The Reward

Chapter 10 

The throne was as massive as always, able to hold a thousand people. Fourteen ebony columns shine with the low light of violet fire within narrow braziers that enclosed them. Warmth radiates the hall keeping it an optimal temperature. The stonework of the above domed ceiling is a caricature of the founding of the empire from when the star goddess fell to when her son rose above all mortals to become this country's light guiding it through the dark. 

A wisteria rug runs down from the throne marking the closest spot people could stand when addressing the royal family. Settled on that throne is Emperor Bhaltair while the knights stayed kneeled waiting to be addressed. When the heavy stone doors are shut he speaks. 

"Rise." 

They do so. Zarracen is always stricken by those eyes full of stars. The pink not hereditary but the glimmering cosmos within were. They are alluring and enchanting. To look into them was to ask to be hypnotized. But to look away was to express disrespect. It didn't help the regal bearing of his framed by medium length silver hair and his godlike looks made the rest of his face enchanting to just stare at. 

It was the look most of the royal family has. One she could not bear to be around. They were clearly others and they reveled in it. For there was no one in the empire who could even think to challenge them in beauty. 

"Each one of you has done well. Normally, such a talk would happen in one of the war rooms however renovations are occurring." 

"With pleasure my liege," each knight states with their own flourish of worship. 

"It is with my own pleasure to announce that your ascension into dragon slayers has bolstered Ixmtaraza's military might. The fools in Auturia are no longer picking at our border like scavenger would a carcass for weak points." 

Dragon slayers are the continents' best deterrent for war. Having one dragon slayer made even the smallest of countries a military power. A single dragon slayer could slaughter with ease a thousand Tier 2 master swordsman or martial master. Counting the six in the room the nation now had seven. With Ducane absent in the east being the border guard in case the Auturians got overexcited. 

They were the true reason the five of them were sent to kill those dragons. Sure, they were committing those atrocities, but it was not reason enough to mobilize some of your best warriors, the poster children for your army to possibly die for. It was moments like this where she actually felt pride in her emperor and her place within the empire. He bet on their victory, and they delivered. 

Zarracen can feel the same energy resonating through the others here. He snaps his finger and as if they were there all along a person appears dressed in blinding white full body clothing. A cowl shaped like a diamond hiding their face. They kneel. Angels of the Paragon a rarity to see them as they answer only to Bhaltair. They are an order of zealot assassins and spies that work for their god. The Emperor. 

Bhaltair murmurs something to them and they fade in and out of existence to appear before the five knights. None of them are startled by the odd teleportation like movement. Their hands reach out in a jerky motion as if someone was yanking them. 

"The hearts." A whisper of two words escape from their lips and the hearts are in their hands. An odd sight really seeing five different dragon hearts emitting warmth of light 

"The hearts are the only true thing I want with the dragon. You can do what you please with the rest of the kill. Sell them for parts, make weaponry or eat it I don't mind which." 

"Your majesty pardon my curiosity but what do you plan to do with the hearts?" The question comes from Victor. 

"They will be gifts you see. To whom well I'm sure you'll notice. Now let's talk rewards." 

"To you Galt Annitta Eskola I give you Ezbark's Tome and access to Oercha's mine." Annitta absolutely glowed. "I heard from your father that you were delving into alchemic studies." 

"I'm positively delighted at this gift Your Majesty." Zarracen didn't get what was so rewarding as a book and a mine that had no jewels inside of it but who was she to disparage another's gift. 

"To you Sir Kayiback Rerrer I grant you the rights to the Serpa lands and the Duskye Amulet." Kayiback bows stating his thanks before stepping back. 

"Sir Isaac Anderson I give to you from the weapons vault Eidola's Rancour." Isaac smirks with a pleased expression. 

"Sir Victor Norcross your gift will be one vial of Empyrean blessed blood and venerated broadsword." That Zarracen knew. Empyrean was holy divine energy given to mortals by the divine. It runs separate than regular Videle that can be felt around you. 

