A Galaxy Unknown 10: Azula Carver Read Online Free PDF Page A

fashions on Nordakia and Obotymot had changed dramatically in the years since Jenetta had delivered an original version of the Almuth to the Nordakian king and queen. The gowns that required her to wear a breath-stifling corset and were so tight they prevented her from walking at anything quicker than a snail's pace were long gone from her wardrobe. The gown she wore today was not one of the flowing gowns worn by the lower classes on special occasions, but it allowed Jenetta the freedom to walk at a pace she desired and didn't require body-contouring undergarments. While the general populace had embraced full freedom of choice in attire, the nobility had stubbornly clung to a regal sense of propriety. Full freedom of choice in attire by the nobility wasn't banned, but more conventional clothing was expected at court, so Jenetta wore a gown appropriate for a meeting with the king and queen. Nordakian males were always between seven and eight feet tall, while Nordakian women were always between six and seven feet in height. Since Jenetta's five-feet-eleven-inch height left her shorter than Nordakian women, she was wearing shoes with thirteen centimeter heels as she had done on all previous visits to Nordakia.
    ~     ~
    The small ship touched down on the palace shuttle pad a few seconds before 1300 local time, an hour before noon in Nordakia's twenty-eight-hour daily cycle. Minister Dtaple Gkibuke, the chief of protocol for their Royal Majesties King Tpalsh and Queen Ckuhah, was waiting with a small band and a greeting party of nobles from the court.
    As Jenetta stepped off the shuttle ramp, the band began playing the Nordakian Anthem. She stopped and came to attention until they completed the musical number. At that point, Minister Dtaple Gkibuke stepped forward and bowed. His position in the palace exempted him from dropping to one knee as it did everyone else in the greeting party.
    "Your Grace," Gkibuke said in Dakis as he bowed his head, "it's wonderful to have you back on Nordakia."
    "It's been a long time, Minister."
    "Much too long between visits, Your Grace, for one of our greatest heroines, but we know how busy you've been, protecting the people of the GA."
    "I'm delighted to say that things are quieter now than at any time in recent decades."
    "Let's hope it stays that way— for a while at least. Your Grace, please allow me to introduce the members of the nobility who have come out to welcome you home."
    Jenetta recognized about half the assembled group from her previous visits to the palace. She smiled and either nodded properly or shook hands when they were extended. After several minutes of small talk, Minister Gkibuke cleared his throat and said, "His majesty is waiting to welcome you in his study, Your Grace."
    "Of course, Minister. Let's not keep his majesty waiting."
    Jenetta thanked the nobles as a group for the warm welcome, then called to Cayla and Tayna. The two Taurentlus-Thur Jumakas were standing in the doorway of the shuttle, and as Jenetta turned to follow the minister into the palace, they bounded down the ramp and took their usual places by her sides. The cats had come to understand how such formal ceremonies were conducted and now always hung back a bit on these occasions unless they sensed danger.
    The walk through the palace was quite a bit brisker than in past visits owing to the far less restrictive clothing Jenetta was now able to wear. The ban regarding the wearing of uniforms by women in the military had been rescinded, but Jenetta was delighted with the opportunity to wear a gown on this occasion. It had been years since she had worn anything but her uniform to formal gatherings.
    When they reached the study, the protocol minister said, "Please excuse me for just a moment, Your Grace, while I announce your presence."
    "Of course, Minister."
    Gkibuke knocked twice, opened the enormous door slightly, and peered in before opening it more fully and stepping inside. He left it open just a