Mira and Bobabano sat in a small waiting room in silence. A servant brought them a tea set and they let it go untouched. Mira listened to Encante’s angry ramblings in her mind. They communicated silently as Bobabano drummed his fingers impatiently.
“I cannot believe that woman would make that sort of announcement,” He growled, “Punish her immediately. The man too.”
“I can,” She snorted, “I don’t know her plan, but Amethyst is calculated.”
“You should have let the man drown,” Encante grumbled, “He didn’t have to look so smug.”
“I don’t want anyone else to die around me unless necessary,” She wrapped her hands around the warm cup in front of her, “I could save him, so I did.”
“You hurt yourself in the process.”
“I did not,” Mira sighed aloud, “I merely exhausted myself. I feel fine now.”
“We must be more careful, Mira,” He warned, “You can’t keep running yourself like that.”
Mira waved the thought away, “I am becoming stronger.”
“Yes,” Encante proudly announced, “You’re almost back to full strength but you never will be if you keep hurting yourself.”
After she took a few sips of tea, Bo got tired of waiting in silence.
He looked at her curiously as she sighed again, “Is he speaking to you?”
“Yes,” She glared at him, “We are both unhappy with the announcement you two decided to make without our input.”
“What?” He laughed, “It worked, didn’t it?”
“I know you did that to make the politics of this… situation easier,” She held up a finger when he started to protest, “But I came here to see my friend. There is no reason to do that.”
“Your friend seems pretty smitten,” Bo frowned, “Should I be worried?”
“About what? We are not betrothed.”
“I plan on convincing you to claim me,” He smiled large enough that his carved tusks poked from behind his lips, “Besides, I announced my intention, my queen. You will make a fine ruler.”
“You have not mentioned that before today,” She narrowed her eyes.
“I thought of it as we docked,” He shrugged, “You have to admit it would be advantageous for a political battle in Agrowl.”
“If,” She held up a finger, “If I decided to, then I will claim you as a lover, not a husband.”
He frowned, “Why? Because it means you can have other lovers?”
“Your people would never accept a human queen,” She snorted, “Let alone a king.”
“Always three steps ahead of me,” Bobabano clicked his tongue, “You should at least act as if we are together in some way. It will help your image.”
A knock on the room door drew their attention away from the topic. A knight opened the door and nodded to her. She stood and both followed the man down a long corridor. Reiner waited impatiently at the entrance of another room.
“I expect you will behave yourself,” He narrowed his eyes.
“Would you feel more comfortable if I was bound?”
“Yes,” Reiner smirked, “But I am not allowed to cuff dignitaries. Though, I will not hesitate to kill you.”
“Grand Knight Reiner,” Bobabano leaned towards him to whisper, “I would love to see you try.”
He sneered at the threat and turned to Mira, “I don’t know how you managed to get the support of the orcs, but that doesn’t minimize your crimes in Zrud.”
She merely bowed her head to acknowledge his statement. The angry dwarf fumed at her hollow demeaner.
“They are ready,” The door cracked.
Mira walked into the glittering throne room. The red velvet fabrics wrapped around pillars and hung from the ceiling proudly. Two thrones sat on the far end of the room. Queen Azalea wore a simple gown with golden embroidery. Flower and precious metals braided into her beard and hair. A simple golden crown rested upon her hair with emeralds and rubies held into the twirling design. Her son, Prince Krission, wore a crown of similar design in his short, slicked back hair and singularly braided beard. Between the thrones, a small girl in white with bandages over her eyes sat on the floor and faced the room.
“Oh,” Encante chuckled, “She senses you.”
Mira stepped onto the small platform in the middle of the room. She stood proudly as the room filled with the viewers of her interrogation. Or trial, she wasn’t sure. Her hand rubbed the stone amulet habitually as she waited. She wasn’t nervous but hoped that there would be no bloodshed. It would complicate her plans.
“Queen Azalea, Prince Krission,” Bo bowed dramatically, “It is an honor to meet you. I apologize it is under these circumstances.”
“Good morning, Captain Bobabano,” Queen Azalea cleared her throat, “and Lady Mira, was it?”
“That is what the Cauldronbone tribe calls me,” She nodded politely, “Queen Azalea, please, call me Mira.”
“Mira, then,” The queen smiled softly, “Do you understand why you are here?”
