Tensions shed off the atmosphere clouded in a mist of anxiety, like skin off of a decrepit and pathetic corpse.

Roran kept his reservations about the Cedano Family; thinking of them as nothing more than corrupted shadows of authority that maintained a firm grasp on the Intergalactic Trading Union. They were dressed in their fancy, high-end clothing of beige and turquoise. 

Behind their group of around thirty or forty men there stood a pair of royal guards holding their house flags proudly in the air. Deep purple flags displayed a turquoise-colored emblem in the shape of a bird at their centers, a bird trapped in a bronze rhombus yet stretched out its enormous wings all the same. 

Roran always found it to be a fitting house crest as it was emblematic of their rather intrepid, no, arrogant way of thinking. Like most nobles and royals, they had fallen victim to the disease known quite plainly as hubris. From their perspective, no one, not even the All-Mother with her infinite amount of wisdom and radiance could control or restrain them.

That being said, Roran wasn't a fool. There was a very good reason they remained an affluent member of the 12 Great Families of the Galaxy. The sheer amount of power and influence they possessed was overwhelming. They had the ability to purchase entire planets if they so pleased. That being said, however, the Stormlight and Cedano Families were relatively considered to be equals. 

As such, an uneasy truce was formed between the pairing factions. Just because they were technically on the same side didn't mean they were inclined to like each other. Even so, a war between Great Families would wield catastrophic repercussions, even for the victor. Whatever happened, war was the absolute last outcome that could be allowed to exist. So if it meant they had to appease the clan of blustering royals then so be it.

Roran kept his head plastered ahead, attempting to avoid eye contact with the Cedanos as he hastily strutted past them pretending not to notice or hear their judgemental looks and snarky comments. However, in doing so, Roran inadvertently established a solid stare with that of his father. It was hard to tell what that man was thinking, Orion was an enigma in every sense of the word.

The prince climbed the steps leading up to the throne and joined the king and queen, plumping down onto his throne chair. He hoped nobody would address the awkward manner in which he talked nor his shivering disposition, but Queen Cerra failed to grant him the privilege of obscurity. 

"Are you alright, my sprout?", she asked, her silky voice having been infected by concern. 

Cerra was the most beautiful woman in the Proioxis Galaxy, he reckoned. A head of long, flowing brown hair, a sparkling pair of emeralds for eyes, creamy skin void of blemishes or scars, and a voice that could calm the wildest seas or the most monstrous hurricanes. Yes, she was a fair and kind queen who deserved the respect of everyone in the domain. It was this extraordinary woman Roran was honored to call his mother.

"Worry not, Queen Cerra," Roran replied, forging an artificial smile. "I'm as fine as could be."

She sighed in relief. "That's good. Though, in the future, I do wish you'd inform us of when you wish to leave the palace. I would've had Garreth and his men accompany you. Can't have my son wandering around by his lonesome, what with all the dangers our home planet fosters."

Orion disregarded her concerns with a wave of the hand. "Roran isn't as feeble as other royals his age, My Queen. I'm just glad he showed up at all."

"Why wouldn't I, King Orion?"

"These conventions have consistently failed to hold your interest."

Roran slumped in his seat. "That was when I was younger. I can recognize their importance now, my king. I assure you."

"You still are young, Roran," Orion chuckled. "By the way, is our Royal Library really so vacant that it forces you to seek knowledge elsewhere?"

"It's magnificent; I just merely ready everything it has to offer."

"But I was told there were over a thousand books in there!" a surprised Cerra exclaimed, holding a hand to her hanging jaw.

"An exaggeration, My Queen," Roran smirked.

"Ha! That head of yours never fails to impress! He's a much smarter lad than I was at his age!" Orion happily remarked, amidst his series of hearty, boisterous laughter.

Roran's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "It's not that big of a deal, my king," he replied, concealing his face with his hands. "Not an impressive feat in the slightest."

"Why do you sell yourself so short, my son? Most nobles barely know how to open a book much less read one. Take these Cedanos, for example. Why they..."

"As much as it pains me to bring an end to such an...insightful conversation, I do believe we were here to discuss business." 

Stepping ahead of the Cedano clan was their leader himself. Rize Cedano was a tall, slim man in his late thirties with pale skin, brown eyes, and well-kempt chocolate hair. He forever maintained a cynical aura about him, a quality Roran personally couldn't stand. 

He was wearing a distinguished royal robe consistent with the unique color scheming of the others composing his ranks whilst a bronze-colored crown with a trident-shaped crest slumbered atop his head. Rize provided the Stormlights with a bow and said, "Prince Roran, what an honor it is to see you again after such a long time. My, how you've grown. I'm certain your parents must be most pleased. Oh, how curious I am to see the kind of king you choose to be."

