The presence of the entire town was required for the ceremony. Ceremony. That was her word for the event. A more accurate description would be sacrifice.
Most of the townspeople stared in quiet horror, eyes averted as much as they dared, afraid of inciting the wrath of the Empress and becoming the next victim. Kai spotted a rag-tag group of protesters led by a shouting, white-haired man being restrained by guards in the back of the crowd. The sounds of the protest were drowned out by a larger group of worshippers, chanting their love for the Empress.
Clad in skin-hugging silk, encrusted with pearls, diamonds and silver filigree that dripped from her hands, the empress climbed her stage and stood above her subjects. She appeared the image of grandeur and beauty, with locks of spun, white