Mira held a hand in front of Bo before he spoke.
“I apologize for my companions’ actions this morning at the pier,” She bowed at the waist to the thrones, “I told them I would be willing to go quietly, but they disagreed. I understand the circumstances they forced you into and your majesty handled it with grace.”
“Politics between crowns can be fragile,” She scratched her beard, “Introductions to my people had to be done. I hear you two are betrothed?”
“She has yet to accept my proposal,” Bobabano removed his hat and ran his fingers through his braids, “I hope she will before our departure back to the motherland.”
“You rejected him?” The prince hummed, “Can I ask why?”
“Marriage is rare in Agrowl, as I’m sure you know,” Mira looked to Bobabano, “Some women take many lovers. Bobabano requests I claim his as my primary lover if I do not claim him as my husband.”
“And you have?”
“No, Prince Krission,” She smiled softly, “I do not know his motives fully. Until I do, I have no plans to claim him.”
“Outside of Agrowl, that would make him your husband,” The girl between them said, “You are wise to wait.”
“That is why I announced her as my bride,” Bobabano grinned proudly, “My intentions are clear. I am with her.”
“I believe my romantic status is not the source of this meeting,” She looked between the royals, “I assume you have Listeners present?”
“Yes,” Queen Azalea looked at the crowd, “Please state your name.”
“Miradash.”
“Not Mira?” Krission raise an eyebrow.
“I prefer to be called Mira. I did not know my true name until I was released from enthrallment.”
“Interesting,” Prophetess Talia hummed.
“So, you were a thrall?” Prince Krission drummed his fingers against the arm of his throne, “To Isaan Naybellos, correct?”
“Correct.”
“Do you know who the wraith is?”
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“Yes.”
“Then, did you have any part of their crimes on Zrud?”
“Are there any witnesses to place Lady Mira at any crime scenes?” Bobabano asked, “If not, then I believe this entire meeting is unwarranted.”
“Bo,” Mira wrapped her hands around his arms, “I will answer.”
“You are too giving, my heart,” He traced her chin with his finger, “Tell me, Queen Azalea. In Zrud, are thralls responsible for their master’s orders?”
“No. It would be on the master. Though, they should fight any orders that are against our laws,” She looked to her son.
“Why did you not fight the orders?” Krission gripped the arms of his throne.
“Because my branding was a death note if I disobeyed past an acceptable level,” Mira played with the sleeves of her dress, “And, Isaan Naybellos is not a kind man.”
“Those aren’t allowed in Zrud,” The queen narrowed her eyes, “It should have been dismissed upon your arrival here.”
“Isaan bribed his way past any measures,” She bowed, “Duke Sterling knew of him entering eastern Zrud and allowed it.”
“My cousin would never allow such a thing,” The queen scowled.
Mira pulled something from the pocket of her dress. The golden necklace had a ruby the size of her palm attached. She handed the necklace to Reiner. He turned it over and saw the duke’s name carved into the metal.
“Duke Sterling allowed Isaan to enter and gifted him this necklace as a token of their agreement,” Mira said flatly, “In exchange for his cooperation, Isaan conducted research into the monsters from the Unclaimed Isle.”
“This is his mark,” Reiner called to the queen.
“Then why did the wraith kill Duke Sterling?” Krission scrunched his face in confusion.
“Duke Sterling learned of Isaan’s connection to the wraith and no longer funded his lifestyle.”
“And what of everyone else in the building?”
“I don’t believe that’s an appropriate question if Lady Mira wasn’t there,” Bo stopped her from answering.
“Then, what of the troops that arrived at Isaan’s cabin?” Prince Krission scoffed, “I assume you were there?”
“The wraith offered any soldier to flee with their lives and many did. Though, bandits in the area are rough and I doubt many made it back home.”
“The knight, Sir Jonen, lived.”
“He had no pulse until I revived him,” Mira nodded.
The royals looked to each other and whispered. Bobabano stared down at her. He worried about her answering questions in front of the listeners. Her cold expression never changed. More than that, he would learn more about her friendship with the half elf.
“Why did you do that?”
“As you’re probably aware, thralls are not treated well in many places,” She tapped her chin in thought, “Sir Jonen helped me in Berkshire. He treated me no differently when he learned of my status and escorted me through the city until I returned to Isaan.”
