The long dining hall was bathed in a soft glow from the radiant crystals embedded in the high-vaulted ceiling.
At the dining table, a man was sitting in the head chair eating his food.
Long Xuan, the sovereign of Azure Star, dined alone.
He cut his food into delicate bites, chewing thoughtfully, savoring the peace of the moment.
Around him, a dozen servants stood silently.
Suddenly, the heavy silence was broken by hurried footsteps.
The tall double doors to the hall burst open, and a breathless guard dropped to one knee.
"Your Highness!" the guard called and bowed his head.
Long Xuan's eyes slowly lifted from his meal, "Something important?"
The guard swallowed nervously and nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. The Clan Leader of the Rui Clan, Rui Guzhi, has arrived. He says it's an urgent matter."
A flicker of surprise crossed Long Xuan's face and he pushed back his chair before standing up "Rui Guzhi? Why didn't you say so sooner?"