The grand dining hall of Obsidian Hotel was as luxurious as expected—gold-trimmed tables, enchanted chandeliers that mimicked a soft sunrise, and an assortment of the finest delicacies from all across the mortal realm. The guests seated at these tables, however, were far more interested in politics than in their morning meals.
Nobles from the Dragon Empire, Human Empire, and Vampire Dominion filled the room, each group seated in their respective clusters, yet their words carried across the space—heated, speculative, laced with intrigue.
At the center of the brewing debate, Lord Cavendish, a noble from the Dragon Empire, exhaled through his nose, setting his goblet down with an audible clink. His piercing eyes flickered with amusement as he leaned forward.
"So, tell me, gentlemen, do we now pretend that House Obsidian and the Human Empire are allies simply because their little princesses warms Pyris Obsidian's bed?"