Update: New Maps – I found the time to update it a bit and bring the Nalvean Empire into the picture.
PoV : Empress Elinor (What’s going on with the Princess?)
Recap: Elinor had her fun inside of the Nalvean Court, explaining why she was there and that she just wished to gain an ally. Her abilities are brought into question and a few important people identified.
After the show, Violet is almost caught by the High Ruler, and the spider girl tells Elinor that he is by far the strongest Nalvean that she’d seen, even when she had been alive. None of the guards in the hallways compared.
She had a bit of fun with Yesenia, having Aileen, her little 12-year-old maid translate; the adorable little girl had a German song stuck in her head. After teasing Castella, she welcomes her to the team.
What will our Empress learn of the Princess now?
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Elinor passed through the near-silent nighttime hallways of the Nalvean Palace, listening to the gentle brooks of red water flowing beside her; her escort followed, engaged in their own private conversations through her Nexus.
The Empress retreated to her own mind after enjoying a small light-hearted moment with her defenders. They were in an excellent position at the moment with all the prep-work done by Klaus; however, Demon would have known all of their movements. There must be a big counterplay in the works, but she couldn’t see it.
Demon must have multiple agents around the Nalvean Empire, at least one in each of the factions to fracture the nation; the creature had been shifting world events in his favor for millennia, and she had the potential to be his greatest foe … an immortal opponent.
How many beings were there throughout this world’s history that could survive the test of time to be a thorn in his side up until this point?
Elinor couldn’t see him allowing such a person to live, which meant his aims would be focused on her, and yet, he was also a being of great patience and forethought, moving countless pieces around on a board so far beyond her current capacity that it was laughable.
Her gaze lifted to the magical fires that lit the dark palace in a dull blue light; whatever material was attached to the sticks didn’t release smoke and had initially been yellow when they arrived. This world had so many mysteries and dangers, which Demon could utilize to his heart’s content, yet that subtle influence might be his downfall.
Demon was used to shifting things slowly, methodically, and as quietly as possible. However, he’d overplayed his hand when she first arrived, alerting her to his presence while simultaneously hyper-accelerating whatever change had taken place inside her.
In a way, he’d created his own enemy; the creature could have courted her, as he did Yesenia, but Tiffany’s powers had been Elinor’s saving grace, luck she did not deserve. In any other alternative universe, she should have been utterly consumed by the dark being, yet here she freely walked.
A smile lifted her glossy green-tinted lips while thinking about the opposition she’d encountered. Yesenia had been a disappointment so far, but perhaps she was following her own plans and proving difficult for Demon to influence; she was a very emotional woman. The High Seaweaver had only played a defensive game, thus far, and any other opponents she may have were shocked at her sudden arrival.
Her amusement fell as her mind progressed. Things were falling into place quite smoothly … far too smoothly. Did Demon plan on having her set up her Empire? Maybe this was a distraction? Was there currently a counter-attack taking place at her fortress this very moment?
Elinor’s narrowed eyes shifted to the right wall, monitoring her servants far to the north. Not one had been killed as of yet, including her weak skeletal minions; it indicated everything was running smoothly. Of course, an overwhelming force could prompt other options to consider, and Iris’s position was too distant to accurately assess, but she was alive.
No, I can’t give in to paranoia, but I should take precautions. We have time … Iris might not. Yet, I can’t will an undead corpse I can utilize into existence. There must be a hero somewhere in this Empire I can use … but where?
Focus returning to her guards, she did a swift analysis to discover everyone’s train of thought.
Her maids were engaged with one another, Aileen telling Emelina all about her favorite snacks and treats she hoped to find; the Head Maid listened patiently, helping to lighten the pre-teen’s mood, which served to calm Emelina’s own anxiety. Deep in the woman’s breast, Elinor could feel her worry, questioning how Klaus saw her, and going on a sweets trip was something she’d never done with a man, but it had been on her bucket list at one point.
It was a warm and cute sensation, transferring from the woman’s chest to Elinor. Much more mature and yet, at the same time, far more insecure than her own teenage angst when thinking about Tanner. In any case, it helped Elinor smile again.
Speaking of the Ambassador, Edmon was currently locked in conversation with the man, reviewing the daily activities. He’d been quite productive, meeting with several Shadow Hand members to social network, gather information, and question different Nalvean historians to discover any leads on a Transcendent spirit.
