Dagger entered the high ceiling room, taking just a moment to glance around at his surroundings. An observer may think he was simply admiring the grandiose carved murals or the intricately embroidered tapestries that ran along the walls, but Dagger was actually assessing escape routes, the number of guards, and where the deepest puddles of shadows lay in the room.
In contrast with the clean, ornate castle he passed through, Dagger felt particularly out of place. His sullied boots, his cloak that, despite being black, couldn't hide the stains and wear, his ungroomed appearance, all of it made him feel discomposed and awkward.
"Welcome, Oh Great Demon of Raizakar," Queen Morella hailed atop her throne, high enough that she could comfortably look down on anyone. Her voice echoed in the oddly empty room. Ignoring the clear jab, he bent into a short bow, respecting the customs of the palace.
"Greetings to the Star of the Kingdom," Dagger intoned. "What possible reason could you have for inviting me, of all people, here to the palace, Your Majesty?"
The Queen snorted. "Getting right to the point, I see. Well, then there is no need to mince words. But first," she gestured all the guards out of the room except one, who stood in the shadows behind her throne, just out of sight.
If Dagger decided to make a move, the poor guard would be in a perfect place for him to attack.
He hoped it wouldn't come to that, though.
Once the room was vacant save the three of them, Queen Morella finally spoke again.
"I know that the history between you and I has been contentious," she began, ignoring his scoff, "but I have a mission of highest importance that can only be completed by someone of your...abilities." The Queen said the last word as though tasting something bitter.
"Why would I want to help you at all? You've given me an awful lot of hardship over the years," he countered, folding his arms with a frown.
"Of course, you will be generously compensated, should you succeed," the old lady waved her hand dismissively, "but I think it would benefit you to hear the request first." Once Dagger nodded for her to continue, Queen Morella launched into her explanation.
"I do not know if you are familiar with the Kingdom of Lysima," The royal began. As she spoke, the knight in the shadows stepped forward, his boots clacking as he crossed the space. Stopping in front of the vigilante, Dagger flinched when he pulled something from his doublet, but it was just a rolled parchment with a blue wax seal.
Dagger took the offered paper, breaking the seal and unrolling the sheet; it was a detailed map of the continent. Embellishing the edges were intricate markings in blue and gold, tiny designs that were hard to focus on. The map revealed an amazingly accurate layout of the continent of Te-Mora'h, with each country drawn in meticulous detail. Admittedly, Dagger didn't know much about countries outside Raizakar, never having gone beyond their borders.
"We have been attempting to establish trade with The Kingdom of Lysima for several years," the Queen said as his head was bent to the paper, "but due to the distance and lack of multiple travel routes, we have had issues communicating to make a more solid proposal. Recently, a plan has been brought forth to bring the countries together in a way we haven't before."
"Woah," Dagger protested, looking back up in confusion. "I'm not a diplomat, and I'm not good with people. I really don't think..."
"We don't need a diplomat," the queen sneered derisively as she cut him off. "But we do need an envoy of sorts. The plan is to marry the second Princess of Raizakar to the First Prince of Lysima and continue to establish diplomatic relations through their union." She saw him open his mouth to protest again, marching on with the explanation before he could interrupt once more.
"You, Dear Demon, enter the picture here. the second Princess requires an escort to the Kingdom of Lysima." She continued to explain, but his head began to spin and Dagger tuned her out briefly. Maybe because he had come here right after being woken up, maybe because of his rocky history with the Queen, but he was having a hard time processing all this. Marriage between the two kingdoms? Why had no one heard of this union yet? How long had this been in the works?
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Ugh, his head was starting to hurt.
"Why me? I'm sure you have plenty of trained guards and knights," Dagger spoke up, frowning. "I'd assume I'm the last person you'd ask to protect the Princess of Raizakar, given our past."
"Second Princess," the queen corrected. As if it mattered, Dagger thought to himself. A princess is a princess.
"And the answer comes from multiple conclusions. First, a certain someone," she pointedly glared at the vigilante, "took out my best knights. The newest recruits are promising, but have not advanced enough in their training. Second, there is a third party political alliance from Lysima that seeks to disrupt the marriage, by any means possible. And they have a larger influence than we originally thought. We recently received word that there is a mole within our palace from their faction. Finding someone trustworthy is...tricky."
