The grand hall of the Dominion Assembly shimred beneath layers of gold and white light.
Tall glass chandeliers hung from the arched ceiling like frozen stars, illuminating rows of polished marble floors and dark velvet seats arranged in perfect order.
Outside the building, security vehicles lined the streets.
Inside, the atmosphere was even tighter.
Soldiers stood at every entrance in fitted black uniforms, eyes constantly scanning the crowd.
So guards remained visible beside the walls while others blended among the guests, hidden behind formal attire and calm expressions.
Every attendee had been screened before entry.
And every attendee mattered.
Political figures occupied the front rows alongside military officials, academy representatives, corporate sponsors and influential families of the South.
Quiet conversations drifted through the hall, refined and controlled, never loud enough to disrupt the ceremony.
Above them, several hovering cara drones captured the event from different angles.
Only a select number of dia stations had been granted access to the ceremony.
At the center aisle, journalists stood behind the restricted line with caras and recording devices prepared, waiting impatiently for the speech to begin.
Then the hall lights dimd slightly.
Conversations softened.
The large screens mounted across the hall flickered to life, displaying the crest of the Dominion Party.
A voice echoed through the building.
"Please rise for the High Regentess."
Everyone stood.
The doors at the side of the stage opened smoothly.
The High Regentess entered with practiced elegance, dressed in deep silver and black, the fabric of her gown flowing behind her as she ascended the stage.
Her expression was composed.
Warm enough for the caras.
Untouchable enough for everyone else.
A small applause spread through the hall as she approached the podium.
Behind her stood the flag of the South alongside the Dominion crest.
She waited patiently for the room to settle before speaking.
"Citizens of the South," her voice carried smoothly through the hall, calm and confident. "Tonight marks another important step toward the future of our nation."
The caras focused entirely on her now.
"It is unfortunate that the High Regent could not attend this ceremony personally." She continued gracefully. "As many of you are aware, he is currently in the West, securing diplomatic alliances that will strengthen our nation politically, economically and militarily."
She paused briefly.
"But even in his absence, his dedication to the South remains unwavering."
There was imdiate applause.
So genuine.
So expected.
The High Regentess smiled faintly and continued her speech with effortless control, speaking of unity, progress and stability while carefully avoiding anything that could invite controversy.
By the ti she finished, the audience applauded once more.
"Thank you," she said elegantly, stepping back from the podium.
The journalists near the stage imdiately ca alive.
Hands shot upward.
"High Regentess!"
"Do you believe the Western alliance will shift the balance against the North?"
"Is the Dominion Party planning further reforms following the new law?"
"What response do you have to criticism from the Null Alliance regarding the new law?"
"Will the High Regent return before the Summit gathering?"
The High Regentess remained poised beneath the barrage of questions.
Smiling.
Listening.
Calculating.
Standing alone, separated from the crowd, Olwen Viremont watched as the High Regentess answered the questions with practiced ease, smiling like she was offering tea.
Six hefty bodyguards ford a line between her and the thirsty journalists.
The High Regentess whispered to a bodyguard mid question, eyes searching the room.
The bodyguard gave a curt nod and walked towards the crowd.
He spotted Olwen quickly, in a dark blue suit, standing with one hand behind his back.
"Her Excellency requests your presence." He told him.
Olwen smiled faintly, then walked forward without hurry.
The journalists had pulled back a little and photographers were taking pictures.
Olwen stood next to the High Regentess. The bright flashes montarily disoriented him.
"You took your sweet ti getting here." The High Regentess remarked through her teeth, smiling for the caras.
Olwen's expression was unreadable as he posed beside her.
"Pardon , mother." He said, not bothering to fake a smile.
"Where is my son?" She asked.
A brief pause.
"He hasn't been seen all evening, mother. Olwen said, choosing his words carefully.
The High Regentess scoffed.
"How convenient for you. Basking alone in the spotlight."
Her tone was full of spite.
Olwen let out a slow breath.
"I wouldn't dare think of it. Besides, no one could outshine Your Excellency even if they tried." He spoke gracefully.
The High Regentess didn't buy the complint one bit.
"Find my son." She ordered the bodyguard nearest to them.
He left imdiately.
She addressed Olwen again.
"I would advise you to tell his whereabouts while you still have my grace."
Olwen sighed deeply.
"I assure you, mother, I know nothing of Apollo's whereabouts."
The High Regentess finally let her steely gaze bore into him. She opened her mouth to say sothing then stopped.
Soone had walked into the hall.
Soone important.
Heads turned. Caras shifted from the High Regentess and flashed towards the entrance.
The High Regentess stared in anticipation.
Olwen gave a knowing smile.
The space cleared gradually.
Apollo walked down the aisle with a confident stride, elegant suit and tie.
A few dignitaries shook hands with him as he advanced.
The High Regentess bead, chin up in pride.
Her eyes followed him till he stood before her.
"I apologize for my lateness, mother." He said, although he didn't sound apologetic.
The High Regentess glead.
"Nonsense." She said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You are right on ti."
She positioned him between her and Olwen.
Olwen shifted slightly to the side, hand still behind his back, isolated.
The caras flashed with more intensity.
Officials and dignitaries began approaching in groups to pose with them.
Olwen tilted his head towards Apollo.
"You like a grand appearance, don't you?" He teased .
Apollo barely reacted.
"The back entrance was sealed."
"I wonder who could've done that…" Olwen was barely holding in a smile.
Apollo's eyes darted to their mother.
The High Regentess' expression cooled as a man approached.
"Bertram." She said in acknowledgent.
Bertram Corvane politely shook her hand.
"Pleased to be in your presence, your Excellency."
He posed with them.
"I presu you are still displeased with how the 'state issue' was resolved." The High Regentess was colder than she had been all evening.
Bertram smirked.
"You know better than anyone not to go against the High Regent's decisions." She said,
Bertram's gaze locked with hers briefly.
"Of course. I know better than to go against the 'High Regent's' decisions."
The High Regentess' face hardened.
Bertram smiled cockily, gave one last pose and left.
The High Regentess stared daggers after him.
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