The grand doors of the Imperial Palace stood open, revealing an opulent corridor bathed in golden light. Deep reds of fabric draped across the room, from the drapes, cushions and the banners. The walls shimmered the stars of the galaxy, brightening the whole corridor, while the Imperial Insignia hung proudly on the banners throughout.
High above, multiple chandeliers hung in the air as if suspended from the heavens themselves, casting soft glows that shimmered like the stars on the walls. The polished obsidian floors reflected their splendour and all those who walked on it.
The air was cool with a faint breeze, and every step echoed faintly. Nielson followed behind Chamberlain Luthor and his attendants. Behind him, Eric and a few attendants from House Voss trailed behind with trolleys. Inside them were treasures and gifts from the Barony to the emperor as an offering of loyalty.
The corridor was long but very wide, enough to fill multiple rows of troops, the group was small in comparison and walked in the centre. As they moved deeper, the grand corridor led them to the Hall of Luminaries, a vast chamber with soaring ceilings adorned with a technology capable of simulating any environment.
It had not been fully turned on. Only the ceiling reflected the constellations deep in space, normally at full capacity it would illustrate an illusion of floating in space.
The group passed through, walking further in.
"You arrived very quickly, I take it the journey was uneventful?" spoke Luthor finally breaking the silence with Nielson.
He slightly turned his head towards Nielson who met his gaze with a calm expression. "The journey was smooth as expected," he replied. "The Empire is safe thanks to the mercy of the emperor, so we were able to get through without much trouble."
Luthor's lips curled into a faint smile.
After a while they reached another pair of towering doors. With a gesture, two guards stationed on either side stepped forward, placing their hands on embedded panels. The doors slid open, revealing the Emperor's Audience Hall.
…
The Audience Hall was unreal and otherworldly causing awe to Nielson who had countless years within the Empire's aristocracy and had stood there before, he felt a reaction too.
The chamber was enormous, with rows of towering columns made of black marble veined with gold. At the top massive sculptures of humanoid statues stood, they were so beautiful and majestic even for marble.
The floor was a reflective polished marble with a large insignia of the Imperial family covering the whole room along with artistic carvings stretching from the centre to the walls unifying the room.
At the far end stood the Imperial Throne, elevated on a circular dome looking down at the room. Leading up to it were stairs in simple yet elegant patterns that were as awe-worthy as the work of art which the throne was.
Crafted from a rare indestructible alloy, the throne shimmered with an ever-changing spectrum of colours, giving it an almost otherworldly presence.
It was thin, the top rising and swirling into the top form of a dragon. The seat was lined with a rare red fabric that was as expensive as it was beautiful.
Seated upon it was Emperor Calystrix Helion, a figure both majestic and imposing. He wore a simple grey two-piece suit, one leg crossed over another, his head rested on a closed fist. A brown leather shoe dangled casually from his foot.
His golden eyes were sharp and calculating as if they could pierce into the souls of all the people in the room and the approaching delegation. His short golden hair matched his eyes was crowned by a small modest golden crown, without jewels.
Standing near him were two mysterious figures who like him were dressed in suits and did not appear to have weapons. The rest of the guards were below the flight of stairs. Among them were few people at most twenty and they were in talks which the Emperor was listening to.
When the Emperor noticed the approaching delegation he raised his other hand, signalling the discussion to be halted.
"Baron Nielson Albetron of House Voss is present, Your Majesty," Luthor announced, his voice echoing through the chamber.
After announcing, he stepped aside leaving Nielson to take centre stage. The Baron advanced steadily, despite his failing health and weakened body, his resolve was still firm.
The Emperor sat up straight, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Leave us."
Those words were soft and said from quite the distance but everyone in the room heard them as if they were said directly into their ears. The man who had been leading the discussion bowed his head and turned back followed by the rest meeting Nielson just halfway.
Neilson recognised the man immediately, he was Duke Marcus Aurrellion one of the most powerful people in not just the Empire but the galaxy.
He was a large man, a redhead with facial hair like a beast. He was also clad in a black suit that fully exposed his masculine physique. His tiger-like eyes met Nielson's, and he offered a respectful nod.
Marcus was a fierce man and prideful man, but even he respected House Voss. Nielson replied with the same nod.
Marcus's men followed him out of the room until it was silent with as the two men stared each other down.
When Nielson was at a respectable distance from the Emperor, he took a knee and bowed respectfully.
"Your Imperial Majesty," he said, his voice unwavering. "I greet you, Brightest Star of the Empire. It is an honour to be before you as your loyal subject."
Saying that, his attendants followed suit, bowing not daring to raise their gaze to the Emperor.
