The Feast

The smell of cooked food filled the decadent dining room. The vast amount of meats on the dining table was a treat for Shalusians like Kalic, but it was nowhere near the rarity of a Corrian beauty such as Kira. There were more pragmatic reasons to get close to the princess, but he saw no harm in mixing business with pleasure. Still, he had an uphill battle ahead of him considering the Royal Guard around him. In spite of all the pleasantries the King had preached, he still kept his guards as close as his guests. Not that Kalic would expect anything less.

"This is a lovely banquet." Colonel Bravi said.

"Indeed. Much better than the rations we've had to eat." Kalic added.

"I'm glad we could accommodate you. If you ever feel hungry for more, feel free to call for the chefs. They are at your service."

"Oh, I think we'll be more than full after this."

"Of course." Altan said right before eating the drumstick of a Farmbird, something that caused Maras to feel a pang of embarrassment.

"Father, may I be excused? I think I've had my fair share." Kira said.

"Sure, my dear."

Kira nodded before heading to the lounge on the same level. Being near the top of Cloudseeker, she had a view of Seranis like no other. The hustle and bustle of the nightlife was still strong, with people braving the cold to keep up with the industrial demands of the empire.

"So is this what royals do all day? Look upon the masses they rule." Kalic says.

"I wish it were that simple." Kira replied.

"It is a lovely view." Kalic looked to Kira's round behind, just as she turned around.

Smiling, Kira said, "Some more so than others, I see."

"Indeed."

"So, where were we before we were interrupted?"

"Something about beauty, I believe."

"You're certainly not shy, are you, Kalic?"

"It doesn't pay to be meek in my line of work."

"I suppose you've faced things more fierce than a woman's scorn."

"Well, maybe a few."

Kira gave Kalic another playful smile as she noticed Colonel Bravi glancing at the two. As he walked off, Kira asked "Does your Colonel always loom over you?"

Kalic shrugged. "You'll have to forgive him. I'm poised to be his successor and he's concerned that I will dye my robes, so to speak."

"Trust me, I understand where you're coming from."

"I'm not at risk, am I?"

Her finger pressed on Kalic's chest. "Well, let's just say maybe we ought to continue this conversation a little later in private."

She bit her lip as she watched a smile light up his face. "I look forward to that. Do you know where we can meet?"

"You have a room, don't you?"

"Well, one that I'm sharing."

"And what's wrong with sharing?"

With that, Kira walked off.

Brigader Hote sipped on his mug filled with Miner's Respite as he watched Kira walk away from the foreign officer.

"Don't worry about him. He doesn't bite." Bravi stated to Hote.

"I hope not."

"He better not. I'm hoping he'll be my successor."

"Well that's why you have the others, don't you?"

The two men shared a chuckle. "Exactly."