Roran rolled his eyes but played along. "Your words of praise are too much, King Rize. Yes, I've learned quite a lot over the past few years. My one hope is that King Orion and Queen Cerra's teachings haven't gone to waste. What, when I am crowned king."

"You and I both, esteemed prince. A kingdom needs a strong, capable leader. And I only assume you aspire to be a great king as well. The king and queen aren't the only ones you'll have to impress, after all. And, as the eldest sibling, I can imagine you'd long to become a respectable role model. Am I wrong?" Roran flinched. He glanced in Queen Cerra's direction, a look of annoyance gradually molding on her face, and at her bloated belly where she rested her left hand. "You've got yourself an ocean of responsibilities and expectations to meet, Prince Roran. As an old ally of the Stormlight Family, you have my everlasting support in your future endeavors."

Roran's exasperation was masked well with his slit smile. "Your kindness knows no bounds. Thank you, King Rize."

Gareth joined Rize at the front of the group, standing next to the royal and loudly announcing, "I've just received word, King Orion. Our galactic eminence is ready to proceed with the Convention."

"Finally," Rize muttered.

Orion nodded his head. "Very well then, let's not keep him waiting."

Diamond-shaped windows dotting the walls, portals to the cloudy sky, were closed shut by the outside shutters, casting the room in a veil of darkness. Roran felt his heart sink. His nerves electrify. This was the first time he would meet him, the God of their galaxy. And as the last beams of daylight were banished, the room was then washed by a detonation of blue, painting everything in an azure tidal wave. The enormous hologram was birthed from the floor and shot into the air, above everyone's head. Roran gulped as the glitchy figure of a man sitting on a throne materialized before him. He quickly followed his parents' lead, rising to his feet and tipping his head forward.

Orion was the first person brave enough to speak. "Emperor Andromeda," he humbly started. "What an honor it is to be in your presence. We are grateful that you've chosen to take time out of your busy schedule to grace us with your guidance."

"We are eager for the Light of the Galaxy to shine upon us his brilliant judgment," added Rize.

"Do me the pleasure of saving your pre-rehearsed pleasantries, will you? I've had enough of those already for today," the emperor yawned, resting his chin atop the back of his palm. His harlequin gaze had already been consumed by an overwhelming amount of uninterest as he monitored the room.

Galactic Emperor Leto Andromeda was the ruler of all there was. Head of the Axis and ruler over every planet, star system, and sector in Asteria Space, everyone looked to him for guidance. There were many galactic emperors in the past, sure. However, Andromeda was rapidly proving himself to be an emperor to remember. A King of Kings. 

The decision of who would hold the title of Galactic Emperor was decided through a democratic system in which the star citizens, at least, those that held the most power, would vote on who they deemed to be the correct choice to govern them. This was what made Leto Andromeda so special as he was re-elected for the position directly after his initial eight-year term had expired. This made him the first emperor in the history of Poioxis to be re-elected, and at such a young age. The Celestial Lane would remember him well.

He was a solarian man of average height, maintained a portrait absent of any imperfections, and inherited short, choppy orange hair as well as brown eyes. Though none of these features were observable from the hologram. It did, however, manage to capture his obvious boredom. He appeared as nothing more than a disinterested glitching titan donning a crown.

"You will be happy to hear, Emperor, that the rebels of Volteer won't be a hindrance to the Asteria Axis. Not anymore," Orion informed him, sitting back down on his throne. "Our recent joint campaign ended in a glorious victory. The Uprising Army's ranks are scattered. Those who haven't been captured and sent to the Astral Legion for questioning are running with their tail in between their legs."

"A testament to our combined strength, my grace," Rize added, stepping forward and closer to the hulking hologram. "My fleet has recently discovered a few more of their so-called "secret bases" in the Myrkan and Goltho Systems. We should be hearing word of their progress any minute or so."

"Yes, but I fear this won't be the last of the Uprising. We damaged them, sure, but they've proven themselves to be a resilient bunch. Even in the face of two leading members of the 12 Great Families," said Orion.

"Please, they're little more than savage commoners making a mess of our once perfect galaxy. I reckon within a year's time every trace of their feeble embarrassment of a resistance will be snuffed out. I've even authorized the construction of numerous security outposts in our neighboring systems. That should discourage the Uprising from doing anything so reckless again." Rize offered another bow to the Galactic Emperor. "I promise you, my lord, House Cedano won't rest until these criminals are locked in cages and slaughtered for their insolence like the animals they are."