She allowed Edmon to compile all the data; he’d feed her the appropriate cliff notes when needed. Elinor found her attention most taken by her Head Maid’s internal dilemma, internally visualizing her blonde-haired Ambassador. They were both quite physically lovely, by Elinor’s standards, but it did seem partly due to her ability to increase her servants’ appearance to their best standing. She was tempted to investigate further, but decided against spoiling the live-drama any further.
Her amusement rose when ascending a staircase, lifting up her dress while scanning the others.
Shockingly, Castella had found herself in a conversation with Lecra’Moro and Quin, learning more about the terrifying Quen’Talrat she’d only heard stories of. The gorilla assassin was skulking within a decent-sized dark garden to the southeast of the palace; it hid the Quen’Talrat well enough to avoid notice. Quin had returned to the boat to give the appearance both Quen’Talrat were on-board.
Violet, of course, was engrossed in her primary objective, actively searching for nearby dangers.
She’d brought a good group.
… I’ll never be alone again.
They reached the top of the stairs, and Elinor was a little surprised when Emelina brought them to a glass water tube-like room, a thin layer of red water surrounding it. The device appeared to be an elevator, and would be only a tad too small for her Elite Hunters if they were to join, but more than spacious enough to accommodate her escort if Violet was in her human form.
Getting inside with her group, her Head Maid held her hand against a blue rock attached to the side, and upon sliding her fingers up, the lift rose; Emelina seemed forced to keep her finger on the object. Elinor watched many floors pass as they rose ever higher; few showed signs of life.
The ride was far more sporadic than Ke’Thra’Ma’s gravity elevator, vibrating a bit, slowing, and increasing its speed before relaxing in a repeating manner.
Edmon established a connection to Emelina. “An elevator? Interesting. Do you know how it functions?”
“Tal’tamine told me there is a reaction between the stone and water, but I did not inquire further. It requires a creature to be warmblooded, seeing as it reacts by heat.”
The news was a bit interesting; she hadn’t considered it until now, but that meant her Undead did produce some form of heat. Inquiring The System let her in on the detail that the creatures she returned would, for the most part, retain a portion of their bodily functions if they were Flesh types. If one was coldblooded, they would remain so, but humans had body heat, which was emulated by the energy coursing through their inner frames.
“Huh … we’ll have to acquire a few of these stones to test; Tiffany will wish to investigate further.”
Elinor suppressed a smirk; she doubted the Witch was all that interested in it, but Edmon was, which would mean she’d have something to hold over his head. Their game of tug o’ war continued.
Reaching the top, Elinor was greeted by a balcony and Nalvean guards on either side of the device; they came to attention upon seeing them. Both took a knee, stiff handed pressing against their chest and tails holding a left angle.
“Empress Elinor, we were informed of your arrival. Shall we escort you to your quarters?”
Emelina responded. “No need. The Empress appreciates your offer.”
“Of course. There will be patrols throughout the night to ensure your safety.”
Elinor followed her Head Maid once the woman gave them a short curtsy. “We are in your care.”
A polite refusal.
Her emotionless gaze slid over the bowing figures that were still nearly as tall as her.
How did the locals and palace staff view their presence? Word must have spread of her display in the Throne Room; guards had been present. Although, much could be speculated if she was granted the highest respect shown to foreign nations; it should have indicated how their High Ruler was treating her visit which would prompt the actions she’d just witnessed.
Yet, the view of the rabble when compared to nobility or soldiers often differed. It would be an exciting topic to explore. Her own subjects each had their own opinion of her.
Five groups of three-man Nalvean patrols passed them along their path to her resting quarters, and six were posted outside of her room, two by her door and four facing it.
Hmm … Edmon, what do you make of this?
Edmon had a casual swagger to his movements, but it had less to do with him trying to appear pompous and more to him matching her much shorter stride. His voice was anything but sashay. He held his hands behind his back; the man’s tone was cold, calculating, smooth, and deep.
“Judging by the characters we have met … the Head Captain likely has this floor under strict isolation. Every action we take will be watched and reported.”
Lovely. Do you think that information reaches Nukulara?
