Chapter 10
“Are you ready, Vua?”
“Yes, I think so, Fa-Ying. Do I look all right?” replied Sheiji.
“You’re fine,” Fa-Ying rolled his eyes. “Let’s go.”
“Where’s Inon?”
“Taking care of some business. He’ll meet us later,” replied Fa-Ying.
They followed a maze of corridors until they reached the great hall. The guards bowed when they saw King Sheiji and pushed the doors open. The noise and laughter died instantly as Sheiji entered.
Everyone rose to their feet and bowed, some on one knee and some on both, depending on their rank and occupation.
Sheiji smiled and strode confidently past the many staring eyes. Sui-Tsai stood coldly at the front of the room, arms crossed. He dipped his knee before Sheiji could disgrace him by commanding it.
“Good evening, Your Regency,” said Sheiji, bowing his head to the slightest degree.
“Good evening, Vua,” replied Sui-Tsai, still on one knee. “Won’t you be seated, we are about to begin.”
Sheiji sat and motioned for everyone else to do the same. Once again the room erupted in noise as people returned to their conversations.
Sheiji looked around for Fa-Ying and saw him talking with two burly men. He saw his betrothed sitting on the opposite side of the room with her many ladies-in-waiting. Most of the guests were avoiding her. Though Hevana was a valuable trade partner with Imatsuro, it was considered a disgrace that Sheiji’s first wife be Hevanan.
“So, Brother,” Sui-Tsai lounged on a pillow beside Sheiji. “I trust you have made a decision?”
“Well, I don’t know,” replied Sheiji. “What’s the name of the country anyway?”
&nb