Naemary's family sat together. They were all in some of the best clothes and accessories they had. Even the little maids-in-waiting had broad headdresses. Their girlish braids even had a few bejewelled pins.

Their young little faces were haughty. They were still too young to know how to hide their egos in such a situation. It was as if they'd forgotten that they weren't the only ones looking important.

Horns, drums, and bagpipes were suddenly played in a short, announcing tune. In the centre, from the main doors, the patriarch of the Kaezhlar clan arrived. A few steps behind him, each holding a box plated in gold, were his squires.

The Patriarch was wearing a long gown with sleeves that fell a significant length past his hands. There was even a wing-like shape. The warm weather didn't matter.

The gown was in a base of black, the deepest black. There was lush embroidery, which would've taken a very long time to complete. Costly indigo threads, outlined by gold, formed flowers and fruits.

A heavy belt of golden squares and large jewels was around his waist. Attached to that belt, there was a sword with a bejewelled handle and similarly encrusted sheath. His fingers, even a thumb, had what were likely the largest and most boastful rings in the whole room.

There were three necklaces. The first one was made of large, golden ovals and rectangles, each one with a few tiny and glittery stones in a seemingly random arrangement. Between each shape there were larger stones. It might've had eighteen inches. The second necklace could've had around twenty-four inches. It was a complex chain of silver and gold links with many different angles. Some would've called it a birdcage chain. The third necklace might've had thirty inches, and it was a combination of things. Sections of birdcage chains like the previous necklace, sections of large stones set in precious metals, and sections of simple but costly and large beads. There were even three pendants of pearl clusters and dangling spangle chains.

Over his shoulders, held up behind him by a handful of servants, there was the famous indigo cape with the ermine lining and Family's crest. His hair was smoothly braided with little gems pinned in, similar to those little maids-in-waiting.

The musician's drums seemed to match his feet as he slowly marched down the rug. His shoes were gold with black velvet bows and round pearls.

The procession halted some distance from the platform bearing the throne. Then, carefully, they all had to turn around and move ahead a bit. The servants had to keep the cloth from twisting.

He came to a halt before the Naemarys family, greeting the head of Naemarys' family head. He was a man of regal stature with a commanding presence that demanded respect.

It was a sight to behold—to see both powerhouses, two powerful beings standing side by side.

Then they both sat side by side, at the centre of the room.