by the stairs to the pavilion and bowed. The Empress nodded, and some dismissed themselves and disappeared into the dense foliage.
"Now then, shall we have tea?" The Empress pointed.
~o0o~
Tea time was quite enjoyable. We chatted with the Empress, and she was surprisingly open to my questions. She also asked me about my life on Cragholven and my family.
"I never questioned my mother's reason for teaching me Levelian etiquette," I briefly paused, "I thought it was something Levelian immigrants normally taught their kids."
"What forms of etiquette were you taught?" The Empress asked.
"She taught me how to curtsy, how to greet people, fan etiquette, and many other Levelian manners," I replied.
"Those are taught to noble children," The Empress noted.
"Sam pointed it out as well," I said.
"Katerin has taught you well, it seems," The Empress sighed.
"Truth be told," I paused, "I never knew her name."
"She never told you?" The Empress asked.
I nodded and answered, "Whenever I asked, she would just change the subject or ignore it."
"She needed to keep it from you," The Empress set down her tea cup and looked at me, "You're smart, Diana, and Katerin knows that. She knows how curious you are and how dangerous it would be for them if you knew who they were."
"What could a child possibly do?" I quizzed her.
"The people surrounding your adoptive parents were no ordinary people. Katerin was a renowned doctor, Imre was Minister of the Interior for Crussavia, and Alexei was a famous scientist in biotechnology. They were around the elite and the rulers of Crusavia," She answered.
"That doesn't make sense to me. If they were special, then why did we have to live in a small flat? Why did they send me to a public school and tell me to pursue any career I wanted?" I questioned.
"They wanted a better life for you. They didn't want you to experience the pressures of the Imperial throne."
The Empress got up from her chair and sighed before she added, "Maybe this operation was a mistake, but at least I could see you in person."
Then, she left.