Page 105 of Stars on Fire

Just then, a drone floated above her, and a fluid display unfurled to reveal the ravishing digital visage of the AI only known as Yilia—one of Pegasi’s most famed fashion journalists.

‘Excellency, you look scrumptious in gold. That extravagant, cascading train is to die for,’ the AI simpered. ‘What are you wearing?’

Selene smiled graciously, fully aware that the AI was broadcasting live to hundreds of millions across Pegasi who followed her every post. ‘The House of M’Armin was gracious enough to lend me a gown from their latest couture collection. The sculptural bustier is inspired by New Malindi’s intricate architecture and pays homage to this venue - Parliament House and its soaring Paladian-inspired columns. The train features stars from the constellations above Dunia. Last but not least, the three-in-one purple ruby pendant symbolises the three major continents of Dunia and its people, most of whom fought so bravely for our freedom recently.’

The crowd roared in approval at her response, and Selene curtsied before hurrying forward. To her relief, the red carpet soon ended as Paloma ushered her into the grand entrance of Parliament House.

The interior echoed the ornate elegance of ancient Paladian temples. From the soaring tempered glass vaulted roof, the jewelled rafters, the walls covered in ancient art and the magnificently sculpted columns that stood like giant sentries in the lofty, airy chamber. Floral fabrics created by the great Dunia design house M’Artelli hung from the roof, and the ancient artworks and tapestries added to the grandeur.

An honour guard of Dunia’s finest soldiers stood at attention, forming a corridor. As Selene approached to walk between them, the Principal Orchestra of The New Malindi Philharmonic struck up a triumphant tune.

‘Here comes your grand entrance,’ Rina whispered from behind, a smile in her voice.

Selene held her head up and sailed past the honour guard to the entry of the vast and curved grand staircase.

The music welled up, filling the cavernous space with a soaring symphony composed by one of Dunia’s own Elene M’Unzel, a violinist and composer of at least 21 of the planet’s most loved concertantes.

She glanced below to the spectacular and impressive ballroom, a venue unmatched in history, elegance and grandeur with high ceilings, bespoke light fittings and original chandeliers.

To where a glittering bevy of guests from all corners of Pegasi waited, looking expectantly up at her. There were hushed gasps as the guests took in her flowing dress and the train. She smiled, taking great care to broadcast it across the entire room.

For a moment, she thought she spied a tall, hulking man at the back of the room.

But she quickly looked away, knowing that if she indulged herself, she’d probably end up tripping down the grand stairs.

She descended slowly, giving her utmost to the moment, battling to tamp down the emotion swelling up inside her. When she majestically stepped onto the ballroom floor, the orchestra ended the symphony with a flourish, replaced by the deafening handclaps of the gathered assembly. She stepped forward to greet the dignitaries.

First in line, ironically, were King Auban VI and Queen Sanjana of Rhesus.

The handsome royal bowed, and Selene sank to the floor per tradition. ‘Looks like you triumphed after our last conversation. Congratulations to you.’

‘Thank you, Your Highness,’ Selene said with a smile.

He held on to her hand momentarily; his face clouded with a severe expression. ‘I may soon be the one calling you for assistance, Prime. Just promise me that when I do call, you will answer.’

Selene looked into his eyes and noted the open honesty and a touch of worry. She squeezed his hand. ‘Of course, Your Highness. I’ll send you my private comm code so you can reach me instantly. Anytime.’

The relief on his face was palpable.All was not well with Rhesia, Selene thought.

She nodded to Rina, who was standing behind her. Rina handed Selene her comm tab, who worked it quickly, and the trio soon heard the low sound of a vibration emitted by a slim device tucked into the royal’s jacket pocket. He smiled in gracious acknowledgement.

Selene turned to face his wife.

‘Good to see you again, Prime,’ said the elegant woman in an incredible white and gold lace gown. ‘Last time you curtsied to me, and now I curtsy to you. Let’s hope you catch me if I fall.’

They exchanged a laugh before Selene was whisked away to the next waiting dignitary.

The next hour was a whirlwind as Selene shook hands with the royalty in the room, conversed with prime ministers and emperors and paused to listen to renowned singers from across Dunia entertain the guests. Throughout the hour, Selene felt heated eyes on her, watching her intensely, but she pointedly ignored their delicious pull, focusing instead on her diplomacy.

The cocktail hour atmosphere was undoubtedly spectacular. Servers danced around the room handing glasses of rare champagne donated by none other than the royal court of Rhesus. Trays of delicious nibbles circulated endlessly amongst the festive soirée. On the high gloss hardwood dance floor, couples and groups whirled to music that vacillated between symphonic harmonies to the latest pop hits from New Malindi’s streets.

When she was speaking to the Chancellor of New Malindi’s University, the crowd parted for a moment, and she caught sight of the man she’d not seen in weeks.

She felt her heart slam in her chest. She’d never seen Kainan in anything but an armoured meta suit, casual jumpsuits or nothing at all. Now there he was in all of his suited magnificence.

Oh my!

He’d been poured into a white custom-fit tuxedo that impossibly accentuated his powerful musculature. His dark locks flowed over a sapphire and gold stitched high collar in an intricate Edenite pattern. The same gold stitching snaked along the long line of the angled coat tail jacket that cut off at his powerful thighs, the tails designed to fall to one side. He wore dark navy pants that sculpted his long legs and dress boots so polished they reflected light from the chandelier crystals above their heads.

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