The applause still rang through the chamber as the President continued his work. One by one, he shook the hands of the gathered couple dozen men and women, the selected national heroes, offering words of gratitude. His face was carefully set into the reassuring smile expected of a leader.
Some were bandaged. Others sat in wheelchairs. Many were scarred in ways that cameras couldn't capture. To each of them, he gave a few personal words, his expression steady and solemn.
But occasionally, there was a minor shift.
From time to time, the President's eyes flicked sideways, aimed directly at the Paragon of Sin. There was no denying it; he looked troubled. Perplexed, even.
Kaiden understood perfectly.
