Feeling all his breath escape him, Vin followed the man who ushered him to the seat up on the platform. He bowed to the Emperor, and the ruler smiled in approval. Vin took his seat, with a frown on his brow. He had not expected to be put on the Emperor's right hand.
Vin had studied the behavior of the people in the Empire enough, that he now knew how to act in his position as a Prince. It was still a bit strange to him sometimes, but he seemed to flow with it perfectly when the need arose. Vin wasn't sure how, but he was thankful.
The meeting dragged on. Vin learned the names of several minister and officials, some he had already seen talking with the Emperor a few times. And Vin saw a few faces he recognised from a few days earlier where he had hidden in a corner, watching them emerge f
