Free Coronation: A Kid Sensation Novel (Kid Sensation #5) by Kevin Hardman Page B

“At least now I know why I’m here. So when is this
prexetus
supposed to take place?”
    “In the evening, two days from now, at the Acropolis Select. Unfortunately, we don’t yet know what the
prexetus
will consist of, but the queen herself will test you in the presence of certain royals and make the pronouncement as to the results immediately thereafter.”
    “No pressure there,” I muttered.
    “I’m not worried,” my grandmother said. “I have the utmost faith in you.”
    “I appreciate the support, but you’re expected to say those things. After all, I’m your grandson – albeit one you just met for the first time today.”
    “You forget,” she said, tapping her temple with a forefinger. “I have years of memories related to you. I know you almost as well as your mother and grandfather.”
    “So that means that you’re well aware of my powers.”
    “Yes, but I’ve been receiving reports of them for some time now. And, since issuance of the edict summoning you here, others have learned of your abilities as well.”
    I frowned. For some reason that bothered me, although I’d have been hard-pressed to explain why. “Is that going to be a problem?”
    “It shouldn’t be, but I must tell you that powers such as yours and your fellows on Earth are not as common among Caelesians.”
    “They’re not?”
    “Only a very small percentage of the population has them. The most prevalent ability is telepathy, such as I have. However, not many are at my level, which is why I’m forced to train with Fesinin, despite her disagreeable personality. She’s one of the few capable of truly giving me a challenge.”
    “That’s interesting. I was under the impression that most Caelesians were telepaths.”
    “Not at all. However, most are trained in how to keep their thoughts private and are adept at warding off mental attacks.”
    “Good to know,” I said. “So what happens now?”
    “Now,” she said, “we need to get ready for the banquet we’ve prepared in your honor. We have a few hours yet, but the time will be upon us before you know it.”
    I fought to keep from rolling my eyes. “If we’re putting all our cards on the table, I have to say that I don’t really need all the pomp and circumstance.”
    “I understand,” Indigo said sincerely, “but in this case the banquet is a must.”
    I was tempted to ask why, but caught myself. My grandmother was trying to do something nice for me, to welcome me. It would be bad form (and probably leave a poor first impression) if I discounted her efforts. I decided to stay silent on the subject.
    “Well, I should let you go and get some rest,” my grandmother said, rising. “You’ve obviously had a rough day thus far. So, if there’s nothing more you need to ask me, I’ll have you shown to your chambers.”
    “There is one other question that I have,” I said, coming to my feet as well. “What should I call you?”

Chapter 10
    It turned out that Indigo was partial to having me refer to her as “
Sxahnin
,” which was a Caelesian term of affection for an older female relative. (Personally, I had always envisioned calling my grandmother “Nana,” but after meeting her, it didn’t seem suitable.) Following our chat, she turned me back over to Sloe, who led me to my chambers while continuing to detail the history of the House Nonpareil and its contents.
    Upon reaching my quarters, Sloe took up a post outside and stated that I should enter. Inside, I found a small army of servants waiting for me; I ordered them all out, practically slamming the door behind them. Once they were gone, I shifted into super speed and zipped through the place in order to get an idea of where everything was.
    Much like my quarters on the starship, I’d once again been given a large suite of rooms, luxuriously furnished for my comfort. Some of the rooms I recognized and could identify (such as the kitchen and game room), but there were at least two areas – both full of