Respect Due An Empress

"My Queen," a young man in crisp cloth armor strode briskly into the throne room. Stopping at the foot of the steps leading to the throne, he kneeled and lowered his head.

An attractive woman sat on the throne with an air of laxity, "Speak," she murmured, her mind clearly elsewhere. 

"Yes my Queen, a motley force has recently appeared in the Capital, investigations place them low on our priority list due to their lack of power, however..."

"Yes?"

The man hesitated, seemingly unwilling to say what he felt he needed to, but it was his job to voice his fears. 

"However, they are quite young and all of them are...vastly more powerful than you." he finished, the ensuing quiet seemed to cause the air to grow stiff and even became difficult to breathe.

"More powerful you say? good..." Queen Sabrina was extraordinarily vain, in fact, her reputation for her vanity was prevalent in all major Empirical Domains. 

She had once gathered all the young women who were said to have hair more beautiful than hers and had their manes removed.

"Bring them to me," Queen Sabrina said dismissively and her eyes became unfocused once more.

"My Queen, upon their arrival they immediately began making their way toward the palace, I am afraid they may not have good intentions." the young man warned seriously.

"Well, that's what I have you here for, have I not?" Sabrina snapped, "Surely, you can handle a minor a matter as the protection of your ruling Queen!" Sabrina said shrilly, "Or perhaps...yes...you'd like that, Me - helpless, you would love to rescue me from mortal peril wouldn't you?" she sneered.

"My Queen, I..."

"Enough!" Sabrina growled, "You may leave," she dismissed him with a roll of her eyes.

"My Queen, I do not believe that's wise..." he began,

"I will determine what is or isn't wise," Sabrina said quietly, "Now, you can leave my throne room or you can leave your head, Ruyn. I leave the decision...to you." she said as she pulled a strand of her hair in front of her eyes and began to closely inspect it.

Ruyn's face turned a ghostly pale, and not willing to waste any more time he quickly departed the throne room. "Manipulative bitch!" he growled under his breath as he retreated swiftly, "See how I deal with you!" his eyes flashed with murderous intent.

Meanwhile, Ra and the others had arrived outside the Palace. There were 4 fountains in the entrance courtyard, two on each side of a single path, white wooden benches were placed to the north of each fountain and sparkling silver water shot up into the air, cascading downward again in a beautiful arc.

Guards standing in impressive shining armor could be seen placed at strategic locations defending the Palace, and well-trained soldiers performed drills as they marched around the Palace grounds. The place was quite large and without flying into the air it was impossible to see the entirety of the area.

Ra called for Gwyn and Morrigan to land, it would not do to attempt to flaunt their strength here, a city inhabited by Gods.

Ra approached the large doors and found two radiant spears crossed before his eyes, having been smoothly blocked, Ra glanced down.

The guards seemed to tremble somewhat, this young man stood 4 heads taller than either of them.

"S-State your intent!" said one, attempting to maintain his composure beneath Ra's withering gaze.

Ra smiled, "I wish to speak to the Queen regarding a matter of utmost importance, I am Ra Usfur." at this name the guard shuddered, "M-Master Usfur?" the other guard piped up, "No, that's not right? Master Usfur isn't some youthful brat!" and he became hostile, "Speak clearly, who are you and what do you want?!" Ra smiled bitterly, "It seems father neglected to mention his reputation in the Kingdom of Arda," he thought to himself, out loud he replied, "I said I am Ra Usfur, my name will not change, Duat Usfur is my father." he spoke, hearing this the guards appeared visibly shaken, and without another word they retracted their spears and the large doors swung open. Ra even detected the stench of sweat emanating from one and sighed, "Fear is not the equivalent of respect," he thought sadly even as he made his way down the long halls, the guards had been so afraid that they had allowed the group in without so much as a guard to guide the way, let alone prevent them from engaging in malicious activities.

Nevertheless, it was plain to see where the throne room could be found, as the door was made of radiant metal. Radiant metal was impossible to forge beneath Masterclass, legend says a race of forgers discovered radiant during the age of warring gods, it is said that during this time, radiant fell from the sky unleashing savage destruction across worlds. Some believed the metal to be pieces of the Gods weapons, broken in battle, some were convinced that the Gods sent the metal for them to forge protection for themselves against the calamity. The truth, however, was no one knew for sure. It must be strange to think of such powerful existences as Gods, but even among Gods there are differences in power. To this day a Celestial God has never again been born or walked the land, there was a single survivor during the age of warring gods, and many believed she soon died from her injuries. 

Thinking of this, Ra found himself in front of the Radiant door, magical patterns were inscribed upon it and Ra was surprised to find that he could read the spell. 

"All who enter here, lacking Royal blood, be sealed."

"There's even such a condition?" Ra shook his head and pushed the doors, they began to slowly open and the scene inside the throne room gradually became visible.

The first thing he saw was a large, clear gemstone, it was the size of a small dragon and thrummed with power. In front of it was the throne and in it sat one of the most beautiful women Ra had ever seen.

Ra stood there for several seconds without speaking, it was Merlin who took several cautious steps forward inside the throne room, seemingly bewitched, his steps were slow and methodical. Ra placed a restraining hand on Merlin's shoulder before he could get far.

"Queen Sabrina," he spoke at last,

"Oh? You know me?"

Ra inclined his head, "My father has told me about you, My name is Ra Usfur." he stated calmly.

"An Usfur! Truly, Today is one of surprises! Tell me, what brings a mighty Usfur to my court?"

Ra chuckled, "Mighty? My Lady Queen, you flatter me."

At this Queen Sabrina stood and began to descend the throne. Her movements were alluring, seductive, Ra felt Merlin tremble beneath his hand. Bast took several protective steps forward as she eyed Sabrina warily.

Sabrina stopped at the bottom of the throne's steps, "An Usfur has arrived in Arda, prepare a feast!" she announced.

"My Queen, truly there is no need..." But Sabrina cut him off, "The proper decorum must be shown and traditions followed," she said dismissively, "You would not have me offending the Clan of Usfur would you?" Ra shook his head in confusion, "Clan of Usfur?" Sabrina took this to mean he would express no further dissent and took the initiative to lead them to the dining hall.

"However, before we go, allow me to have someone lead these...creatures- outside." she said, barely containing her disdain. Gwyn bristled visibly at being referred to as such, Morrigan took a much more tactful approach.

Speaking in a melodic voice, she broke her silence, "Do not refer to me as if I am not here, Queen," she said smoothly, "While you may possess Royal blood, our blood is Imperial, you would be wise to choose your words more carefully." she said evenly. Sabrina was shocked, and glanced from Morrigan to Ra unable to find the words. However, the 'creatures' were only just getting started.