Northstar Vale When Stars Align

After speaking her piece she anticipated a commendation, or at least some favor to be bestowed upon her by the freshly arisen Emperor; she caught his eye and saw a gleam of distrust that shifted in to something more like pride, and Hime was giddy, knowing she had stroked the correct ego in that moment. However the effect of her speech was minimal at best. Another voice rose up, this time in opposition, and soon there were others. Chaos flared where there had been peace and unity. 

First it was Yuudai who pledged his loyalty to Reiko, and Reiko alone. Had he been the only one to speak out, Hime might have forgiven him. He had chosen the correct path but the incorrect time, an inconvenience to Hime specifically, and drew attention away from her affirmations to make his treasonous debut.

Anxiety spiked through the group, sweeping through them with Yuudai at the epicenter. Hime looked across the wolves gathered, peasants and nobles alike, containing her enjoyment of this spectacle, seeing how each person tensed or averted their eyes, while some stood taller—even voicing their support. Takeshi took Hime's entire focus in the next moment though. He reacted as he was expected to: furious, imperious, and justified.

The demotion was not surprising to Hime, who was known to the Izuka clan for doling out far harsher punishments to those that opposed her own rule; but this was not her kingdom yet, and she held no power here. It gave her a glimpse in to each person's inner workings however, which was a benefit to her. She kept a running tally of those that showed cowardice in the face of tumult, those that spoke out against the ruling class, and those that weren't even present—all while remainingn silent, donning a look of shock as if this was a great offense to the monarchy.

Awenfen, Collision, then — Reiko? The chaos was like a whirlwind spinning everyone out of control, but it was the dull thump of the Empress' body to the dirt that drew Hime away, and she ducked towards her sister with a palpable fear in her heart, the smallest thaw. Reiko—can you hear me? She tried to call to her, laying beside her sister's prone form for a moment as she searched for breath, for life - and yes, Reiko was alive, but... 

Takeshi! Hime snapped over her shoulder, hoping to draw the man's attention to his ailing wife before he could be too far absorbed in to the drama of the meeting; but whether he came to Reiko's aid or not, Hime would be by her sister's side. She turned her icy glare upon those gathered, letting it linger on those that voiced opposition: Look at what your disloyalty has done! Be gone, all of you!