Elinor’s gaze wandered as Klaus left to retrieve the two figures he believed could help free the shackled princess. She had an idea of who they were by his previous report but wondered how effective the pair would be given the possible level of the powers at play. It was worth a try, and in the worst case, there was always the option to call for Tiffany. Although, that was the last resort.
Klaus had left some time ago, now hastily making his way through the Nalvean streets to the Ri’bot district across the river exit that emptied into the Great Ruby Lakes. He would probably be out for another hour or so to prepare his targets.
In the meantime, Elinor’s mind roamed with her eyes.
Tal’tamine was now laid upon her bed, moved there by the small 12-year-old maid; Elinor was more than a little impressed by the pre-teen’s physical strength. Aileen was currently fussing over the princess’s silk clothes and extravagant mattress with Castella’s instruction. There were specific traditional folds and types of silk that were supposed to be placed on particular areas on the girl’s body to signify status, gender, and even a daily mood, regularly swapped out during the day, which seemed to be a female-only fashion choice.
Emelina waited on Elinor, standing by her left side with Edmon on her right. Violet had continued her scan of the area, finding two hidden rooms. The discovery was a little exciting to Elinor; she had her own private exits and entrances, and with a palace this old, it begged the question, who knew all of its secrets?
One hidden door was in the bedroom, which could have provided an easy escape for the important figures that would occupy this exclusive space … or a convenient path for assassination or kidnapping.
The second happened to be in the bathing area, which was a little suspect, yet she had to wonder if the Nalveans had such licentious fetishes as humans. Of course, assassination or kidnapping when a figure felt safest and was at their most vulnerable was also an option.
However, the fact royalty all had the Seaweaver talent didn’t make that the most likely of scenarios … unless it was on purpose for Seaweavers to have an advantage over their guests without access to such water control.
It would provide a fun detour for her to explore; although, enjoying herself came after this business with Tal’tamine.
Elinor examined the poisoned food still on the table Aileen had moved. Edmon…
The Doom Guard pulled his gaze from the window; countless constellations and solar events blazed their glory. “Yes?”
What do you make of the attempt on my life? The princess was not a target, or was she? How would the killer know which of us would consume the dish, or if I would eat it at all? We have a suspect, but it has me questioning the motive. Wouldn’t it have been more prudent to first test the waters … prove my eating habits before pulling the trigger? Meanwhile, it would go without saying Tal’tamine would take the meal.
Edmon’s black helmet shifted to observe the lightly touched dishes. The serving sizes were enormous compared to what she usually ate; she was watching her figure when alive, after all.
“I have been pondering on the possibilities myself. The Statesman, Baltoma, is still the most likely suspect. Yet, there are a few oddities. Castella confirmed that all food is tested before being sent to people of import, which means we could investigate the matter if we so choose. Your dish is of a green hue, which symbolizes a higher rank; Tal’tamine would not have taken the dishes meant for you.”
Delightful … so, it was a methodical attack on my life. For what purpose, though?
The glowing blue fog releasing from Edmon’s helmet left a soft trail as he turned to appraise Violet in her spider form; she’d just finished her scouting and security measures. “It was no doubt aimed at you. The purpose could vary. If they failed to kill you, the attempt could be targeting the political stability of the negotiations. It was lethal enough to destroy your body…”
Elinor released a short chime of mirth. That’s not difficult, Edmon.
“No … your Artificial Body is quite vulnerable. It could have been a botched attempt to simply make you ill and forcing tomorrow’s meeting to be postponed, or even a Nalvean serving staff that saw you being held by Quen’Talrat and decided to take matters into their own hands to rid the nation of a possible new threat. The possibilities really are endless.”
Okay … so, what is the appropriate response? Mentioning it to the Emperor could provide me with some useful data on how he would respond.
“Yes … it could. Keeping the item for testing purposes would be useful, but I’d advise asking the Emperor to forego an investigation. Allowing the perpetrator to further extend their neck would be preferred.”
Hmm… Elinor smirked, resting her cheek on the back of her hand again. To cut it off when fully exposed?
