29

A long line of audience seekers stretched along the outer wall of the viceroy's palace.

Akame and Mei To came straight to the main outer gate of the castle.

The head guard stopped her and with a sullen nod of his head asked wordlessly.

-- Princess Akame Mei Li, I come on business concerning my fief.

The guard immediately gave her access.

-- You are a princess," Mei Li asked stupefied.

-- It is an honorary title, nothing more," Akame said as she climbed the monumental stairs leading to the viceroy's throne.

A warrior at the foot of the throne asked.

-- Does anyone have business?

-- I have business," said Akame, bowing.

-- Name and rank," the guard indicated.

-- To the viceroy I report. I am Akame Mei Li, princess of the Blue River fief, betrothed to the lord of Qiang. I speak through her voice.

-- A princess who speaks for her betrothed is dignified for posterity," said the viceroy, from his hieratic posture.