“So, you saved him because he was kind to you?” Prophetess Talia asked, “And no other reason?”
“Our friendship did not begin until after he awoke and asked me to bring him to a healer.”
“Describe your relationship with Sir Jonen, for the record,” Reiner asked.
“In what way, Grand Knight Reiner?” Bobabano judged his words coldly, “Are you implying something?”
“He spoke very highly of her and tried to convince this court of her innocence,” Reiner narrowed his eyes, “That is not something one does for just a thrall.”
“She is no longer a thrall,” The small prophetess grinned, “Lady Mira should be treated with respect. I believe Sir Jonen did just that.”
“I will still answer the question. I consider him a friend,” Mira turned from Reiner’s judgement, “Sir Jonen and I became close on our travels. He helped protect a village that was dear to me. He tutored the men of Vimgraunt on basic fighting techniques. I paid for his healing in exchange for that.”
“Why did you do that?” Krission asked.
“Sir Jonen did not have anything salvageable, besides a shield and his sword. The temple does not have many resources to spare for free.”
Whispers swirled around the room as she spoke. Mira unblinkingly gazed at the royals and the young woman next to them. As they discussed something else to ask, she felt Bo’s hand land on her shoulder to support her. She looked up to him with a questioning look. The orc just nodded to reassure her.
“What happened past that?” The queen asked.
“Vimgraunt held a festival to celebrate the abundant harvest in the region. Isaan attacked the town towards the end of the night,” She hesitated but continued, “I kissed Sir Jonen before I went to battle my former master.”
“Kissed him?” Bo looked at her in shock, “What?!”
“What is the meaning of this?!” The prince scoffed.
“I thought you wanted me to be truthful?” Mira looked between a furious Bobabano and the shocked royals. She pursed her lips a bit before playing into a cute woman with a crush.
“Explain immediately!” the prince snorted.
“Your majesty, your highness… Sir Jonen is conventionally handsome, in peak physical condition, and very kind,” She blushed a bit and covered her cheek with her hand, “I had never kissed anyone due to my brand. So, I decided to before leaving him behind. I knew that trying to fight Isaan would likely result in my death.”
“Yet you live,” Krission commented with a pout.
“Not completely, I nearly died from the battle. The people of Vimgraunt saved me after Isaan and wraith nearly killed each other,” She lowered her head, “I owe my life to the Vimgraunt temple and the townsfolk that volunteered to save me.”
“Why would they save you? Your actions nearly led to their deaths.”
“Despite Isaan’s orders, I tried to help the local villages. Bandits were rampant in that area,” The charm from her voice turned cold, “Zrud’s army never passed to the southeast past Berkshire, due to Isaan’s agreement with Duke Sterling. Monsters and bandits slaughtered more and more.”
“As you can see,” Bo cleared his throat, “Lady Mira is a good woman who will do what she can to protect those around her. She does not pose a threat to Hangral.”
“How can you say that?” Reiner narrowed his eyes, “You’ve known her how long, exactly? Why should her majesty and his highness believe you about the woman you’re fawning over?”
Bobabano clenched his fist and glared at the dwarf. Though it was a fair question, Reiner should have allowed the royals to ask it. Mira put a hand on his arm to calm him down. He took a deep breath and shook his head.
“My love dove into the ice waters to save me when our ship was attacked by monsters out on the sea as we traveled here,” He narrowed his eyes at the man, “She’s still injured from the battle with her former master and furthered her injuries trying to save everyone. If she really wanted to be free, she could have allowed a number of people to die and saved herself.”
“Bo,” Her fingers roamed up the bare skin of his chest between the unbuttoned portion of his shirt, “You said you wouldn’t bring up my ailment.”
“They should have sent a healer instead of an army to take in a small woman! It’s insulting,” He grumbled and placed his hand over hers, “My lady deserves better than that. I only allowed her off the ship due to her insistence to speak with you.”
Mira smiled softly as he brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers softly. Reiner steamed in the corner at the outrageousness that the couple would behave this way in Zrud’s court.
“How exactly can you ensure that she won’t be a problem while you are here in the tournament?” Krission raised an eyebrow.
“I will personally take charge of her,” Bo nodded curtly, “I promise you; I will not leave her side.”
“I am ready to render judgement,” The prophetess stood.
“I have one final question,” The queen stood, “What is your connection to the wraith?”
