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Chapter 8

Council meeting

Daryun and Seraphi could feel the strained atmosphere growing thicker. The meeting was about to start and the rest of the members fell silent as both of them entered the room. Being instructed on protocol, and what is appropriate, Seraphi dressed in a classic black tailored outfit that fit snugly to her body but allowed movement. Her hair was simply done; tied n half at the top of her head, allowing the tresses to flow freely down her back. Daryun dressed in similar fashion, his outfit being classic black trousers with a white shirt that was head together by a line of gold buttons. Strands of his hair fell onto his face, occasionally blocking his view and his eyes from everyone. Seraphi did not dare think it, because she could not risk him hearing anything, but she had to acknowledge the fact that his face, the grey eyes and hair, made it very difficult to look away from him.

Are you ready dear Seraphi?

You know, it's rude to jump in people's heads like that.

She huffed and pinned him with the same vicious stare when she had first seen him.

Tsk tsk tsk... 'Tis not my fault you are not shielding…

You're right, I'll learn then I can get some peace and quiet…

I can prove to be a very good distraction… i am after all-

Daryun… stop torturing the poor girl. Seraphi, my dear sorry to intrude, but the council members have asked you to present yourself.

Yes Your Grace. Thank you.

She opened her mouth to speak, but Daryun jumped ahead and began introducing her as his newest advisor and part of his personal council from the planet earth, who had just have her full potential awakened.

At this she saw that a few of the council of ten were highly impressed. She dutifully bowed gracefully, thanking Daryun for the introduction as well as thanking the council for their welcome. However she did caught the death glare of one of the council woman who was looking at her, searching for some detail. Seraphi realized that she was not the only unhappy with her presence so close to Daryun, the other four female members did not shift their gazes from her as she proceeded to stand beside Daryun's chair.

Do I smell a cat fight brewing Seraphi?

Please, they can have you. I am not the least bit interested, your highness. Is your father like you?

Yes, my talent was inherited; both my parents are like me.

Where are you from? Another planet? Galaxy?

No dear one, same place as you. Earth…Just maybe a few hundred years older. Come let us focus on this dreadful meeting.

Effectively silenced, Seraphi began to study each of the council members, trying to feel their personality and judge their characters if they were trustworthy. Having scanned the five female members first, taking in their curious glances, appearances and mannerisms, she concluded they were to be trusted to an extent. She proceeded then to the males of the group. Scanning each one of them, she arrived at the same conclusion as she did about the women. However, there was one man, standing by Daryun's father who looked like his grandfather. White beard flowing, long hair salt and pepper, more salt, and similar manner of dress as Daryun, his father, and his mother. She had never seen his mother before, the long black hair, tied up in a bun at the base of her neck, leaving few strands flowing. The way the green dress highlighted her grey eyes, her pointy nose much like her son's, made them the most prominent features on her face. She really was beautiful, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes.

A pair of grey eyes pinned her to the spot, which was followed by a sheepish discreet smile. His mother had caught her staring.

My dear no need to look ashamed. It's quite alright, but you should listen to Daryun and learn to shield yourself.

Yes My lady. But may I ask a question.

You may.

The council members do not have their abilities fully awakened yet do they? They cannot hear our conversation, nor did they sense when i was scanning them.

Intriguing… some of them do have their abilities, but it it very strange that they did not sense your intrusion. We shall speak of it another time, join me after the meeting i wish to speak with you.

Yes my lady.

With the conversation cut short, Seraphi paid attention to the proceedings with her mundane senses, allowing herself to learn the ways of the council and the names of its members. The final matter was brought to light, something about a prisoner that was to be killed in the arena. just then one of male council memebrs whose name was a mouthful turned to glare at Seraphi while thorwing his speech to Daryun. She did not like this one bit, especially the way this man's aura reeked with murder and deceit.

"You Highness, because of you newest advisor, it seems this little girl was saved from her death sentence. Her crime must not go unpunished. How are we to uphold justice as a budding empire? We must take the chance to punish the criminals-"

"And what do you propose the law should be hanged to council member? Guilty until proven innocent? She was sent to the arena to win her freedom, to gather the evidence needed for her trial. And yes she was saved, but that does not mean we kill when there is no proof of her misdoing."

Seraphi surprised herself with the control and authority that oozed in her voice. Her mind remained steadfast on her opponent, mentally challenging him to hear her thoughts and attack her. The tension filled every molecule of her being, a cobra waiting to spring at the first sign of attack. Daryun intruded, breaking her concentration a bit, but she quickly adjusted herself to accommodate his words.

Stand down Seraphi, you do not know who you are dealing with.

Really? A conniving little snake that wants to kill someone who has not been proven guilty? What is she accused of?

She attempted to assassinate him, but claims innocence. She is from the galaxy closest to yours, Andromeda. They are a race not be tampered with. They have powers unknown to us. so apart from keeping her as a prisoner, we need her to analyze her strengths and weaknesses.

I understand.

"Council member forgive my outburst, but i cannot see injustice being done to another living creature."

"Injustice!? What about the fact that she tried to kill me! Is that not reason enough?"

With that attitude even I want to kill you. She mentally growled. She heard Daryun give a small chuckle, disguising it into a cough.

"Again forgive me Councilman. However I wish that the prisoner be transferred to my care. Since I am the reason she was freed, it is my duty to see that no harm comes to her, while she is awaiting her judgement. She will be one of my aids."

Before the councilman could voice another word of his disgust and displeasure, Daryun silenced him with a glare and accepted Seraphi's proposal.

"Bring the girl in," he ordered.

Seraphi remained rooted to the spot as she watched the familiar young woman being roughly escorted to the meeting room. Her relentless gaze pinned Seraphi to the spot, her silvery blue eyes, piercing each facet of Seraphi's face, as if trying to analyze for a weak spot. a cold shiver ran down Seraphi's spine as she realized that this girl was not one to mess with. She instantly knew that she had to be kept closest, of all her aids; this one was going to be difficult. She could not get a reading on the girl, her mind a complete blank, her stare void of any emotion, her body frail, limp and undernourished. There was no aura of ill health around her… there was no aura at all. Realization dawned on Seraphi, she opened her mind to Daryun feeding him the information she just acquired from her scope.

"Daryun, she's shielding…"