"What do you want from me witch?" Robert spat, venom coating his every word, but I strangely enjoyed it, the savagery, it would make all this boring if he submitted easily. The guard brought all the items I requested for rather swiftly, I gave my thanks and asked him to leave. "That isn't a way to talk to an old friend now is it?" I smiled, then walked round his cell, placing the five candles in order to fill this place with some light. After I was done, I used my magic to light them, which came as no surprise to Robert.
"Whatever you want from me, you're not going to get it," he snarled, I found it amusing, so much so that I started laughing. He looked at me with so much hatred I could almost taste it "so if you're going to kill me just get on with it" my brows furrowed and I feigned ignorance "I'm not going to kill you Robert… at least not yet, you may have some use" I sat down and stared at him intently.
"This is what is going to happen, i am going to ask you some questions, and you're going to answer truthfully, or.." i stretched my hand forward and twisted, to my surprise, nothing happened, which made Robert burst out laughing "protection spell remember, your magic does not work on me"
I got up from my chair in rage and held him in place with magic, if he thought he was safe because of the spell around him, he was sorely mistaken. I placed my hands on both his shoulders, given that it repulsed me to no end. I closed my eyes and channeled my power, the wind began to intensify, making the candles flame flicker.
I whispered a spell in a language long forgotten. A spell to dispel other spells. Robert grit his teeth, holding back the pain, I repeated the incantation, feeling the power of the spell over Robert trying to overwhelm mine, but I held tight, it was like it was trying to push me back, but I pushed harder. The spell went through my lips once more.
Robert began to scream, it was one so loud I could hear the strain in his lungs, soon thereafter, a warm liquid began pouring from my eyes, the coppery smell already told what it was. Blood. My body began to shake, but I held on tight, and only when I felt like my body was about to collapse, did the protection spell fall.
I took multiple deep breaths in order to get my bearings. I used my robe to clean the blood that poured from my eyes, proof that the spell that once protected him was of a powerful origin, and I didn't need to know who casted it, I could recognize that magical signature anywhere, I would never forget it.
It belonged to Herbert Valendel.
Robert had passed out cold, his breathing became ragged, and I couldn't care any less. The guard came back in and packed all that he brought and I tiredly climbed the winding steps back to my room.
~
The sun's rays poured in from the vast window in my room, the morning air felt fresh on my skin as I stared at the city below me, my home. The sun was at it's peak, meaning it was already noon. The spell had taken more out of me than I'd thought. The door creaked open and Alice walked in rather silently, perhaps afraid that I might still be asleep, how considerate of her.
"Forgive me, your majesty I did not realize you were already awake" I fastened my robe and took the tray that held a teapot and a cup and placed it on the table, the honeyed scent made my mouth water, I quickly poured myself one and drank "It's fine Alice, thank you" I responded. Routine went as usual and I raided my closet for my fighting leathers, I needed to swing my sword today.
Chaos and heartstopper hung at my side as I walked to the training yard. It was just as I remembered it, a wide circular space that provided the most mobility, swords and spears were laid on a large wood table at the far back, two hill tribe soldiers stopped their training at ghe sight if me, but I urged them to continue. "Would you like to spar with me commander?" I quipped, turning my gaze to Amenadiel. The rest of the soldiers did the same, silent anticipation danced in their gaze. He didn't respond as he slowly unclasped his cape and drew his sword.
"It wouldn't be a fair fight now would it, your majesty" I let out a soft laugh. "Don't remind me" I readied my stance and angled my sword, but I didn't get to swing as a voice called from behind us.
A short man in a brown tunic came rushing towards us, I didn't recognize him, but he's dressed like a page. "Forgive me, your majesty, Commander, but a man just arrives claiming to be your friend"
I looked at Amenadiel in confusion, and he returned the look, signifying that we both didn't know what the hell this was about. "Did this man give you a name?" He asked the page boy, but apparently he didn't. "He only asked for an audience, he is currently being held in the council chamber"
With great annoyance, I sheathed my blade and walked past Amenadiel and the page boy and marched towards the council chamber.
This man better be worth it, or he can consider his life forfeit. I have meetings scheduled forater and a war to plan. Training is the only form of entertainment I can afford at this time. I walked past the servants and guards that bowed in greeting. Amenadiel and his men kept up with my pace as I practically flung the doors open to find the most unlikely faces, knew I thought I wouldn't see for a while. He smiled softly, but there was nothing remotely amusing.
He wore black pants with a gray tunic, his gray hair was ruffles, meaning various days of rigorous riding. The rest of the council walked in and stopped behind me. "Natalya, it's lovely to see you, it's been way too long" he said. I was speechless, the air had been knocked from my lungs, the guards moved to apprehend him, but I raised a hand to stop them. "What are you doing here Nathaniel?" I managed to let out.
"If we could speak in private.." he started, but was quickly shut down "No!" Acrisius snarled, "you are not in any position to make demands, the queen asked you a question, and you will give her a response" I couldn't recognize my cousin's authoritative voice, I liked it. Six months on the run really does something to you.
Nathaniel rolled his eyes and let out a brief sigh before speaking again..
"I have come to offer my services to you..."