She can do this. 

Just like she asked, it's dark and quiet in the tunnel. Or at least, dark[i]er[/i] and quiet[i]er.[/i] Not blinding, not pitch--the doorway at the end shines a long promise of what's to come, gives light to see by--but the halogens have been turned off. Not silent--there's no preventing the noise of the arena from filtering in--but at least the panels on the wall aren't screaming it directly in her ears. It's muffled, muted, the sounds of hundreds of people moving and jeering, of bassy music crawling through the floor, into her feet, and up her spine.

Enough, at least, to let her compose herself, to prepare, to put her face on. 

Dimly, the announcer's ululations echo down the corridor--of a warrior king, traveling the cosmos, recruiting the best and brightest to her ranks, trailing honor and glory and prizes for all who follow her. Of a game for the ultimate prize.

Showtime.

It's like putting on clothes, in a way. She allows a grin to come to her face, and with each step towards the , the grin spreads until it's nearly ear to ear. She straightens, tall and elegant, a confident sway in her hips. See the cape sway, regal red, weighted. See the golden chains and studded circlet gleam.

The announcer's voice crescendoes with her name, only getting louder as it stretches out. She poses in the spotlights, and in a few swift steps, is on the central dais with the announcer.

Jeer at her, crowd. Chant her name, boo at her. She doesn't need your approval, see how she laughs, see how she waves at you for more? Bring on the disapproval. You can't hurt her, you can't take anything from her. She takes it in, and spits it back at you. She owns this ring, and you can have it back once she's done.

One gold arm--carved round with fresh silver inlays of thunderbolts and studded with fresh gemstones--snaps out and snags the microphone from the announcer's hand, and the Rex levels one finger at the crowd.

"Let me be clear! I'm not here for you!"

More jeers, more boos. She grins, and opens her arms wide as if to soak it in.

"That's right! One of your number is [i]smarter[/i] than the average dog! She wants to leave! Wants to join my [i]crew![/i]

"And I [i]care[/i] for my crew!"

With one smooth motion, she casts her cape off into the crowd and buries a spearpoint in the center of the ring.

"It is the duty of the king to [i]care[/i] for their people! To see that they have ample opportunities to become all they can! To spread out! To risk! To grow! To bring their people joy!

"But I would not come as a thief in the night! The king does not steal away with a prize, but claims it through strength and skill! Who will gainsay the King and say that Cerberus will not be as safe by my side as anywhere in the galaxy? Who will prevent me from protecting her?

"Come! Send forth your champion! Show me your skill, that I may show mine!"