Go to dinner

Slowly Machiko dressed with the help of her maids, deliberately choosing a silk gown with long sleeves, a high neck collar and long silk skirts so that none of the dinner guests would imagine she was anything but respectable.

Dinner began with the usual pomp and ceremony. Machiko stood stiffly next to her father as the guests came and prostrated themselves before the Emperor and his only child, either bowing, dropping to their knees, or curtsying, as custom dictated.

Last in line was Prince Tamachag and his delegation from the Khanate of Dolonsuvd. The Prince was surprisingly tall and broad-shouldered, in contrast with his face, which had small delicate features and delicate brown eyes. Long blue hair framed his face and fell down on his shoulders.

He was undeniably handsome, but he seemed to have a cocky gait to him, winking to Machiko as he knelt and kissed her royal ring, and letting his lips brush gently over her fingers.