“We were in similar predicaments when it came to Isaan Naybellos,” She said flatly, “We are both free.”
The room erupted into quiet rumbles of conversation about what that could possibly mean. Mira knew what it would mean to the royals, after all.
“Will the wraith stand on trial for its crimes?” Krission stood.
“It does not believe it needs to,” Mira bowed respectfully, “Though, I do have a suggestion if your majesty will entertain it?”
“I will entertain it,” The queen narrowed her eyes.
“Your tournament is to create a group of skilled fighters to hunt Isaan, is it not? Or, to slay monsters from the Unclaimed Isle?”
“Both,” The queen narrowed her eyes.
“I will participate in this tournament. When I win,” Mira paused, “Would I be able to use the person favor from the crown to pardon the wraith?”
The room exploded into arguments and cries of displeasure at the idea. The queen stomped her foot. The room shook as the magic rippled.
“Enough!” She announced to quiet the room.
“When?” Reiner scoffed, “Are you that sure of yourself?”
“She is a skilled warrior,” Bo glared at the man, “Do not insult her.”
“Should you win, we may entertain the idea,” Queen Azalea turned to her, “Would the wraith join us in the fight?”
“Our only mission is to find and kill Isaan Naybellos,” Mira said with a deadly smirk, “A team is only a bonus.”
“And if you lose?” Prince Krission asked.
“She does not plan to lose,” The orc wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closely, “And, when she wins, we’ll join as well.”
The queen looked at her son and nodded. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. The prophetess turned and placed her hands on the queen’s arm. She whispered something before the Azalea stepped forward.
“In light of your previous enthralled status,” She cleared her throat, “We do not find sufficient evidence to move forward with a trial. We will keep an eye on your going abouts in Hangral. Should anything spark our interest, you will be brought in for further questioning.”
“Thank you, Queen Azalea,” Mira placed a hand over her heart and bowed, “Tales of your generosity sing true. May the goddess bless you.”
“Please escort Lady Mira back to her lodgings,” Krission looked to Reiner.
“Before we conclude,” She hesitated for a moment, “Guard Thesson and his men should be rewarded.”
“Oh, and why’s that?” The queen’s eyebrow raised.
“I was prepared to fight captured. Thesson convinced me to come willingly,” She nodded, “I am only here because he said I would be treated fairly. He was an honorable man the entire time we spent together.”
The prophetess nodded, “Then, he should be rewarded accordingly, yes?”
Bobabano kissed the top of her head, “You are too kind to the people that disrespect you, my love.”
“Please enjoy our city, Lady Mira,” Prince Krission nodded, “I look forward to your appearance at the tournament.”
As the queen and prince exited, Reiner turned to Mira. She smiled coyly at him. He adjusted his plate armor and walked angrily from the room. They silently followed. She knew how angry the man was at the proceedings. Hundreds of his men were dead and so far, nobody was held accountable. As they exited the royal mansion, Prophetess Talia waited outside. Numerous priestesses and guards surrounded the little girl but could not stop her from running towards her.
“Mira!” The girl threw her hands in the air as she approached.
Reiner stepped between them in confusion, “Prophetess Talia, I do not think it is –”
“Do you know the goddess better than a prophetess?” Bobabano growled, “She will not harm her.”
Talia bounced happily as Mira crouched to see her. The girl threw her arms around Mira’s neck in a hug before pulling away. Her bounciness reminded Mira of Tella. Her heart saddened at the thought.
“The little one is safe,” Talia pressed a finger to her nose, “Please stop by the temple, okay?”
“If you would like,” She nodded.
The young girl placed her hand over Encante’s stone. She chuckled when he growled in her mind.
“I will not share your secret, okay?” She whispered, “Not until you are ready.”
“Thank you.”
“His cousin has not spoken to anyone in some time,” The girl frowned, “No matter how much prodding I give. Perhaps you can help with that.”
“I do not know how I would,” Mira blinked, “But if you know, then we can talk about it when we meet next.”
“Okay!” She giggled childishly before she turned to run back to her follower, “Goodbye, Lady Mira!”
“What in the Goddess’s holy light,” Reiner shook his head, “Now the prophetess is treating you as an old friend.”
“I had met Prophetess Renda before,” She waved as the girl walked to the temple, “It could be because of that.”