“Most, without a doubt. However, if he is working with Yesenia or Demon, then some might slip through the cracks.”
Further tranveling down the long corridor while studying the guards outside her room, Elinor’s internal focus turned to their royal guide.
The Princess is marked; she’s tied to us now whether she likes it or not. Although she’s been cute so far … I just need to see if that is her real personality or a clever veil for something hidden beneath. What kind of monsters does she hide in the dark?
Edmon hummed. “If Klaus is right, then there could be room to exploit the royal family.”
Both Nalvean guards pushed the large bronze-colored doors open, and they walked through. Aileen managed to keep her mouth shut, but her eyes widened in disbelief, and Elinor made note that if she had been born in this world, she’d be a teenager, considering the longer days, which meant everyone that stated their age was actually much older in human years.
A vast entry hall greeted them, showing pictures, burning facets of faint blue light, and various ornaments. The room was at least nine meters high, six across, and fifteen in length, with a large door at the center of each wall.
The guards pulled the metal doors closed; they were almost silent, and Emelina went to the left side to slide her finger across another stone, causing a soft rumble to hum from the barriers.
“There are no guards beyond this point, Empress,” the Head Maid explained. “Ten rods seal the entrance. I was told it cannot be opened once sealed without using this control console.”
Edmon tone made it clear he was unconvinced. “… If it operates by their red liquid, then I have no doubt a Seaweaver can force it open.”
“… It certainly does seem like a fatal weakness.”
“Or by design,” Edmon muttered. “It matters little in the end. Violet.”
The youngest Spider Sister created an invisible net within seconds to be confident there would be no intruders.
The Doom Guard wasn’t satisfied there. “Search for secret entrances, traps, ventilation … anything that could be used to launch an attack, and seal any open window.”
Violet released a low hum while scanning the area with her glowing white halo irises. “… From what you have told me, Baxter will not be stopped by my thread if he can teleport, and he may be able to hover, negating any web I place on the ground. I can place sensory silk to catch minor changes in the atmosphere, but it will not be without fault.”
“… We do what we can, and there are more creatures to be concerned about other than just Baxter; he has an entire group of allies.”
“Of course, I will get started right away.”
He turned his attention to Emelina as Violet began looking for and sealing any security weaknesses within the hall. “I sense the princess in the left room. What are the others for?”
Emelina turned to gesture to each. “To the right is the Empress’s bathing and preparation area. Ahead is the bedding chamber, and to our left is the entertainment room with access to a terrace.”
“If we are going to be using this area as a central base of operations, then it must be secured.”
Yes, yes, Elinor chuckled. Violet will accomplish her task without fail; I have no concerns with her thorough investigation. Now, let’s meet with the princess. She must be up far beyond her sleep schedule.
Edmon wished to be more cautious since this was a location many knew would be their final destination; it was an excellent place for a trap, but Elinor couldn’t operate by standing in one space for an hour while her guardians proofed the room. There had to be a balance between safety, practicality, time management, and courtesy as a guest.
She added a small smile as Emelina opened the door to the entertainment area, Edmon and Aileen beside her. Castella was already on her feet, kneeling down to greet her in much the same manner as the Palace Guard she’d passed, but this was much more reverent in appearance and feel.
“Empress, I hope you had a safe journey!” She chimed.
Tal’tamine had lowered her head, hand placed in the proper position for her rank as a Princess of Nalvea. “Empress, I am eternally grateful for your invitation; I hope the meeting went as planned.”
Elinor noticed the bed that had been placed in the far left corner of the entertainment space; of course, the princess wouldn’t feel comfortable sleeping in the same room as a monarch. “More or less,” she chuckled, vision sweeping the room.
Violet swiftly moved across the ceiling to secure the terrace and attack points.
“I look forward…”
She trailed off as Tal’tamine’s eyes flashed with a red light, five crystal spikes on her back flaring with light. Edmon’s frosty shield was instantly in hand, darting in front of her, and Violet’s threads circling her neck. While Castella was not fond of the idea of killing her former princess, she had moved to execute her former lady.
A sharpened piece of metal appeared in Emelina’s hands, clearly laced with some kind of poison, dark brown irises moving from the princess to the wider room, and even little Aileen held up her hands with a cute determined look to confront an intruder; she was on the weaker side of a Rare-Grade Elite Warrior with the Subclass of Brawler, granting her increased physical aptitudes.
