Chapter 8: 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. 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 to the seated crowds below. Everyone rose to bow with their respects to him.

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

Seated on a matching klinē-sofa next to him was the Valide Sultan dressed in the richest and finest golden threaded silks, veils and all manner of sparkly green gem bracelets, rings and silver necklaces. She was young, around the same age as Kairo. Her fine-blond hair was kept as 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." Her refined tones hid her intentions behind her words.

But Lyon knew his paternal mother well to detect her cunning probe into the matter. Of course, she would do her utmost to garnish details for his father. She 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 of his will not to openly despise her. While she was in his father's pocket she was just as useful to him.

"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 years 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 Royal Shamans in his father's court would be necessary observers. The shamans were the last order he wanted to deal with, especially when the Shadow Cabal worked for them.

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

The girl nodded and left to make good on her orders. A short while later Genie materialized 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 sighed and clicked his fingers to transport an armchair next to his brother's sofa. He eased onto it in a cross-leg position, looking far too relaxed for the Valide Sultan'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 with him on certain matters.

"He is mundane. Yet, a bit of an oddity."

Lyon's face remained expressionless, 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 of the alien. He was still deciding if this 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 you notice directly to me."

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

"Hah. A specter who is an opportunist." The Valide Sultan scoffed under her breath.

"A specter given form to be a demon. Need I remind you, Lady Valerr, that a certain wish for everlasting youth was cashed-in by you last year." 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 make his chair disappear. 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 could also be seen as a challenge for the throne. Either way, if she didn't relay this to her lord, she would face consequences.