“Do you know your rites?”

Krel kept his eyes on your back as he adjusted the cape he put onto you, fixing the clasps onto your shoulders. Oh, how his child had grown. They were so old already, about to be crowned as an in-waiting. One of the next rulers of Akiridion-5, to take over after him.

If only your mother could see them now. His lower pair of arms were wrapped around himself, upper hands fidgeting with the clasps until he was sure they were secure.