Hold. Elinor commanded.
Although, she didn’t need to issue the order as the princess turned her back to her, arms stretching out defensively. “Empress! I sense … something is here with us … please, retreat to safety and…”
“Hehe,” Elinor couldn’t help a short chuckle quivering her stomach, causing the tense Nalvean to cut off. “How fascinating.”
Edmon’s tone held no humor. “Is there anything, Violet?”
“Nothing I can sense … she did discover me for a faint moment. I cannot believe it, but there was a brief second where I felt her sweeping mind pass over me.”
Oh? Elinor asked. An ability that finds brain waves, such as Baxter?
“Empress, please … I know I must sound crazy, or … I know there is something here … I just … I know,” Tal’tamine pleaded. “There’s not enough water in this room for me to…”
Elinor casually walked around Edmon to stand beside a large chair, green gaze studying it with dissatisfaction. “Nalvean furniture does not work with my small frame.” She turned to smile at the confused princess. “Take a seat, Tal’tamine. I intended to have you rest, given how late it is for you, but this has piqued my interest.”
The princess’s bright green eyes scanning for the danger with a low groan, her tail and claws ready to pounce on anything that jumped out at them, but all that greeted her was the still room, moderately lit by the yellow flames in brackets around the walls.
“Must I ask twice?” Elinor sighed.
Tal’tamine’s voice was strained. “You were … laughing? I’m … I’m sorry, Empress, but I … I feel as if you are in danger with an unknown figure nearby. They must have followed you in…”
Edmon puffed out a long trail of blue fog from his visor, shield turning to ice. “There is no need for concern, Princess. Please, sit, as the Empress has directed.”
Castella and the maids calmed at her direction, returning to their proper posture.
Violet slowly shook her head, long, ornately decorated black hair and elegant Kimono outfit defying gravity; her garments looked perfectly natural since she used her thread manipulation to keep their proper form . “No. I believe she can connect to the moisture in the air to identify her environment, a truly dangerous ability. I have not consumed nor heard my mother speak of such a trait possessed by the Nalveans.”
Oh? Now, this is getting exciting. Elinor’s cat-like smile lifted a little. A hidden gem among the nobility; is that what her father did earlier?
“It felt distinctly familiar. However, this girl’s was much faster. Less refined, sporadic, and more concentrated, but greater than five times the speed than her father, catching me unaware for a split second.”
Figuring it would do more harm than good to keep Violet hidden, Elinor looked up at her adorable assassin, standing upside down on the ceiling in human form. “Violet, if you could build me a suitable throne to sit … I have found myself missing the divine works of art you crafted back home.”
Violet couldn’t help the burst of pride that filled her chest at Elinor’s remark, transferring to her through the Nexus. “Of course!”
Edmon didn’t seem happy about the reveal, but there was little he could do about the girl’s hidden skill at using such an obscure Nalvean trait. It was now in their best interest to bring the princess to their side, and this could actually work well to their benefit.
Of course, killing and raising her would be the most effective method. Although, murdering the Emperor’s youngest daughter after their first night of negotiations would not be seen as the most diplomatic move in her playbook.
The simple fact she was able to catch Violet off-guard out of all the sisters was a feat in itself that had to be commended.
Tal’tamine reacted shockingly fast as Violet dropped from the ceiling, leaping at her second strongest offensive unit. “I knew … eek!”
The princess’s frame instantly left the ground as webs pulled her to the ceiling, locking the girl in place; her mouth was forcefully snapped shut as silk sealed her jaws closed.
Elinor gave the princess a sad smile, and Violet spoke upon Edmon’s prompt, fingers working to craft a replica of her previous thrones. “My apologies, Princess Tal’tamine,” she stated in a calm and mannered tone, “but I mean my Empress no harm.”
The girl couldn’t even twitch her tail with the sticky thread pinning her to the green and brown themed wood above. Elinor’s new chair was finished within 40 seconds, giving the princess time to cool down.
Taking a seat, she crossed her legs and folded her hands across her lap while Violet lowered the princess to the ground. “That will be all, Violet. Continue with your prior task.”
