When she saw us having breakfast she took a seat and grabbed some coffee. “Morning. I see you have finally awoken.” She teased.

“Morning.” I responded.

Lucy just nodded at her. “Any news?” She asked.

After ensuring our privacy Loriel responded: “Things are becoming interesting. Apparently high inquisitor Elias arrived yesterday. Beira is complaining to the emperor about his attack, or so the rumours say. There are a lot of interesting tales being whispered around the palace.”

“News travels fast I suppose.” I mused.

“This is an imperial court.” Loriel said. “Gossiping is almost a profession around here. So is coming up with wild theories. I liked the one where you dismissed your guard because you needed privacy for an orgy in the park.”

“What?” I just stared at her confused. “Orgy? With whom? Why?”

“You see, there are quite a few people who like the look of elves. But they don’t want to admit it because they think humans are superior. So they paint elves as some uncivilised creatures of debauchery. Meanwhile they secretly wish they were part of something like that.”

“I still don’t get it. There was nobody else but us. Who are they claiming was participating in that? Why would anyone believe it? It makes no sense!” Thankfully I was too confused to blush at the thought of attending an orgy with Lucy.

Loriel shrugged. “Apparently there was a girl with Alexander that ran off and nobody has seen her since. Some people think you fought him over a woman and led her on the path of sin. You probably seduced random strangers in the park too.”

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

I groaned and buried my face in my hands.

“Did you also hear any more useful rumours?” Lucy asked. She seemed to take this tale in stride.

“People talk about demons and some disturbance in the city last night. Alexander is demanding retribution for an unprovoked attack. There is a lot of tension between the different factions. I have a feeling this will be an interesting day.”

“Lucy said you also lodged a complaint on our behalf.” I mentioned.

“Yes. It will help sell our story and give them another headache.”

“Do you think there could be a civil war? What would happen if there is too much pressure on the inquisition?” I wondered.

“I doubt it will go that far. But I expected the empire to be a lot more stable than it seems. Our spies were not aware of how much strife there is between the factions. If things really escalate we have arrangements with Iron Rock and the dwarves to retreat together. Not that they could spare the resources to go after us anyway, if a civil war breaks out.”

“What about Lilastheria?” Lucy asked. “Any idea on how to bring her into the palace?”

“I am not as convinced as you are that it would be a good idea. But we could keep an eye on her and ensure the empire does not find her at least. Maybe we lean into the rumour and just say you found a local for your orgy?” Loriel said with a smirk.

I groaned. “Not you too. Although Lilastheria would probably love that idea.”

Lucy patted me on the head. “There, there.”

I glared at her. “Those rumours are about you as well.”

She shrugged. “I don’t mind. Who cares what those people think? It also distracts them from the truth.”

I was not happy but she had a point. It would work as a cover in the future even. Maybe we could sneak away more easily like this.

“Anyway, I will leave you to your breakfast. I expect the Empire will send someone to try and question you again before lunch.” Loriel stood up and left, taking some coffee with her.

I consoled myself with more tasty food. After I had my fill I relaxed on a couch and focused on our bond, trying to get a feel for it. There was a regular tier three telepathy spell that I knew. But it was short range and rather unsecure in the presence of other mages. As a sorceress I was able to modify spells. Usually that meant adjusting the duration, boosting its range, or other things like that. But could I attach it to our bond? Use that to increase the range and make it more secure? It was a path worth exploring.

I was making progress when Lucy interrupted me. The Empire had sent someone again to inquire if we were available for an interview. I stood up and stretched, I had been sitting on that couch for at least an hour. Then we followed the guard they sent. It was time to meet the royal inquisitor.