The church would only utilize such items for special occasions and to even see how one is made. Zarracen knew then that her gift would be grand as well. She waits until he addresses her. 

"Galt Zarracen Ahktan." Zarracen almost blinks in surprised she was unaware that her name change had went through. 

Emperor pauses and leans forward, she feels it. The overpowering energy of his blanketing her. She freezes. Did he do this to the others? Without her noticing. No she notes her other dragon slayers shift. And then he nods. 

"I grant you the former of lands of Barn Cedar." Barn Cedar was former noble. His lands were seized for crimes against the country. His lands weren't the best which is why he devolved into criminal activity and heavy tax levying. The lands weren't far from the capital either. "I also announce you as the Royal Guard for the First Princess of Ixmtaraza Isabella Bhaltair Desdemona Iximdor." 

Royal guard? What! 

Zarracen barely is able to keep with protocol. The emperor soon leaves the room and as soon as he did Annitta barks out with laughter at Zarracen's prize. Kayiback was wincing as well. She shouldn't have expected much at all then. 

"Let's just go join the celebrations eh pal?" Kayiback throws his arm over Zarracen's shoulder. She glances up at him and forces a grin on her face. 

"Yeah let's." 

Zarracen tries to concentrate on the celebrations even as her fellow knights downed drinks with her she could see the normals amongst them smirking as if pleased she didn't get an equivalent to what the other Grand Knights did. It's disheartening to say the least she glances at Kayiback who is dancing with a woman. 

She leaves the area walking away from the garden area where their party was being held and into the another section of the castle. It looks like another garden but it was inside another building. Curious she steps inside. 

It was damp and warm inside as if she walked into different weather. The suit jacket immediately feels sticky and she wants to take it off. She does so holding it over her shoulder as she walks amongst the greenery inside viewing plants that she'd never seen before. 

Honestly it was beautiful. She stops and inhales it feels peaceful here. She continues through and finds a gazebo with purple flowers weaved around the columns like vinework. She takes a seat and just relaxes. The sounds of music whistled in from outside as she thought about what the Emperor gave her for her troubles. 

Should she just defect. Auturia rose up because unsatisfied members of society from Ixmtaraza. They were perhaps onto something when they created a nation governed by the 'people.' The grass likely wouldn't be greener there but with all the money she has and her status as a dragon slayer they'll likely welcome her with open arms. 

She didn't have anything keeping her attached to this country anyway. She just wanted money and the ability to live above what she was in the slums. She had that by the time she had won the tournament that had Praer scout her. Her lips turn up in a snarl at the thought of him. 

Revenge would be nice though. A good exit strategy. Perhaps his head would even give her the chance to be accepted there easier. 

"What a foul look on your face?" A haughty voice states. 

Zarracen turns towards the individual who had been able to sneak up on her. She freezes in shock before kneeling in front of her with her hand over her chest head bowed. Her new liege Isabella with it seems friends. 

"Good afternoon, Highness. I was not expecting anyone else here," Zarracen informs. 

"You invade my garden and don't expect me here. Interesting. Rise," Isabella orders. 

Zarracen stands up eyes land on the princess. Silver hair fell in perfect curls around her face. Her face almost barren save for a little makeup on her lips and around her eyes to highlight the dark pink of it. The glittering of the stars in her eyes seemed to make her gaze feel hostile. 

"Leave." 

"Right." 

Zarracen picks up the jacket shaking her head and walking away feeling oddly uncomfortable. 

"Oh and Galt Ahktan." Zarracen freezes on the bottom steps of the gazebo. "I expect you at my chambers for your duties starting tomorrow." 

"Yes, your highness." 

Zarracen escapes back to the party finding the garden party to have turned into a drinking contest. Kayiback spots her immediately and drags her to his team. 

"We'll take you down. Zari buddy the Knights of Magus think they can hold their liquor than us of Valor." 

"Let's show them up then." Zarracen grins something to drown how shitty she feels in. Perfect.