The spider vanished from Tal’tamine’s sight, leaving a shocked expression on her face. “E-Empress?” She asked, spinning around in a circle while somehow missing every piece of furniture with her swinging thick tail.
Emelina and Aileen were already working on sorting through a crate of food that still appeared to be warm by the steam rising out of the soup-like dish. Aileen moved a table to Elinor before setting it up with what supplies they had.
“Have you calmed?” Elinor asked with an amused tilt to her head.
Tal’tamine slowly took the chair that Aileen had cheerily set across from Elinor. “Empress … that creature is one of your guards?”
Elinor’s gaze followed the items her maids were setting in front of them. “Assassin, to be clear, but yes, she is currently acting as my bodyguard.”
The princess’s slim figure shifted with agitation, causing her well-polished green and blue gradient scales to glow in the yellow radiance of the room’s fires. She wasn’t wearing her draping metallic headpiece with its flaming jewel but did have the leather strap around her left foot and shiny stone necklace.
“Assassin … I do not understand, Empress. Why would you tell me that unless…” Her shoulders slumped, sad gaze falling to the plates and bowls in front of her. “Is … is this to be my last meal?”
“Hehe. No, no, you misunderstand me, Tal’tamine,” Elinor giggled, looking up at the larger woman across the table as her maids continued their work. “To be honest, I would love someone such as yourself within my Empire. However, I will not force such a task upon you; what kind of a message would that send to your father? No, what I want is to solidify our relationship.”
The girl’s forked, long tongue slid through her teeth for a moment while doing her best to compose herself. “I see … it was this assassin that killed Castella.”
You may answer her questions. Elinor prompted.
“It was, my Lady,” Castella responded with what appeared to be a forced smile. “I would not recommend attacking Lady Violet again.” Her gaze swept the room, unable to sense her even through the Nexus given Violet’s high rank and Class. “I believe she may be more deadly than the Head Captain; she is a Thélméthra Princess.”
Tal’tamine’s green scales appeared to lighten by a shade. “Princess … as in … do Thélméthra have an Emperor … have they returned?”
“Queen, and no,” Elinor corrected with a soft smile, allowing the little 12-year-old to lay a silken napkin across her lap. “Tal’tamine, I will be as direct as our first discussion. That trait you just performed was … astonishing. What is it, and why have I only witnessed two Nalveans that possess it?”
The princess was silent for a moment, likely wondering how much she knew if Elinor stated she was quite rare. “… It’s complicated,” she mumbled, her fingers tightening around the silk bunched in her lap. “I don’t know how to explain it. My father told me to hide it when I was young … within our history, it seems those that are born with this trait meet … unfortunate ends.”
Elinor took the glass that Emelina just filled, sipping at its contents; it was rich, like a very strong root beer with half the carbonation. “I can imagine. So … it’s an Emperor’s trait?” She asked with a small smile, setting the cup back on the table. “In that case … you have a solid claim to become the next Empress of the Nalvean Empire?”
She slowly nodded her head. “… My father told me to only reveal it to the Statesmen should he die … I did not expect you to instantly identify it,” she whispered.
“Hmm…” Elinor sat back, casually eyeing the girl’s apprehensive posture. “That you told me this gives me a great deal of confidence in the bond we’re building, Princess. I keep my promises, and should you prove to be loyal to me, I will be loyal to you.”
Castella had never heard of this rare trait, but Elinor had no doubt the girl had only scratched the surface of her abilities. The current Emperor appeared to have a weaker version of it, and Iris’s time of day or month theory, in which they grew stronger depending on some lunar cycle, might be off since it only manifested in the noble line. She’d likely not analyzed a royal’s bloodline before.
Tal’tamine’s muscles drooped with her gaze. “Empress … I understand that you wish to establish relations with my kingdom, but … I hold very little power by myself. I am not a good bet to place your hopes on; perhaps … one of my other siblings would be a better fit.”
Elinor only partially listened to the girl’s words, but the last bit caused her glowing eyes to lock on the fidgeting girl. Klaus, how soon can you make it here?
“If I run and take shortcuts, fifteen minutes, but it will look suspicious if I am racing through the Palace halls.”
That works; we can eat. Come as soon as you can. Your suspicions might be more on point than we first thought. You are my only Inquisitor with the Truthseeker Sub-Class; do you believe this falls within your abilities?
