Bad Wolf
The Hycainth Palace stood at the center of Qosantyra like a jewel set into the crown of the capital.
its domes shimmered beneath the late afternoon sun, its Nabooian curves rising gracefully above slender Dosuunian spires that pierced the sky like polished spears of marble and gold. From the palace terraces, one could see the sprawling capital unfold toward the distant sea, towering ministries, gardens suspended between levels of the city, and the gleaming lanes of the great starport where vessels rose toward orbit like migrating constellations.
The palace itself had been built to embody the Commonwealth.
Elegant. Ancient. Unmistakably powerful.
Within in its grounds, the Petal Court lay open beneath the sky. The ceremonial plaza took its name from the hyacinth flower that inspired the palace's design. Mosaic petals spread across the marble floor in sweeping patterns of violet and gold, surrounding a series of cascading fountains whose water caught the sunlight in shimmering arcs.
It was here that the Pasha addressed rulers.
Today, it was where one would be welcomed.
Ivalyn Yvarro stood at the edge of the court where fountains whispered softly in the warm coastal air. The ivory fabric of her gown moved gently with the breeze, the gold chainwork at her collar catching the sun like threads of quiet fire. Behind her rose the grand entrace of the palace itself, framed by towering columns carved luminous marble.
Far above the plaze, the palace's central dome reflected the sky.
Beyond its doors waited the Starlight Atrium, the heart of the palace. The chamber where the Commonwealth recieved the galaxy. Even now its kyber crystal chandeliers shimmered faintly within, catching beams of light from the skylights above and scattering them across the floor in delicate constellations of blue and silver.
It was a room designed for diplomacy, and for spectacle.
The arrival of the High Republic's Chancellor had already stirred the capital. Diplomatic craft had been sighted entering the system hours earlier, escorted through the orbital lanes and down into Qosantyra's immaculate starport district.
Somewhere beyond the Dosuunian horizon, the Bakura Hypergate pulsed quietly in the void. An ancient corridor of commerce, power and possibility. Whoever commanded access to its routes, commanded the lifeblood of trade moving between vast regions of the galaxy.
Today, however the Commonwealth sought partnership.
Partnership, Ivalyn knew well, was a form of negotiation best conducted in rooms where every stone whispered power.
Soft footsteps approached behind her across the marble.
One of her aides bowed respectfully.
"Your Excellency," he said. "The Chancellor's delegation has entered the palace grounds."
Ivalyn lifted her gaze briefly toward the palace dome gleaming overhead. The Pasha had met with princesses, empresses and mercenary war lords. The palace's halls had seen deals signed that reshaped the Commonwealth's history.
Today would simply be another page in that history. At last she turned, hazel eyes calm and bright as the last light of the evening settled across the petal court.
"Excellent," she responded softly, "let us welcome the Chancellor to Qosantyra."
The fountains continued their quiet song as the doors of the Hycainth Palace opened behind her.