"You didn't summon me for this. No, this is about the matters concerning the Garathian Highway again, isn't it? I take it neither of you kings has managed to come to a reasonable compromise," Andromeda sighed. "How trivial. You lot are like children bickering and fighting over their favorite toy. How unbecoming of royals of such high renown."

"Such harsh criticisms, Galactic Emperor," Rize answered nervously. "Like you, I am eager to put this whole issue to bed. If only the Stormlight Family weren't so insistent on dragging this out we wouldn't have had to steal your precious time away from you, sir."

Roran bubbled with anger, but neither his father nor mother reacted in the slightest. They revealed not an ounce of hostility at Rize's clear attempts of antagonism. Their masks of indifference weren't so hollow as to shatter from such delicate insults.

"Oh, so you think the highway should fall under Cedano's ownership?"

"I do indeed, Emperor. The Garathian Highway is closest to our territory, you see. Who better to rule it than I? Not to mention, it would make life simpler for us to communicate with our ever-growing list of trading partners. Think about it, Emperor Andromeda. What need is there to discuss this further? House Cedano is the obvious pick to have that highway."

"You make a solid argument, King Rize," commented Andromeda. "And what have you to say to this, King Orion?"

"Must you ask? His pride is keeping him from making a proper judgment. I reckon The Stormlight Family would have more problems than benefits should they choose to absorb the Garathian Highway. Are we neglecting the fact that it is four sectors over from their ruling systems? They'd hardly be able to efficiently manage it," continued Rize. "I'm merely looking out for my friends, Emperor. Ushering them to make the correct, more logical decision. Even if they don't fully appreciate my kindness."

"Yes, but I'd like to hear from Orion directly."

"As you wish, Galactic Emperor."

Andromeda stared down at the Stormlight king and commanded, "Speak your mind, Orion."

"At once, Galactic Emperor Andromeda," he answered. "I can absolutely acknowledge the points my fellow companion, King Rize, has brought up. That being said, I cannot in good faith relinquish my stance on this matter." Roran was partially caught off guard when his king rose out of his throne, marched closer to the royal hologram, and continued his argument. "We mustn't undervalue the weight of this decision, Emperor. The Garathian Highway runs past countless habitable and colonized planets that have had a history of both Uprising and outlander activity. Furthermore, it is a rather popular passage for ships lacking stargate generators. Should we transform it into another trading route, we'd inadvertently be putting countless innocent lives at risk."

"We'll have the Astral Legion perform regular patrols," Rize argued.

"That won't be enough!" Orion shouted back. "Rebels and outlanders alike, they've proven to be highly resourceful over the past decade. We can't afford to take any risks, especially if our citizens could be put in danger. Therefore, I propose an idea, Emperor. I intend to completely fortify the highway, in doing so, purging any stragglers that might have slipped through the cracks. Uprising or otherwise."

"What madness!" Rize grunted. "The Garathian Highway is a very popular travel lane, you said so yourself! Yet you want to turn it into a warzone?! Galactic Emperor, don't you see?! If the Stormlights have their way, many will be restricted from using it. Imagine how many people could be potentially separated from their loved ones. Are you really willing to bear such a burden, King Orion? I can't imagine you'll be favored very highly by your subjects."

"I've considered as much, yes. It's something I'll simply have to live with, I'm afraid."

"You can't be serious?!"

"I am," Orion confidently confirmed. "Surely, the safety of the people should be our biggest priority."

Andromeda tapped his lips repeatedly. "King Rize, I agree with your sentiment. There's a lot of good and potential business to be lost should we transform the highway into a military zone. And I can't begin to think of how peeved the star citizens will be, as well."

"I'm glad you can see my perspective, Emperor."

"However, I can recognize where Stormlight is coming from."

Orion nodded. "I'm but a king concerned for his people. I would never be able to forgive myself if innocent lives are quelled because of our incompetence."

Rize flailed an arm in the air. "Preposterous! This campaign's victories have proven we are more than capable of keeping the people safe!" Rize then regarded Andromeda with an elastic grin, announcing, "Galactic Emperor, much respect I have for King Orion. I even owe him my life. Yet as incredible as he is on the battlefield, his knowledge of the intricacies in the art of politics is a bit lacking. Perhaps it'd be best if you console this issue directly to the other members of the Asteria Axis. I'm interested in what they've to say, and I'm certain quite a few of them will recognize the merits of my sentiment. I do have a somewhat laudable reputation."

Roran wasn't like his parents, that much wasn't certain. Unlike them, he couldn't let such direct insults go unaddressed. Nor could he control the festering emotions dwelling inside of him since the moment Rize opened his mouth. Before he knew it, Roran had sprung out of his floating chair and was facing the royal audience.