“Precisely, and if the High Ruler is involved, it is likely the culprit will be flushed out and executed swiftly, without the ability to discover accomplices. We can then use the Shadow Hand to probe further.”
It’s an acceptable path forward. Elinor commented, gaze lifting to Violet as she situated herself on the ceiling again. I suppose the two of you would rather stay close by than explore the secret passage for me?
“That would seem the most secure option, Empress,” Violet responded.
Edmon predictably followed. “Agreed.”
A short sigh escaped Elinor’s lips. Fine … when we do probe these two holes in the wall, secure the area, but don’t spoil the surprises for me. I want to have a little fun.
““As you wish.””
The rest of the hour was spent exploring the large private conversing room the Emperor had assigned to her as her temporary respite area. Nalvean architecture was slightly different in this room compared to the other parts of the Empire, hosting more Egyptian influence than the mixed Chinese she’d seen throughout the rest. It made her think that this might have been an early main chamber for the High Ruler himself before additions were made.
Bronze tablets were lined across the thick shelves, designed to hold the heavy metal sheets with writing on them. Edmon found a bit of interest in the items, which resembled the Hopewell culture’s ancient craftsmanship; early B.C. settlers of the Eastern United States. He talked a little bit about the similarities but relented that it was more Tiffany’s area of expertise.
Elinor examined a few of the scripts, which cataloged environmental changes, creature migrations, and battle history going back three hundred years. It was a bit odd to her; why would they put such records in a place designed to host their guests?
There were artistic works detailing romances and even an adventure saga that took up an entire shelf; many sheets were held together by three thick bronze rings to create volumes. They folded to the back, which she supposed would save your place, but if anyone new wished to read the plate, they would need to search for the beginning, or so she’d thought. Castella showed her the small ridges cut into the bottom, barely noticeable to her, but was quite apparent to the Nalveans, it seemed, that showed chapters and progress through the volume.
She had her chair moved to the area out of sheer boredom and used a table to hold the heavy metal records, scanning a romance. It was more than a little dry for her tastes, with several chapters devoted to hunting through the jungle together, finding the best fishing spot. The fact they’d just escaped a war raid that was never mentioned before by creatures she was apparently supposed to know was a little jarring.
It would be like she gave the Nalveans a book with heavy importance on tigers, yet never explained what the creatures were. The sexual thigh bumping while walking and the importance of specific gestures that would have probably made most Nalveans blush flew right over her head.
Elinor closed the book after the seventh chapter; she just didn’t understand much of the culture but had learned a few important things to note about the Nalvean body language. She had to keep a closer look at where they rubbed their bodies or how their tails flicked.
Edmon poured over the boring stuff, but only with half-focus, ready to react in a moment’s notice to danger.
Her green eyes darted to Aileen; she’d given the girl permission to go over the adventure story, and it was fun to see her learning how to read and understand the phrases. Emelina was acting like her mother, tutor, and maid trainer. It seemed to be somewhat therapeutic for the Head Maid, which made Elinor happy.
There was so much to learn about this world.
As was expected, Klaus returned with Kolira, the Mother Superior of the Clavex Clan, and her adopted daughter, Elluinara, which was actually considered young at 78. Of course, Kolira was in her late 80s. In comparison, Castella, her low Heroic-Grade Elite Warrior, had been 145, translating to 48 in human years before being killed and resurrected to her lovely prime.
The Mother Superior hesitated to enter the room upon seeing Edmon’s intimidating, armor-clad figure and her sitting on the throne. Elluinara swiftly bent down to scoop up her hand and lead her in, following Aileen’s bouncing step.
Aileen cheerily introduced the two as they stiffly knelt in front of her. “The Mother Superior of the Ri’bot … Clavex,” she corrected on Emelina’s prompt, adopting a smiling blush, “and … umm, Elluinara,” she stumbled with the phrasing a little, which was surprising given she had the same vocal prowess granted to her by Imiunarus’s addition to her Nexus. “... The Nalvean Seaweaver councilwoman.”
She did a short curtsy as Elinor silently praised and dismissed her to explore the exciting adventure she was in the middle of. Apparently, it involved a battle with boat-sized underwater lightning flamingos … or that’s how she enthusiastically described it through the Nexus.
