The music played in the great hall, a bustle with men and women in a wide assortment of regalia. Some in BAF uniforms, some in privateer uniforms. Some in form fitting dresses that were en-vogue that season on New London, fashion capital of Sirius.
Great windows overlooked the capital world below, ornate and golden in art-deco patterns that were typical on New London. And beyond the Royal Liner, a pair of Bretonian Royal Guard Destroyers stood sentinel, ready to protect their Queen from any assault.
The great hall curved up to a dais, where a golden chaise lounge sat, and upon it, reclining in a beautiful white dress, Queen Carina lay, a red flower turning between her fingers, a gift from Gaia. A trio of small Corgis slept at her feet, another gift, this time from Lord Mindhrey upon her birthday the year before.
In front of the dais, a pair of musicians played an ancient melody, as a beautiful woman of Hispanic descent sang, the Cardamine tube attached to her nose, and a pale blue sheen to her skin that looked like a thousand stars reflected.
It was an exotic place, where men and women stood in alcoves talking, and watching. Groups of nobles surrounding their benefactors, each vying for royal favour.
Not far from the Dias, the Ambassador for Liberty stood, regal in his black tuxedo, watching the crowd. As next to him, Prince Edward, Heir apparent, waited patiently, listening to the Ambassador's words. And across the room, the Outcast supplicant stood equally as regal in her stunning gown, a drink in her hand, offered to her by one of her man servants of the lower Maltese classes.
![[Image: IeOloj2.png]](https://i.imgur.com/IeOloj2.png)