Ethan led the emissaries into the Alliance Hall. They climbed the tall marble steps and walked down the long corridor where banners of the Alliance hung from the walls.
Finally, they entered Ethan's room—the grandest room in the entire building. The ceiling was covered in glowing carvings of stars and constellations. A huge round table sat in the center, surrounded by soft chairs.
"Please, have a seat, Your Highness," Ethan said politely.
Arthur didn't move. He looked around the room once, then turned his eyes back to Ethan. "We can sit and talk later," he said, his voice calm but edged with a power that made the air heavy. "If your planet's potential surpasses the threshold, then it will be worth my time. If it doesn't, someone else will come to handle the formalities. You will be treated like all the other civilizations."