“I cannot say until I am there.”
Then we will see.
“I am on my way.”
Edmon was staring at the princess from behind his armored helmet, knowing which direction his Empress was taking this.
Elinor’s serious gaze hounded the girl in front of her. “Tal’tamine.”
She lifted her light green eyes, jaw tightening, and a lump dropped down her throat. “Yes? No, I’m just saying that … I’m just not the best fit.”
She ignored her plea, moving the conversation in another direction. “I am going to ask you a few questions after our meal, and if you answer correctly, and honestly … I will be your ally. Think about what that means.”
The princess’s voice was hoarse. “Correctly … umm … Empress, I don’t know what you expect from me, but … but what if I am honest, but not correct?”
A cold smile lifted Elinor’s lips. “That depends on the question. I did not plan on having this chat with you … not once, but I get the feeling things are about to escalate with that confession. I could be your road to ruin or the hand that makes you a bolt of lightning in the sky.”
Tal’tamine took a reassuring breath, and a quiver ran down her spine. “… Empress … can I ask why you chose me … out of all my siblings? Was it because I was the youngest … easiest to manipulate?”
“Hehe,” Elinor picked up the Nalvean version of a fork, which was an oversized carving fork, and their spoon was a much longer oval-shape with a deeper base, fit for their enormous mouths. “I will answer that once I confirm my suspicions.”
Klaus previously had no evidence to put forward his misgivings of the royal family since much of his information on the topic came from rumors and borderline conspiracy theories among the Shadow Hand members. Still, there was one way to discover the truth … go to the source, and she’d maneuvered them into a position to learn just how deep Demon’s claws had sunk into the Nalvean Empire. How black was this game she’d stepped into?
Tal’tamine gave Elinor a forced grin, laughing nervously, before taking her own utensils. “Hehe. I, uh … suppose I don’t have much of a choice.”
Klaus was racing through the Capital streets; he’d only just returned from the nearby town to the west. He would likely arrive within 25-minutes. Much of that time would be spent power-walking to her room.
Aileen proceeded to the front, preparing to open the door for him, and Violet loosened her silk.
Edmon’s stern gaze was on the awkward princess. Things had escalated far ahead of schedule, but if they wanted a real look into the current affairs, then this was it. Another one of Edmon’s concerns would soon be discovered, but they didn’t have Tiffany here to confirm it, and it wouldn’t cause her any harm, so Elinor decided to trip the trap herself for fun.
“Oh, there will be a choice … of course, I wonder how much has been a choice so far,” Elinor mused, taking her first bite to start the meal.
The princess gave her a weak chuckle, starting to eat out of proper etiquette.
The flavors touching Elinor’s tongue were strange to her. One was like straight soy sauce, a meaty dish that had the taste of kelp and sausage, and the soup carried an intense heat to it that she rather enjoyed since her body no longer reacted to pain. In the end, the palate turned out nearly exactly how they’d predicted.
A short cough shook Elinor’s smiling face as she set the bowl down. Her gaze studied the orange liquid in the bowl before shifting to her arm; it had just fallen limply off the armrest.
“Poison … of some kind? Interesting,” she coughed again, “that it would affect … me.”
Tal’tamine’s lips dropped open, focus shifting between Edmon, Castella, and Emelina. The Nalvean was probably wearing a furious expression, but her maid held no emotion, and none of them moved.
The princess swiftly rose to her feet, started to panic. “No … no, that can’t be … you can’t believe … no, we must call a healer!”
Elinor chuckled, it was becoming difficult to breathe, but it wasn’t as if she required air in the first place. “No … need. Sit down.”
Tal’tamine’s arms were tightly pressed against her chest, likely wondering if she should run or not, but with Violet appearing by the door, she had no other option but to obey.
Unfortunately, Elinor couldn’t see the girl’s reaction as her artificial body flared with green flames, reaching its damage tolerance level. Her world went black as sensation left her.
She’d forgotten how warm and comforting her two black diamonds were, corrupted spirit retreated to her phylactery. Her Death Energy reserves had been nearly depleted a little more than an hour ago, but she had more than enough to recreate Artificial Body. The real regeneration to her Death Pool would come when her followers awoke and went about their daily lives.
