"Lady Suyin," the emperor said, presenting to the noblewoman. More applause.
"Shen Yue," the emperor said. The badge, the golden token, was presented. Shen Yue, her bright eyes, her flushed face, accepted. Her bow, the formal bow, was there. Her eyes, on Tianlong, the brief, stolen, heart-thumping glance, was there.
"Shen Ling," the emperor said. The badge, presented. Shen Ling, her round face, her shy expression, accepted. Her bow was there.
Finally, Shen Mu. The sword sovereign. The last in line. The young man, his simple dark robes, his plain blade at his side, stood. His face, the composed, controlled face, was there. His internal thoughts, the racing, calculating, ambitious thoughts, were there.
'This is it. The badge. The recognition. The first step. The first step toward building my reputation. The first step toward gathering allies. The first step toward crushing you, Tianlong.'
