Elias had accomplished much, ridding his continent of the Five Kingdoms, dethroning the last of the "Great Kings" to place himself as Emperor of The Imperium. Although he'd never, never, gone through such an astonishing turn of events before.

  The cold air of an unfamiliar chamber prickled against his bare skin, sending a shiver down his spine. Torches flickered along the grand stone wall, illuminating the grand gathering of women around him. All of them clad regal silks and battle-worn armor, each staring at him with a mixture of shock, suspicion, and something else he couldn't quite place.

  He stood tall, his imperial instinct not allowing him to cower, despite the fact he was completely and utterly nude. Whispers rippled through the assembly.

  "A man?" Her voice laced with disbelief.

  "This is not what was meant to happen," another hissed. "The ritual was to summon a champion, a warrior!"

  "And instead, we have...him?"

  Elias exhaled slowly, forcing himself to assess rather than react. The intricate symbols etched into the floor beneath his feet still glowed faintly with residual magic, which told him a lot, the looks on the women's faces told him the rest. He was summoned here, but not by people that were expecting to see him.

  At the far end of the hall, seated on an ornate throne, was the woman whose presence commanded more space than his own. Queen Ravena's posture was rigid, a carefully measured control over what was likely a deep irritation. Her emerald-green eyes locked onto his, sharp with intelligence and a flicker of...curiosity?

  It was she who finally broke the silence, "Who are you?"

  Elias tilted his head slightly, a smirk touching his lips despite the absurdity of his situation. "I could ask the same of you, considering I was plucked from my world and deposited here without so much as an introduction."

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  A few of the women bristled at his tone, but the Queen merely narrowed her gaze. "You were not meant to come through."

  "And yet, here I stand." He glanced around at the richly adorned court, then down at himself with an amused hum. "Though I must say, your summoning rituals seem to lack any consideration for modesty."

  A flush of color graced the cheeks of several noblewomen present, though they hid it well. A tall broad-shouldered woman clad in armor stepped forward. "State your name."

  "Elias Sinclair, Emperor of The Imperium." His voice carried the weight of authority, even here, in a world that clearly had no place for a man in power. A ripple of tension passed through the court.

  The Queen's lips pressed into a thin line. "An emperor? That explains your arrogance."

  He chuckled, folding his arms behind his back in an effortless display of confidence, despite his glaring lack of attire. "Arrogance, my lady? Or simply a recognition of my own worth??"

  Several of the women exchanged glances, some intrigued, others disapproving. However, Queen Ravena studied him in silence, her eyes traveling over his well-toned body. Then with a sigh, she motioned to one of her attendants, "Fetch him something to wear."

  "Pity," Elias mused, "I was beginning to enjoy the attention."

  The armored woman, likely high ranking, scoffed. "You'd do well to remember where you stand, Emperor. You are an anomaly, a mistake in our ritual. Do not mistake our hospitality for weakness." Elias met her gaze, his smirk unwavering, "Duly noted."

  As a cloak was draped over his shoulders, the Queen stood from her throne, causing the room to fall silent. Even among fierce warriors and powerful nobles, her presence commanded obedience.

  "We tried to summon a champion, an otherworldly warrior, but Fate played its hand." Walking towards him she continued, "Until I determine what to do with you, you'll remain within these castle walls."

  Elias inclined his head, "Then I shall consider myself your guest."

  "Not a guest," she spoke as she closed the distance between them. Moving his cloak slightly, she openly gawked at his body, gazing at all the scars. "More like...a curiosity." Staring at him like this, she knew she had just invited him to play a dangerous game.

  As Queen Ravena turned to leave, the court began murmuring, while Elias allowed himself a slow knowing smile. He was in a world that had no place for him, summoned by accident, surrounded by women who ruled without men.

  And yet, he had already seized their attention. Yes, he'd play Ravena's game, and by the end of it...they'd all know precisely who he was.