"That's because most of the Axis is in your back pocket, aren't they?!" Roran roared.

Without warning, Roran was assaulted. Everyone's attention lingered on him. Entirely of his own accord, he'd become the spotlight of the Convention. And no sooner did his bold accusation jet out his mouth did a herculean amount of anxiety and regret attack him. His heart pounded against his chest so roughly the boy could swear he heard the beating sound reverberate throughout the room.

"It looks like even the young prince feels strongly on this matter," commented Andromeda, a semblance of amusement present in his tone.

Rize looked at him and smiled. "I can see you too long to be a part of these...transactions. Your ambition is admirable, Prince Roran, though, you should probably learn when it is okay for you to speak. A little bit of respect can go a long way, might I add." He then aimed a pronounced glare at Orion. "It would seem he's acquired his temper from you. I wonder, old friend, what exactly have you been educating him on? The facilities of callowness?"

Orion stepped forth and bowed at the audience. "I apologize on behalf of my son's outburst. I've been too lenient with him as of late. It must have gone to the boy's head."

Those words were like daggers to his heart. And the fact that they left the mouth of the man whom he respected most of all was doubly damaging. What only Roran could do was retire to his throne seat, severing his gaze from everyone else by staring off into the corner of the room, praying nobody would pay him any mind for the duration of the Convention.

"It's clear to me we're unlikely to come to a resolution today. Let's postpone this meeting for a later date, shall we?" said Andromeda.

Orion flinched. "If you deem it necessary, Galactic Emperor, then I will not challenge your wishes."

"Very well, then." Andromeda glanced at Rize and said, "Have your Cedano Family report to Staierus immediately. There are certain matters I wish to discuss with you directly, King Rice."

His sneer evolved. "As you wish, Emperor Andromeda. I won't keep you waiting."

Just like that, the convention had officially come to an end. The hologram of the emperor flickered out of existence. The shutters of the windows retracted, allowing for gorgeous rays of the golden sun to infiltrate the room once again. 

The members of the Cedano Family turned their backs, not without giving their respects to the royal family, of course, and flooded out the doors, being escorted by groups of royal guards. Rize regarded Orion with a final, satisfying snicker and said, "Until our paths cross again, King Orion of House Stormlight," prior to departing as well, the doors shutting behind him and his faction.

Roran too wanted to leave. As in, he desired to be anywhere that wasn't around his father. Hopping out of his throne in an attempt to flee, Orion grunted, "Roran!", immediately forcing the prince to stop in his tracks.

Before Orion could strike him with another in a series of his long, heart-hitting talks about discipline and honor, Roran spun around and apologized, "I'm sorry!" a little louder than he'd intended. "I was just trying to defend your name! King Rize, he..."

"An unnecessary effort," Orion interrupted. "I don't need to be defended, Roran. My name has been cursed by many a king and emperor. I'm numb to it, at this point."

"Still, he shouldn't have spoken to you like that. You want to talk about respect, well why doesn't Rize have any?"

"Arrogant though he may be, Rize is still a king. As such, I expect you to exercise the same amount of respect for him as you would me."

Roran frowned. "It was you that taught me respect was earned. What's changed?"

"Roran, if you ever aspire to be the next leader of House Stormlight, then you'll have to learn that applying respect and earning it isn't the same. This is what I'm trying to teach you. If you go around making enemies simply because they don't share the same opinions or ideologies as you, then your reign as king won't be a long one. Trust me on that."

"King Orion..."

"Drop the formalities. Right now, I'm simply your father."

"R...Right, then," Roran hesitated. "Father, will I really be the one to succeed you as king?"

Orion raised an eyebrow. "What kind of question is that? But of course. Who else have you in mind to take my place?"

Roran offered the most subtle of glances towards Queen Cerra who was conversing with Gareth a couple of meters behind his father. He looked at her protruding belly relentlessly pressing against the fabric of her white-colored gown. For some reason, a hint of sadness dripped into his consciousness.

Lowering his head, he responded, "Forget I asked. It was stupid."

"A...Alright, then."

"Unless you need me for anything else, I would like to return to my room. I'm tired."

"Yes, these Conventions are rather exhausting, aren't they? Well, don't let me keep you. Off you go."

Roran could hear it in Orion's voice. His father was obviously concerned for him, and he genuinely wished he could be more open about his feelings. However, for the time being, he'd keep his thoughts and concerns trapped within the confines of his brain. Without another word, he tramped for the exit, hoping for nothing more than to erase the embarrassing occurrence of his outburst from his memory.