The Golden Armored Warrior entered on his own, leaving them there. After a long wait, the Golden Armored Warrior opened the doors again, and they entered the Emperor's office under the escort of two white-haired women in black armor, carrying large-caliber rifles.
To some, this vast space was practically a library and museum. Enormous machines of unknown purpose, a dazzling array of military equipment, stacks of books, ancient sculptures and stone carvings, and aged parchment all formed a style that blended different eras, proclaiming the long years its master had lived through. The couple was not permitted to wander about freely. They could only proceed beneath the escort of the Golden Armored Warrior and the white-haired women. Only after passing through several equally exquisite bronze doors did they finally reach their destination.
When the Emperor stood before them, Lepa Brena and Slobodan Zivojinovic truly felt the presence that television broadcasts could never fully convey. His obsidian-black eyes were so deep they seemed capable of swallowing people whole. His dark, long hair hung behind his head like storm clouds, while the outspread Golden Eagle framed the pauldrons above him. His giant-like body was as solid as a city wall, yet possessed the unimaginable strength of a lion. Intense pride and humility mingled into an uncontrollable urge that made one want to touch the blood-red cloak hanging from the Emperor's armor.
As the couple behind what had once been the South Federation's most closely watched wedding, Lepa Brena and Slobodan Zivojinovic had seen many grand occasions. Yet before the Emperor, they were still as uneasy as children who had done something wrong, even though they knew they had done nothing wrong.
"Apologies. The War Council delayed me for a while."
The Emperor spoke first. As a singer, Lepa Brena instantly judged that