Page 76 of Right Next Door
No, ithad, she realized coming up straight. The High Imperium was actively hiding everything about themself. Like they didn't want anyone to know anything, even the sound of their voice.
“May I congratulate you on finding your mate,” the Imperium continued, and though they hadn’t moved at all, Misty had the distinct impression that they were looking at her.
“Thank you,” Tsok stood straight as well. “This is my female, Misty of Earth. Misty, it is my honor to present you to their excellency, the High Imperium.”
No name. Just a title. Weird. Very secretive. What were they hiding under there?
“It’s nice to meet you,” she said, floundering for something better to say. She suddenly had the ridiculous urge to curtsy or bow again or something.
“My aid Davard has prepared your living quarters exactly to your specifications,” Tsok said, gesturing to the male in question. “If you need anything at all, I beg you tell him.”
“I shall, thank you. Have you prepared the meeting amongst the other leaders of your people?”
“Yes, your excellency. They’re all prepared to hear your words tomorrow, after giving you time to settle in.”
“Excellent. I shall try not to impose on you too long.”
“You are more than welcome to stay as long as you like.”
This guy – person – sounded way too humble for Big Kahuna of the Universe, Misty thought as Tsok gestured for the HighImperium to walk with them, following Davard inside so he could show them to their room. When the Grand Poobah of All Existence went somewhere, she would have expected it to occur with a lot of pomp and circumstance, maybe some confetti, definitely a band, likely a parade to walk him from his landing site to his room.
But no. Just their little welcoming party and a tour around Glass Manor as Tsok showed off what was, admittedly, a very beautiful and important home to a much more important being.
“This is truly a marvelous manor,” the High Imperium said as they took them, at last, to the door leading into their room. “Thank you for allowing me to stay.”
“It is my honor,” Tsok lowered his head to them again. “Feel free to make yourself at home.”
“I shall indeed.” The Imperium turned, facing them. “Will you be at the meeting tomorrow, Misty?”
“Huh? Who me?” She started at being so suddenly addressed. She thought she was just here to be the honored char’s arm candy.
“I would appreciate it if you came.”
“Er…” She looked at Tsok, unsure what to say.
Tsok also looked confused. “Is there any particular reason she needs to be there, your excellency?”
“Well, what I want to talk about does involve her. I feel it would be rude if she weren’t allowed to be there to at least hear.”
Wait, why was the Liegelord of All the Galaxies coming here to have a meeting about her? What abouthercould possibly draw them here?
Unless they heard about the circumstances of her coming. Maybe they were here to condemn Tsok for letting a criminal – even one that had been falsely accused – come here. Maybe thegoth girl from the wrong side of the tracks wasn’t good enough for someone as important as Tsok. Maybe they were going to demand she go back.
That was a worrying thought, although it did seem a bit strange. Even if that was the case, surely the Supreme Being of Everyone could have had someone else come to talk about it? For that matter, what was so bad about her, it drove them all the way here to begin with? If it was even about that. And if it wasn’t, what could she possibly have to do with it?
“Do you mind?” Tsok asked, interrupting her spiraling thoughts. “Coming to the meeting, I mean. I know you have clients tomorrow…”
Right. Clients. Her salon. She couldn’t just…
The High Imperium was staring at her again. She didn't know how she knew when it was impossible to tell if they even had eyes, much less if they were focused on her. Still, she was absolutely certain that they were looking at her.
“I can reschedule,” she finally said, her lips a little numb.
There was no way she was missing that meeting. If the Primest of Ministers was having a meeting with her as the topic, she needed to be there to hear it. Especially if it was something bad. She needed to know if she had to bail or not.
“I’ll be there,” she promised, voice stronger this time.
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