Elinor let the strange tale slip to the back of her mind but reasoned it might be worth a read if she grew bored again. The girl was almost finished with the first, concise volume.
Klaus bowed before speaking. “I have already informed them of the issue, Empress. Also, there was a level of hesitation and notice given when I returned. I expect their entrance into your private chambers will be reported rather swiftly.”
Noted.
Elinor straightened on her throne; the two women were still waiting for her to respond to them. “You’ve been given the appropriate explanation upon what I require. Do you have anything to add?”
Kolira had a worried expression, twisting to stare at the resting princess on the bed before returning her gaze to Elinor. “Empress … I have healed a great many Nalveans within my lifetime, but I am not clear what the Ambassador is speaking about. He says that Princess Tal’tamine’s mind has been taken over?”
Elluinara’s tongue slid through her lips before making a few gestures while joining the conversation. “We may be unable to provide the support the Empress desires.”
The nervous twitch of her tail Elinor caught from the romance she’d recently read. “... Do what you can for the princess. However, know that I had a sleeping agent administered to her to ease the princess’s suffering … I hope you can end her torment.”
Kolira and Elluinara glanced at each other before the Ri’bot’s head lowered again. “We will do what we can. Can I speak with you, Empress, when this is concluded?”
“Perhaps,” Elinor responded with a sad smile. “This is the first time we have officially met one another, and there is much to plan, yet … what we might discover could take all of my time.”
“I … understand,” she whispered, large eyes falling to the floor with concern.
The Ri’bot adjusted her necklace while rising and went with the Seaweaver to examine Tal’tamine. Klaus joined them.
Tal’tamine was lying on her side, uncovered sharp back spikes and limp tail facing them.
Klaus pointed at one particular crystal point around her shoulder blade area. “This was dark purple, unlike the red that shone from the others, and I sensed a compelling force within injecting pulses of energy into her spinal cord, reaching into her brain. What do you see?”
Elluinara forced a giggle. “Right now … a gorgeous back and the most phenomenal arrangement of Seaweaver Pins I’ve ever seen. I never had a chance to really examine Princess Tal’tamine’s pins this closely before and uncovered … and how many could she activate?”
“Nearly all of them, from what I observed,” Castella replied, standing by the princess’s bedside. “It was quite extraordinary.”
“Wow…”
Kolira’s stone began to shimmer with golden-white light, slowly enveloping her entire body while slowly moving her hand down the drugged Nalvean’s back and pins. “... The toxin in her system is … quite powerful, dampening many other things I could … wait, there is something strange … here.”
Elluinara leaned in closer to check the spike Klaus had pointed out. “Hmm…” Unhooking a small jug strapped across her shoulders and resting at her side, ten of her double-layered pins began to glow.
The red water within extended out; it only required minor gestures, dashing Elinor and Aileen’s Avatar dreams with Katara in the shape of the frightening giant salamander woman. She rested the pool of liquid against the place, and it rippled slightly, swirling back and forth.
“How … what are these … hmm?” She pulled the water away to lean in for a closer look. “Mother Superior … I sense objects here within the water, yet … I cannot see them?”
“Invisible?” Elinor whispered, vision narrowing. I don’t didn’t see anything there when examining it, but my True Sight Passive is only level Two … it has Max Proficiencies now. So, there has been something invisible I was missing. Why didn’t I have Violet examine her sooner?
Sending Violet, the Spider Sister approached unseen beside the two conversing women.
What do you see?
“... I see nothing, yet I sense its weak waves.”
Do you have True Sight?
“Yes, Empress. Stage 1, Level 5, Rookie Grade, Rank Seven. There are places within your fortress where I can functionally improve the Proficiency.”
So, Edmon … this invisible item is quite powerful if it can avoid Violet’s sight.
Edmon’s lips pulled in by his tone. “Not exactly. Level Five and Rookie Grade on the first stage is not exactly potent. Iris and I have Abilities in their Second Evolution, at their third stage, tenth level, and Versed Grade. Violet has some in her Second Evolution, at their first or second stage.”
