The conference room felt like it might explode from all the tension in the air. Urs looked like he was trying not to shatter the table with his bare hands, and Visla’s eyes flicked from Rheka to me, filled with worry. Rheka sat next to her parents, shoulders hunched and head down, fidgeting with her bandages like they were suddenly the most interesting thing in the world. Vrintas, to my surprise, was also there. His expression suddenly shifted as we entered the room. Something he clearly tried to hide.

Why though?

At the head of the table sat the King and the Queen. I hadn't seen her since we'd first gotten to the capital and the fact that even she was here was probably not a good sign. King Erderus looked exhausted as per usual, but now with a slight edge of irritation that wasn’t there before.

Great, this is going to be fun.

The King took a deep breath before speaking. "Let’s get this over with, shall we? I have been informed of your... unauthorized excursion into the Synaist Temple near Larrau Village. I assume none of you sought permission before going?”

Rheka barely nodded, and before she could say anything, Urs slammed his hand on the table. “You could’ve been killed! All of you!” He looked like he was fighting to keep his voice steady, his eyes darting between Rheka and Vrintas. “And what’s worse is that this isn’t the first time you’ve gone off like this!”

Then he directed his gaze - sharp as a blade - entirely at his father. "You’re always pushing them, always telling them to go out and explore, to take risks. See how much trouble this gets them into?”

Vrintas shrugged, finally acknowledging the room’s intensity. “They need to learn the world’s dangers somehow. Better to do it now, while they’re young and-”

"Rheka is nine years old." Urs interrupted. "Going into places like that is not something children should be doing."

Vrintas just gave another shrug as an answer.

Rheka’s voice was small as she looked up at her parents. “We just... we wanted to explore. We didn’t know it was that... bad.”

“Well, it is.” Urs said, his voice softer but still stern. “You can’t just assume you’ll be safe because you’re curious. You’re not invincible, Rheka, and neither are your friends.”

I glanced at Vrintas. He met my gaze, then turned to his son once again. "And how old were you when you first ran away with your friends?"

"That is different and you know that." Urs said, looking straight ahead.

"Enough." King Erderus finally said, his voice carrying that ever-present edge of exhaustion. “Argius, you should know better. You’re supposed to be looking after them, not... enabling these adventures. This was reckless, even for you.”

I felt my claws flex. What choice did I have? It's not like I didn't know how stupid these kid's undertakings could be, but what was I supposed to do? Say no? Don't tag along? They would have just gone without me! Me not tagging along wasn't enough to stop them?!

What else? Snitch on them? I'd rather get myself killed before I stoop that low. And also, it wasn’t exactly like we were the only ones at fault here. Rheka's whole family had been borderline neglectful for as long as I could recall but now suddenly we hit the limit?

I looked away.

Give me a break.

Urs took a deep breath and leaned back. “Rheka... you’re young. And we know how you feel - how trapped you must think you are. We’ve all been there.” He shot a glance at Vrintas, his expression hardening for just a moment before he softened again. “But freedom isn't recklessness. It’s not about diving headfirst into danger because you can.”

"Oh, come on." I thought.

Out loud.

I couldn't stop myself. My frustration had finally boiled over. “You’re acting like this is the first time something like this has happened. As if we all just decided, ‘Hey, let’s get ourselves almost killed for fun today!’”

Urs' eyes narrowed, and I could see that familiar fire lighting up behind them. “Watch it, Argius.” he warned, his voice dropping a few degrees colder. “This is about you not understanding how dangerous things can be for Rheka.”

I scoffed. “Me? Really? Because, from where I’m standing, you’re not exactly an innocent party here. You give her all this ‘freedom,’ tell her she’s got the world at her feet, let her run around like she's invincible - and then you expect her to know when to stop? Are you serious?”

Visla’s eyes flashed. “Don’t you put this on us. We’ve done everything we can to protect our daughter and let her have a normal childhood-”

"Normal?” I said, laughing. "What’s normal about letting a nine-year-old run into ruins, or sneak off into cursed forests? Or even letting her partake in a bloody siege!"

"The siege was your idea!" She shouted back at me.

"And you were more than happy to help." I scoffed again. "Because you know. You know how it is. You both do."

“We're not talking about us!” Urs slammed his hand on the table again, and this time the wood groaned under the pressure. “We are trying to do better by our daughter, to let her have the things we didn't. Grow up without these chains we had around our necks!”

Stolen novel; please report.

“So you give her all the rope she wants and then act surprised when she nearly hangs herself with it?” I snapped back. “You can’t have it both ways, Urs! Either you let her live this adventurous life you want for her and accept the consequences, or you actually be the parents you’re supposed to be and rein her in!”

The room fell silent, the tension thick enough to slice through. I could see Urs’ jaw working, clenching and unclenching as he struggled to come up with a response. Visla’s face was pale, but her eyes burned with a quiet fury that matched her husband's. I couldn't remember ever having seen her make an expression like that.

“The dragon has a point, Urs." Vrintas’ voice was softer than usual, but it cut through the air like a blade. You’re angry now because you’re scared. And you’re scared because, deep down, you know you’re losing control. You can’t protect Rheka from the world forever.”

Urs turned to his father, eyes blazing. "I want to protect her from you. You're the one I don't want to lose control to."

Vrintas leaned forward, almost ignoring Urs' threatening tone. "Let her live, son. You know better than anyone what it feels like to be caged."

"How would you know!? Urs asked, shouting. "You weren't even there to see it."