Sensation flared back to Elinor as she restored her body, flames generating her skeleton first, then nerve system, organs, muscle, skin, and carotene; finally, her crown flared to life across her temples, in its original form.
Her focus lifted to Tal’tamine’s chair, knocked over, and dragged with her tail three meters back. The girl had a horrified expression while watching Elinor restore herself.
Elinor lifted her hand with a small smirk, fingers flexing, and Emelina moved to help dress her again. “It seems you were right, Edmon,” Elinor commented, stepping off to the side to allow her maid to fuss over her.
“A welcoming gift from Statesman Baltoma, most likely.”
“Hmm … we’ll see, in time,” Elinor mused. “Quite the warm reception I’ve had.”
“… Empress … how … what are you?” Tal’tamine gasped.
A dark, mysterious grin crossed Elinor’s lips, ghostly green gaze lifting to stare at the terrified Nalvean. “I am the Keeper of the Dead, Tal’tamine. Do you honestly believe something so trivial as destroying my body would cause me any real harm? No. It is but a minor inconvenience. Now, examples must be made.”
The girl’s tongue flicked through her teeth again, nervously gripping her left arm. “S-Statesman Baltoma? N-Not me … no, I didn’t do it! My siblings … no, none of them!”
“Baltoma is a suspect,” Elinor mused. Emelina was swift with dressing her, and Edmon hadn’t once looked at her naked form. “A few of those items were delicious … some horrible. Hmm, perhaps the heat was there to mask the poison?”
Her focus went to the door. “Klaus…”
Emelina’s heart didn’t even flutter upon seeing his dashing blonde hair and charming, well-defined face; the atmosphere of the room had severely fallen, but Elinor continued to wear a smile.
“Sit, Tal’tamine,” Elinor offered, returning to her own chair. Aileen lifted the table up with surprising ease for her small frame and cleared the way for them to face each other. “I have a few questions to ask. By the way, Klaus is an Inquisitor within my army, a Truthseeker … I hope I don’t need to explain to you what that means.”
Elinor’s head shifted to the left, resting it against the back of her knuckles while waiting for her to comply. This was the moment to discover who Tal’tamine really was and the possible threats within the palace.
The girl was trembling but managed to return to her seat, and the awkward charm had vanished; the princess’s gaze had hardened, mask fractured. Was this the ambitious princess underneath the inexperienced and cute facade?
“I cannot lie?”
The Empress just returned a chilling smile.
Klaus’s deep voice broke the ensuing silence; Elinor’s escort surrounded the pair. “The doors locked are revealed … to lie is a sin that brings pain. Falsehood will be punished. Now, speak your truth.”
Tal’tamine stiffened as the symbol of a single eye with a long tear and three triangle eyelashes appeared as a brilliant white tattoo on her forehead.
The girl’s lips tightened for a moment, but her eyes never left Elinor. “I … suppose I didn’t think this all the way through … you’re far more horrifying than I was led to believe.”
“Mhm,” Elinor’s legs crossed the opposite way, dress fluttering slightly. “Tell me … what is your relationship with your siblings?”
The princess’s face tightened. “Why … is that you’re … garrhh…” She winced, body curling in as the symbol on her forehead flashed red, and her fingers gripped the silk on her lap.
Klaus clasped the back of his hand in front of him. “The only words from your lips should be the answer to the Empress’s question. Stalling is not tolerated.”
“… Mmh,” her tail cracked against the chair, causing the back to snap, and Elinor was impressed she didn’t try to run, scream, or attack to stop the pain; she was shockingly resistant to the degree of torment that must be coursing through her body.
“… They all plot to overthrow Father. My father believes competition between us will … will make us stronger.”
“I figured,” Elinor replied with a bored tone. “Not exactly what I wish to know … I will be more specific. How do they treat each other behind closed doors … when no one is looking?”
This time, a tear fell from Tal’tamine’s eye as it twitched, closed fists pressing against her tense thighs, causing the silk to rip, and blue blood dripping down her jaw to stain the silk around her chest. “I … they … my older siblings … hurt the younger ones with … with Minroka Stones.”
Castella gasped. “No, but … Minroka Stones are deadly to Seaweavers after long exposure … how did the Palace Guard not notice?”