… I suppose that is true, Elinor relented, feeling somewhat annoyed how much further ahead they were when the highest degree she’d been able to achieve so far was Death Pool at the third stage and without a second evolution, which was a new concept for her. Is it an item, Klaus?
Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.
“That is what I have come to believe, Empress. However, I was unsure of how to extract it; I had no idea it was made invisible to the naked eye. I apologize for not taking that into consideration.”
It’s not a big deal … although, Tiffany would probably jump at examining a mind-controlling device such as this.
Elluinara and Kolira jumped as Elinor spoke; sometimes, she forgot how unnoticed and unnerving their silent discussions must make others feel. “So, there is an invisible item attached to her pin? Can it be removed?”
Kolira cleared her throat. “... I sense a negative force … it’s digging into her skin and pin … it’s not simply attached.”
“The pain must be so intense,” Elluinara whispered with concern. “How long has this … no, how did someone do this to a Princess of Nalvea? This pin is … it’s the Major Control Pin … a major point of stabilization for weaving the seawater. Damage to this area could ruin her … well, her mind and cripple her status as a Seaweaver.”
Edmon released a low growl while following Elinor to the bedside to gain a closer look. “So … you’re saying this was a meticulous operation that required surgical skills and a practiced knowledge to perform it? There were likely several dozen trial attempts used on high-level Seaweavers before attempting it on Princess Tal’tamine.”
Elluinara opened her mouth to respond but swiftly shut it, seemingly just realizing what the Doom Guard had said. “N-No … no, how could … if that many high-profile Seaweavers were to go missing, or sustain grievous damage to their pins, then I would know! I can’t think of anything like that happening.”
All eyes turned to Castella as she released a low hiss. “Not exactly, Councilwoman … there were heavy casualties of that kind … during the Fire Wars. It drew a great upset within the ranks of the Seaweaver forces; rumors cycled through the ranks, and it was concluded that the Quen’Talrat were to blame.”
Elinor clasped her hands behind her back, glaring at the place Elluinara’s water circled. “Perhaps not, after all … crimes are easy to hide during a war, allowing a scapegoat. The Nalveans grow more interesting by the hour … so, we have a mad doctor on our hands.”
“It would be the best time to test unconventional methods,” Edmon added. “When the heat of battle is raging, war medics would have little oversight; their only expectation would be to bring a soldier back to fight, which could open the gate to more taboo practices from ages past.”
The possibilities were branching out in Elinor’s mind, making her reconsider the likelihood her siblings were involved in this plot to control their youngest sister. She did resist naming the siblings that tortured her, nor how long ago that actually took place, yet could the perpetrator behind her enslavement be utterly uninvolved with the behind-door cruelty of the royals?
Mmh … could Tal’tamine have confided to a doctor about her condition? Perhaps it was difficult to control when she was a child?
“Hard to say,” Edmon responded, folding his arms across his broad chest. “We need more information.”
Klaus had his own hands held behind his back while coldly observing the scene unfold; Elluinara and Kolira discussed possible methods to remove the control item, but their first priority was actually seeing the object.
The Ambassador joined Edmon and Elinor’s discussion; he appeared a bit annoyed by the reveal. “Not once have I heard of a shady doctor taking clients from within the shadows from the Shadow Hand resources I’ve discovered so far. I suspect they must have a concise and financially stable patron list.
“Funds are categorized and listed by a branch within the Emperor’s Court for taxes, but I don’t have a current contact within that area to gain access to possible leads. It’s actually surprisingly air-tight and close-knit, rarely leaving the side of their personal Royal Guard detail.
“The Nalveans have a different approach to financial security than our online records, and their vault utilizes a key combination that requires Seaweavers to open. It is actually a very secure method. I will need to turn one to our side to gain access.”
Elinor couldn’t imagine the High Ruler ever giving her access to their nation’s financial records, but a sudden sly smirk lifting Klaus’s lips drew her attention back to him.
“Although … the individual tax records of the Statesmen, Trade Tycoons, and other wealthy Nalveans would be much easier to intercept and access inside their manors than the Royal Financial Vault. It will be more tedious, but well within reason.”
