The harsh sound of metal against stone jolted the Empress back to her senses.
She gasped and then she quickly stood up. Her light green dress swirling around her as she shouted.
"Everyone, stand down! Do not show any disrespect to this man!"
Somnus felt his mother's slender hand pull his arm sharply, something she had never done before.
He frowned a little at the unfamiliar touch but followed her lead, kneeling before the man in black and lowering his head.
He did not ask "why," as most children might have. There was only one person in all the empire to whom even the Empress herself would kneel.
"In greeting Your Excellency, such rudeness and disorder is inexcusable. I beg your forgiveness, O pinnacle of magic—Reg Legalia."
Her voice was firm, but there was a faint tremble in it. Hearing that name, Somnus realized that the person before them truly was the one spoken of in stories. Guided by quiet curiosity, he slowly lifted his eyes.
