The Genie, the Lyon and the Valide Sultan

A few minutes before the game start

Lyon made an impactful entrance to his throne booth at the center-top of the stadium, which resided above all the benches and pitch.

A magical screen image of the pitch was erected before him, so he could watch the game play with the best view at all times.

A lower tier Visor gave a grand speech to announce his arrival. Everyone rose to bow with their respects to him.

He waved off their homage and eased onto the plush gold-red klinē-sofa.

Attractive women in stylish make-up of pink and red, jewelled headdresses, pink silk veils and slim-fitting long silver-pink chiffon and satin gowns, fed him grapes.

Seated on a matching klinē-sofa nearby was the Valide Sultan Valerr dressed in the richest and finest golden threaded silks, veils and all manner of sparkly green gem bracelets, rings and silver necklaces. She appeared young around Kairo's age. Her fine-blond hair was kept in a bun within her headdress, where delicate diamond chains dangled near her ears. Her vibrant blue eyes carefully eyed Lyon with a narrow stare.

"I'm surprised you decided to show, Sire." Valerr's refined tones hid her intentions behind her words.

But Lyon knew his paternal mother well to detect her probing. Of course, she would do her utmost to garnish details for his father, whilst planning to stab them in the back.

Valerr may have been declared his adopted mother supporter, but it was only a ruse to keep one of the Demon King's loyal spies next to him. After all, she was still a concubine. And at an early age, Lyon knew not to trust the woman. It took all his will not to openly show his contempt. While she was in his father's pocket she was a useful tool.

"A wizard landed on my lap after an eon. It would be a dishonor not to show for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion."

The woman sighed pensively as she sipped wine from a gold chalice. "Tis true. Many solar-turns have passed since the last time we had a wizard. I can't help but wonder if this omen is a blessing or a curse for our continent."

Lyon huffed and swallowed a grape. The woman was obviously testing him with her offhanded comment. If he agreed with her view of superstition, he would agree that the shamans of his father's court would be necessary observers.

"The trial is about to begin. I suggest you enjoy it." He turned to one of the serving girls and whispered an order. "Call Genie here."

The girl nodded and left to make good on her orders. Moments later Genie teleported into the room. He bowed before Lyon, showing his respects for his brother.

"What do you think of this alien?" Lyon cordially asked and gestured for Genie to take a seat.

Genie clicked his fingers to move an armchair next to his brother's sofa. He eased onto it in a cross-leg position, looking far too relaxed for the Valerr's liking.

Lyon didn't find any offense with his brother's ease around him. In fact, Genie was the one person he knew who would be straightforward on certain matters.

"He is mundane and an oddity."

Lyon remained impassive, but his words showed interest toward the fact. "Oddity? In what way?"

"This is an Earthun who fell into our world from another. Any normal creature would go crazy. Yet, he remains sound of mind and seems to accept our world as a truth, making it easier for him to adapt."

Lyon nodded. This fact lined up with Jan's earlier appraisal. He was still deciding if Kairo was a good or troublesome thing.

"If he survives these trials, I want you to keep monitoring him closely. You're to shadow his movements and report any problems or abnormalities directly to me."

Genie tilted his head, mildly perplexed. "You don't need me to return to your side?"

"Hah. A specter who is an opportunist." Valerr scoffed under her breath.

"A specter given form to be a demon. Need I remind you, Valide Sultan, a certain spell for everlasting youth was cashed-in by you a couple of solar-turns." Genie dropped the fact aloofly as he examined lint from his nails.

Valerr bit her tongue, stifling a scowl as she continued to watch the pitch below.

Genie rose and clicked his fingers to return his chair to its former location. He gave his brother a formal bow. "As you wish, brother. I'll continue to be his friend and monitor him."

Lyon nodded. "Should he become a wizard, refer to Court Visor Jan for any resources you need." His eyes narrowed as he cast a sideward glance to Genie. "It would be ideal if we could convince him to our side."

Genie responded with a generous smile and expression of confidence. "Don't worry, Brother, it will be done."

He gave his brother another bow then disappeared from the room.

Valerr carefully sipped her wine as she mulled over the men's conversation. Lyon was hatching a plan that involved the alien. She had to tell the Demon King. The fact that he said as much while in her presence was a clear taunt and challenge for the throne. Either way, if she didn't relay this to her king, she would face consequences.

Her thoughts and mood was broken when the crowd became animated and erupted with cheers.

Kairo was making his first play.