The Emperor's gaze lingered on Nielson for a moment before he spoke, his voice calm yet resonant. "Why do you kneel when you have the privilege to not? House Voss is a respected house in the Empire."
"That may be so, but we are still subjects of the Empire."
The emperor smiled more menacingly though the people before him couldn't see his look.
"Tell me, Baron what gifts have you brought for your Emperor?"
Nielson gestured slightly, and Eric stepped forward bowing before addressing the throne. "Your Majesty, House Voss brings these tributes from our domain…"
He began to list the treasures in the crates, from rare metal alloys, jewels, and agricultural resources that weren't found anywhere but within House Voss's domain.
After he had the attendants open the crates revealing their content. The glimmering precious gems polished refined alloys and carefully packaged exotic goods which were exclusive Voss goods. These drew approval from the Emperor who had become a fan of them prior.
The Emperor leaned forward slightly, his expression full of pride. "You honour the Empire with your dedication Baron Voss. Now about your visit, tell me more…"
"As Your Majesty has been informed, I have come for my Second Request."
The Emperor's lip twitched, almost forming a smile as he gazed further into Nielson who remained headfast.
****
Neilson found himself alone in the room with the Emperor and the two men on guard. Everyone had been sent out so the Emperor could discuss the Second Request of the Baron.
"So, what is the request this time?"
The Emperor's eyes were fixed on Nielson.
"As you can see, your Majesty. I am nearing the end of my life."
The Emperor smiled, he stood up from his throne and descended towards Nielson.
"That you are, you have served the Empire for years… so you want me to save your failing body?"
In moments he reached Nielson and held both his hands in his, smiling as he awaited the request.
But Neilson shook his head.
"My time is done among the living. I have done all I could have and without my family, I see no purpose in continuing" replied Nielson.
The Emperor was surprised and confused.
"If you don't want me to save your life then what do you want? House Voss is a valuable and respected house in the Empire it must go on."
"I agree your Majesty, I am here to ask for your recognition of my successor."
The Emperor stepped back, as thoughts ran through his mind. Nielson did not have a living son, or anybody worthy to take over from him. So why did he come to meet him?
"I have chosen my successor, and I ask that you acknowledge him."
"Nielson, using the second of your three requests for this. Who is your successor?" he asked.
He thought, the only suitable successor for a noble house would be one with noble blood, they could be related or from a fallen house but that was not a rarity that required the use of a request.
Even bastards could be accepted easily. No, for Nielson to use something as valuable as a request, the successor had to be someone unqualified. Someone like a commoner.
"Nielson! ..." his voice dropped, his eyes glaring with anger that was accumulating with every breath. Nielson held his ground using his walking stick to remain balanced. He took a deep breath, his resolve unshaken despite the Emperor's growing ire.
The room seemed to hum with tension, the grand chamber falling into heavy silence as the Emperor's gaze bore into him.
"I chose someone who saved my life, he embodied the ideals of my family. My successor… is Wein Serin," he declared firmly his voice steady despite the weight of the moment.
The young face of the Emperor darkened further, and a sharp intake of breath could be heard through the room, the men near the throne were alearmed when the room experienced a slight tremor.
Wein Serin, a name of no noble lineage, no ancient family crest to boast of just a commoner plucked from obscurity.
"A commoner!?" the emperor said slowly, his voice as cold as the void between the stars and as an otherworldly energy permeating from within. "You will appoint someone without noble blood as the successor of House Voss!?"
His roar was filled with an immense anger that Nielson was forced to kneel. He knew what it was, the otherworldly power the Emperor had. He stumbled on his knee, held his walking stick firmly and he looked up at the angered man before him.
He could feel a liquid running down from his nose and when he looked down, there was a puddle of blood dripping from his nose. Thankfully, the people besides the Emperor were able to calm his anger.
"You expect me, to accept a commoner as a leader of a great house such as yours, one with no noble divine blood."
Nielson struggled to his feet and stared down the Emperor.
"House Voss…, is a Barony of the Empire, is it not?"
Those words irritated the Emperor even more. What they implied was that since House Voss was a Barony, it was the only ideal house for the promotion of a commoner to nobility. But still, House Voss was not just any Barony household but one with a deep and sacred history.
"My house has lost a lot for the Empire, we lost over half our forces defending the galaxy and the Empire and I even lost my beloved son. I have earned the right to appoint my successor and that will be Wein Serin."
The Emperor could see the determination in his eyes and his anger burnt more.
"With all the contributions my family has made for the Empire, I am entitled to three requests you must grant and my second is the acknowledgement of my successor."