The crystal spikes along her spine flared to life, causing what liquid that remained in the dishes to fly at Elinor like hundreds of tiny, sharp bullets, yet they instantly froze, blocked by Edmon’s powers.
“That’s it,” Elinor chuckled. “Pull out that emotion … let it burn … don’t suppress it.”
“… There’s no signs of the pain,” she mumbled, “I … I can’t…” Her muscles twitched with the stress she was under, ripping more of her coverings; yet, still, she tried to resist. “I was … mmmghhr…”
Klaus hummed. “Her resistance to pain is phenomenal, compared to the others I’ve interrogated. However, my abilities keep her from passing out … this is something she wishes to keep hidden with all her being … as if compelled,” he whispered, seeming to discover something.
“Gmmamg … I … I can’t…” She cried, trying to flee, but Violet’s threat wrapped around her limbs, forcing her into a taut position.
Elinor’s lips fell a bit at the girl’s desperate pleas.
A sacrificial pawn to her elder siblings to better understand the new threat … forcing her to court me? She’s their puppet … but how do they enforce it to this extent? It’s not natural.
“What did they do to make you their slave?” She asked, causing a whimper to escape the poor Nalvean’s throat. “Don’t stop, don’t think, don’t look back … I’ve pulled you into my web … but I will free you if you give me something to work with.”
Castella abhorred what was happening to her former princess, but kept her mouth shut, quaking arms folded across her chest while praying to Elinor to be gentle with the girl she’d seen grow up.
“That’s it,” Klaus whispered, right hand glowing with white flames, and his fingers slowly closed into a fist. “There is something forcing her obedience … unusual … it’s on her body.” He walked around the suffering Nalvean princess. “Hmm … Castella, if you could look at this…”
The former Nalvean lieutenant frowned upon studying the flashing red crystals dancing across the girl’s spine. “I … have never seen a Seawever with so many active clusters.”
“No … this, right here,” Klaus stated.
“Purple … I am sorry, Empress, but I am not a Seaweaver,” she groaned with pitying eyes on the whimpering girl that refused to scream or reveal her master.
Klaus nodded. “Empress … I think I know someone that can offer a solution; we no longer need to discover the cause, nor do I believe we can force it out of her without severely harming the princess. I have isolated the probem, though.”
“Good,” Elinor got to her feet as Klaus released his complement spell, and Violet loosened her bonds, allowing the girl to fall to the ground in a sweat-slicked heap, tears streaming down her cheeks.
The Empress knelt down beside the quivering princess; the girl’s pain-stricken green eyes were shaking. “How cruel … for family to do such a thing.” Elinor comforted the girl by stroking her wet cheek. “… Broken as a little girl, forced into a life of servitude as an innocent … dragged through madness and scars … and forced to wear a mask.”
“W-Who…” Tal’tamine cried, vision clouded in darkness.
Elinor replied with a soft voice that slowly built. “I am the keeper. I am the secret. I am the answer. I am the end of your suffering. The puppet will learn to pull her strings and cut down the user’s lead. So, climb up, Tal’tamine, and move back the haze around you. I’ve pulled you into my embrace; there’s nowhere to hide, now.”
Her tone iced over. “Bring me your spirit, your hate … your fear and pain. You will overcome this madness that afflicts you, and when you wake … we will meet for the first time.”
Emelina knelt down beside her, knife sliding between the ridge of Tal’tamine’s neck plates, finding an area to deliver the sleeping toxin; the girl would rest until the morning.
“W-Was the Emperor aware of this?” Castella asked, rage burning in her chest from what she’d just witnessed.
“Doubtful,” Edmon stated. “This was probably Demon’s influence to build her into a puppet, using a brother or sister to accomplish his goals in the future. No other person should have known about her latent trait … unless she foolishly told one.”
It doesn’t matter in the end. Elinor stated. A wicked grin split her lips while returning to her temporary throne. We’ve discovered the perfect candidate to support. She will make a wonderful ruler with the proper guide … and she’ll be able to take her revenge. I cannot wait to see the look on her face when she kills the siblings that did this to her.
Still, Elinor wondered how long it took for her to be placed under this magical mental lock; how much of Tal’tamine was real or fake, and would she even remember what happened to her?
… I think you’re right, Edmon. This seems too complicated for just any normal Nalvean, even royalty. Demon has his claws everywhere.
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