It’s a start. Elinor replied, staring down at the sleeping Princess with dissatisfaction; it wasn’t looking like they would release her from her mental prison anytime soon.
Elluinara and Kolira were both concluding it was far beyond their skills and expertise, but their addition had helped to further narrow down a possible lead; the hidden strings dancing inside the Nalvean underground were slowly taking form as her Empire immersed themselves in its underbelly.
The young Nalvean councilwoman offered one last piece to the puzzle surrounding Tal’tamine, using her water to outline the thing afflicting the girl.
What Nalveans called ‘Pins’ were actually uniform crystal thorn-like studs; the stronger Seaweavers had two arcing rows running along their spine. The two spikes of Tal’tamine’s sixth row appeared to have four ribbon-like screws with runic etchings carved into their design drilled into the base of each crystal. They were no thicker than a 1/8ths inch screw on Earth.
Violet could sense waves transmitting to the rods, pulsing into her spine to travel up the princess’s brainstem; she was receiving remote orders. Although the level of control they had over her was so far unknown, it was doubtful that they could see through Tal’tamine’s eyes by her responses.
Elinor dismissed Elluinara and Kolira upon discovering the final bit of insight they could provide; they’d learned quite a bit. Sadly, the waves being gathered by the device were too weak to pin-point for Violet; she could only identify it when gathered. However, if she crossed a similar phenomenon, the Thélméthra would now notice it.
Her grip tightened against her right wrist as the two women left, Klaus escorting them back to their locations. Edmon, this has turned into an unfortunate event … we cannot allow Tal’tamine to wake up until we remove this control device. Is the only option to tell her father and bring him into the investigation?
Edmon sighed through their private conversation in her Nexus. “I’ve been pondering that question myself. It’s not that far-fetched of an idea that we … these new threats from another world just came to their city and brainwashed their beloved Princess. We are actually being set up.”
… Wonderful. Elinor sank against the side of her chair, resting her head again with her knuckles. The moment Tal’tamine wakes, she could go to her father and spin whatever story those waves tell her to. What’s our way out, and does that take her father off the table entirely?
“Not exactly, but it’s a risky play. This is a plot that is more than capable of starting a war. Fortunately, we discovered it before our options had run out. We could weave the lie that Tal’tamine is teaching one of the maids more about their culture with the library currently here, and she could leave to bring food back to show proof of activity.”
Elinor glared at the Nalvean girl’s spine across the room, taking deep, slumbering breaths. Okay … that will buy us time, but we need to develop some strategy to find the culprit, and fast. Sweeping the entire incident under the rug while freeing Tal’tamine is the best outcome, and if I can gain another Nalvean with these types of skills … it could prove useful.
“Indeed. Discovering the purpose behind the action is also key. Demon might have his part, but there is a third source that has some vision requiring Tal’tamine’s mind at their whims; Demon cannot manipulate … unless…”
Hmm? Elinor’s focus snapped to the sizable armored figure to her left.
“The devices Tiffany examined when he was trying to take control over your spirit…”
Yes? I wasn’t there to witness what you’re talking about. What devices?
“Demon was able to use hundreds of these rock-like devices to disrupt Tiffany’s ritual until she blew them all away, charming the area to cut him off from gathering any more power to aim at you or control the ancient technology. Tiffany described them as having etchings inside the rocks, allowing them to be used as remote control drones. This could be that same technology.”
The world blacked out as Elinor closed her eyes, releasing a long puff of frustrated air. Great … how do we counter it?
“Hmm,” Edmon went silent for a moment. “... I cannot imagine this … practitioner being satisfied with just creating this mind control artifact. His residence will be filled with experimentation … Klaus, use the Shadow Hand to seek for anyone that fits the profile of an eccentric with strange rumors or unexplained phenomena surrounding them.”
Klaus was currently reaching the bottom floor of the massive palace with the women he was escorting; a fascinating tone passed through the connection.