The King cleared his throat loudly, and the room’s attention snapped back to him. “I think we’ve heard enough. Whatever differences you may have about raising your daughter, you all share a common goal - to keep her safe. The way to do that is not through arguing, but through finding a middle ground. We are not here to place blame but to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”

I let out a long breath, realizing just how heated the argument had gotten. Urs’ eyes remained fixed on his father for a moment longer before he finally sat back, his jaw still tight.

Vrintas just gave a shrug as if the shouting had no effect on him, but I could see something in his eyes - a flicker of regret, maybe. Or maybe just tiredness.

King Erderus sighed. “Argius, you may be right in some respects, but understand that as Rheka’s protector, you must use better judgment. If she wishes to go on unsanctioned adventures, you must stop her, take responsibility." He stopped for a moment to look at Urs and Visla. "As will I, for my own daughter."

I just nodded, knowing it was the only answer he’d accept. Even if all of this was a bunch of horseshit.

A minute of silence passed before Urs finally broke it. “Look... we just want her safe. I don't want to see her hurt, and I don't want her making the same mistakes we did.”

“We won’t go again.” Rheka mumbled, her eyes fixed onto the table. “We’ll be more careful.”

Everyone knew it was probably a hollow promise. There was no way Rheka - or any of the other brats - would stop exploring, stop getting into trouble. It was in their blood. But the adults needed to hear it, so the girl said it.

“Well.” The King rubbed his temples as if the whole situation was giving him a headache. “I suppose that’s settled. Next time you want to explore, do so with proper sanction." Then he stood up. "If anyone asks for me... well, tell them not to." Erderus sighed, waving us out.

As everyone's chairs began to creak at once, I hopped off mine. And just as Rheka, Tavrin and I were about to exit the room, the King called out to us.

"Argius, walk with me to my chamber."

Oh boy. What now? A private audience?

I exchanged a brief look with Rheka, prompting her to shrug. Then I walked over.

We entered a hallway of the palace I hadn't been through before. Paintings and portraits of various royal-looking folks hanging on each side. More draconic-themed furniture rounded out the picture. Strangely enough, everything seemed to be in just the right place.

Ah. Actually, this is a good opportunity.

I looked over and up at Erderus' face. It still wore the same expression as back then in the throne room. Back when we arrived in the city for the first time.

Being depressed for this long must be taxing.

"So... what's with all the dragon... embellishments?"

He turned his head with an eyebrow raised. "You're familiar with this kingdom's history?"

"Partly." I looked away to hide my shame of lacking knowledge. I didn't quite expect to recieve a history quiz.

Erderus chuckled. "It would be most advantageous. Given your situation."

"Pray tell!" I said with enough sarcasm even Rheka would probably catch it.

"We have my grandfather to thank for that. He was infatuated with them. Though I wouldn't say that I'm not fond of them too." Erderus put a hand to his chin.

"Ah. Is that why I'm still running around with my head attached?" I said. And I kind of meant it too. It seems I was at least a tad responsible for geting the King's youngest daughter knocked unconcious after all. Even if Zilra was doing an excellent job of accomplishing that on her own. Yet he'd been oddly calm about that whole affair. Back in the conference room he was more invested in sorting our family drama than reprimanding us for getting his daughter hurt.

"Partly." King Erderus said in a mocking tone. "But it is your proficiencies I'm after. You've proven to be a valuable asset to my court so far. A... welcome change."

So that's how it is.

Honestly, that was something I didn't expect to hear. Yes I'd done some things to help out, but was talking big game really enough to gain this king's trust?

"Most of the nobles serving in my court seem to only do so if it also furthers their own position. I've let them run my kingdom for far too long now." He continued. "But you have... a unique position. An interesting perspective. I think you could accomplish great things if given the opportunity."

Sure. But who was to say I wouldn't also be doing it to further my own position? Did this man really think I was offering my assistance out of pure altruism? The goodness of my heart?

Please.

"I am certain you have your own motives, I'm not a complete fool. Yet there's been a... shift inside me since your arrival. It cannot be mere coincidence."

I raised the ridge above my eye, hoping he'd get the memo. "What... kind of shift?"

He put a hand to his chin once again. "I am not sure. It has been a while, but something is urging me to continue and try. And I want you to try as well."

Try... what exactly?

"I was planning to send you as an envoy to oversee Rhodentum in my name. The outbreak has been handled well so far. I would have liked you to arrest the matter at its origin, though with the most recent... developments I don't think that would be feasable anymore." The King went on.

"Agreed." I said. "I don't think I can handle another intervention like that. But if there's something I could do here? In the city, maybe?"

Erderus didn't respond. He looked lost in his thoughts.

There must be something I could do, right? Another opportunity like this would probably not arise in the near future so I needed to seal the deal here.

"I could do some research. On the diseases, I mean. In the Enkefalos Temple?"

Finally he broke his silence. "That... could work." He paused. "I can acquire you permission to enter, although I'm unsure if my word will suffice. I haven't exactly been the most devout follower throughout my reign."

I gave a nod before we arrived at the door to what I assumed to be the King's chamber. The golden-silver door was decorated more elaborately than it needed to be. Everything in this palace seemed to exist only to show off.

The King opened the door before turning around one more time. "That will be it then. I'll be awaiting your report. And extend your grasp on the historical while you're at it. Good luck."

And with that his bravado of an entrance closed behind him.

So...

...how the hell do I find my way back now?