The Emperor sat down on his throne, having just returned front he dungeons. What an awful place, he thought, reclining on the stone seat, a perfect spot to keep those who oppose me. A maid with mousey brown hair and a thin face approached him with a silver tray. Upon it sat a golden goblet filled with crimson liquid. The Emperor picked up the goblet and took a sip of its contents. He waved the maid off. She bowed and scurried away, tripping over the hem of her dress.
The Emperor gazed around the room, and his hazel eyes soon rested on a man in bronze robes, dancing with a blonde woman in similar attire. The man twirled around with his partner and spotted the Emperor gazing at him. He broke into a wide grin and muttered something to the woman, who had stopped dancing as well. She nodded slightly and walked away, her hair rippling behind her. The man strode towards the Emperor, and called jubilantly, "Why if it isn't Cornelius, my old friend! It's been so long!"
         The Emperor's mouth twitched and he stood up. The two embraced for a short moment before Cornelius muttered, "You know it's rude to address your ruler in such a manner, Jacob."
         Jacob smiled. "I know, but before you were okay with me doing that once upon a time."
         Cornelius nodded and replied, "Times change. Now come, I must hear about that lovely lady you were dancing with." He steered Jacob through the crowd and out into a lavish garden, bathed in silvery moonlight. The two walked down the path, and came to a stone platform, overlooking a vast countryside. Jacob leaned on the balcony and gazed across the vast fields, soon to be harvested. Cornelius sat down on a stone bench and took s gulp of the remaining wine in his goblet. He looked at Jacob, and said, "So. How did you meet her?"
Jacob turned around and sat on a stone bench across from Cornelius. He examined an orange tattoo on his right forearm, which spiraled up his arm and blossomed in his palm. "Jenna? We met a few years back, while I was on a business trip to the Diamond province. She may have gotten used to it, but she never stops complaining about how dull the gardens are. She thinks the orange roses are 'peculiar'."
Cornelius chuckled and pressed on with more questions. "Do you have any children?"
"No." Jacob sighed. "Well my 12 year-old niece is living with us. She's been there ever since my brother, her father, was killed."
Cornelius tilted his head. "I never knew William had kids. Was she an Alubi like him?"
"She was his only one." Jacob's tattoo glowed brightly as he fingered a flower he had picked. It floated a few inches into the air, opening and closing. "As for having powers..........." He faded away and looked around the garden, as if he was afraid someone would hear. He leaned in closer to Cornelius and muttered, "She's actually an Alpulari."
"What?" Cornelius gasped in surprise. "An Alpulari? But those are-"
"Incredibly rare, I know," Jacob shushed him. "We're trying to keep it quiet. She's be in danger if anyone untrustworthy found out. You won't tell anyone will you?" Cornelius nodded slowly, a million possibilities forming in his head. An Alpulari........ All the things he could do if one was by his side. He floated deep in thought for a while.
"Cornelius. Cornelius!"
Cornelius blinked and looked up. Jacob was looking at him curiously. "You know what," Cornelius said slowly. He smiled at Jacob. "It's been forever since we've actually spent any time together. It would be wonderful if you could stay for a little longer."
"But," Jacob's face filled with concern, "My niece-"
Cornelius cut him off. "We could send someone to retrieve her. She could be here in a day or two if we send a fast carriage. Also, I'd love to get to know her as well as Jenna."
Jacob considered this for a moment. "That would be nice. But still...."
"Come on Jacob," Cornelius pestered, smiling at his friend. "When was the last time we got to spend some time together? You'll have a great time, and I will personally make sure your niece gets here safely."
Jacob went silent. Cornelius sat there for a long time, drumming his finger against his leg. After what seemed like eternity, Jacob sighed. "Fine," he muttered, dropping the flower on the ground. "But I have your word that she'll get here safe."
Cornelius nodded. "I promise you that she'll be as safe as if she were traveling with me." He stood up and clapped his hands together. "I'd better go and send someone to retrieve her right away." He walked away, closely followed by Jacob.
Jacob marched back into the room to find Jenna and tell her their change of plans. Cornelius lingered in the stone doorway for a moment, his smirk illuminated by the flame of the torch.