"And I'm trustworthy?" He raised an eyebrow.
"I know your motivations and I know you aren't affiliated with the faction," Queen Morella spoke stiffly, stifling anger. "You are not trustworthy. You are an unfortunate last resort that I wouldn't mind dismissing if I had any other options."
Dagger shrugged, trying not to laugh at the absurdity. He didn't really understand politics, especially outside the Capital, let alone outside of Raizakar. But this was the last thing he had thought would happen. Him, escort the princess?
"The reward," Queen Morella added, noticing his pondering, "would obviously be well worth your time. You would be granted Royal Immunity and access to the Raizakaran Royal Files, as well as your own plot of land at the edge of the Capital. In addition, you would be given enough wealth to live comfortably for a hundred years or so."
Wow. Well, that was...a lot.
It was quite tempting. Of course, the upgrade in lodging and the money were nice, but not really something he needed or cared for. It would be more a matter of ease. The other half, though...Royal Immunity would mean he could go about his vigilante work without being hindered by the Royal Guard or regular stipulations, as well as being given access to the Royal Files? Who knew how much ancient knowledge was kept there. It sounded too good to be true.
He looked at the map again, studying it as he asked, "How many others would have to accompany us?" He was wondering if maybe she planned on having someone try to kill him in his sleep. Not that it had worked before...
"You would go alone with the second Princess. The need for discretion is absolute and your whereabouts must stay hidden at all times."
"What?" he couldn't help but voice his shock. Adding him to the guard was one thing. Asking him, the cursed and evil Demon, to escort a royal, the Princess no less, just the two of them, was unthinkable in most situations. He supposed, though, this was turning out to be no ordinary situation.
"I'm going to need some time to think," Dagger sighed, but Queen Morella tutted impatiently.
"I'm afraid, Sir Demon, a prompt response is required. Due to confidentiality and kingdom secrets, I cannot reveal details to you, but the danger is imminent and we have no extra time to waste. If you do not agree, the second princess will be sent with the next option." Dagger's gaze flicked to the shadowy guard listening in. He was probably the second choice, considering he had been allowed to stay.
What was being asked of him was...ludicrous. He didn't know how long it would take, nor the safety of the routes they'd travel. They would be under constant threat and be travelling in secrecy. And while he would survive if he was 'killed', the second Princess was another story. On top of that, he would have to keep the Beast in check and the girl at bay, just to keep her safe from him.
But...if he succeeded, he could finally live a more peaceful life in the kingdom. It wouldn't be perfect, but it would be better than the current cat and mouse game he and the queen had. Despite all his misgivings, he felt compelled to say yes.
"Fine," Dagger agreed, the words coming out before he realized he'd spoken. "What's the safest route to get to Lysima? I have never travelled outside Raizakar." ###
"You'll have to go south, around the Igoera Mountain Range," the Queen replied, gesturing with her hand. "Unfortunately, the easy path through the mountains is blocked by the Himel Tribe. They are a vicious group of barbarians who attack any outsiders who enter their territory, so crossing through there is nigh impossible."
"And how long do you expect the journey to take?" Dagger asked. Queen Morella gave him a long look, as though peering right into Dagger's mind. It sent a chill down his spine; but just for a moment, before she sat back and laced her fingers together.
"As long as it takes. After all, the safety of the second princess and the secrecy of travel is the highest priority. Of course, the royal family of Lysima know of the situation, and I presume they will have a guard receive and safely escort her once you have reached their territory."
"And I assume you want us to head out as soon as possible," Dagger guessed.
"Oh look, you're catching on," Queen Morella mocked with a smirk. "The second Princess is already waiting in her room, which is on the fourth floor, third door on the right hall. Normally I would have you escorted by guards, but since no one must know, use that despicable power of yours to get there." Making no effort to disguise her disgust, she practically spat out the last few words, shooing him with her wrinkled hand dismissively.
"Oh," Queen Morella interrupted one last time as shadows curled up around his feet, beginning to engulf him. "Take the map and keep it with you. It will be of great help later."
Dagger nodded and with a silent puff of shadows, the vigilante vanished.