“Ah … that’s a good point of attack. He should also have enough backing to not work or have a busy occupation and be within the cleric circles; we could also be dealing with an apprentice of that war medic that Castella mentioned. I’ll also check with her to generate a list of what she recalls from the war. It’s at least a solid direction.”
“Be quick, Klaus. There is only so much time we can keep the princess out of the public eye. We also need to be aware of anyone asking questions about Tal’tamine’s whereabouts or hanging around the top floor. It’s actually beneficial to us at this point if Hakara ordered the Imperial Guard to restrict access to our floor.”
“Of course, Edmon. I will begin spreading the word immediately and narrow down the candidates; it takes top priority. That being the case, Camellia will be returning soon with news from Statesman Joru’kora’s Estate; depending on what information she was able to glean, we could move swiftly to bring him in as an ally.”
Elinor left the conversation, suppressing another annoyed sigh; she believed Tal’tamine was falling into her hand when, in reality, she was a ticking time bomb. Still, she could turn this situation around, but the issue was if she had the influence to accomplish it with the small elite force she’d brought.
Violet and Edmon would stay by her side, and it would be next to impossible to leave the palace for an extended period within a few days. She couldn’t feign exploring the Nalvean culture and lands or meeting with its Statesmen to build proper relations until she secured a solid foundation with the High Ruler.
That left Imiunarus, Camilla, and Lecra’Moro as her unseen hands; even Klaus and Castella were too high profile to draw too much attention to themselves, and sadly, Quin didn’t have the stealth functions the Quen’Talrat Heroic-Grade Assassin had to travel across the land unseen.
In fact, Camilla, as an Epic-Grade Elite Warrior, would be the Commander of that three-team Assassin unit. However, the oldest spider sister was a naturally built stealth predator, which made her somewhat of a hybrid, allowing her to be a part of some interesting groups. The girl didn’t give herself enough credit for her versatility.
A smile lifted Elinor’s lips; she did have a capable group to accomplish her needs. Edmon … inform Lacra’Moro about the current situation we’ve found ourselves in, and have him join Camellia to fill her in. By the time they return, Klaus should give them a name and list of targets to scout and capture.
“Hmm … we will also need a secure location outside of the city. I’ll have Klaus procure an appropriate place to conduct the interrogation.” The hint of longing touched his deep, smooth voice. “... If only Tiffany were here, it would make compliance so much easier.”
Elinor had to agree; Tiffany had proven she had more than a few ways of getting compliance … one way or another.
Once Edmon began to issue her orders, Elinor turned her focus to the secret passageways; finally allowed enough breathing room to explore a little. If there was one thing Elinor had learned throughout her nearly two-week struggle for survival, it was to take pleasure in the little things.
Edmon, Violet, and Aileen accompanied her; the little girl was a bit disappointed, leaving her engrossing adventure series that had at least thirty volumes of thick metal sheets spaced along the thick wooden shelf they occupied.
She left Emelina to guard the sleeping princess; Elinor wasn’t taking the inadvertent chance that the Nalvean Princess suddenly awoke from the Maid’s poison dagger.
Elinor swiftly cheered the 12-year-old girl up by giving her the task to find the hidden key to get into the bathing room’s secret passage.
It was situated in the wall between the room they were in and the hallway outside the Royal Guest Quarters, where the dozens of Imperial Guards stood.
No secret stays concealed long with a determined pre-teen at play, and Aileen found the hidden stone implanted in the wall; it was made to look like an unassuming section of an ornament kit.
The wall slid back and up with the girl’s bouncing excitement; Violet and Edmon were ready for any attack, but the space was empty. Violet barely fit with her original form, but her human transformation was on cooldown for another 10 minutes; she went first, skitting sideways along the narrow corridor, or at least tight for Nalveans and Thélméthra.
Elinor casually entered with Aileen bouncing for joy while pointing to a similar stone with the same shape on the other side, used to close the section. They left it open.
The space was dark and without light, but Elinor could easily penetrate the blackness.
Look at how much dust is here, Elinor commented, watching swirls of it billow up with Violet’s swift race to discover any hidden trap or danger ahead.
Aileen’s bright tone followed her comment. “Mhm, mhm! Umm … it’s pretty tall. Does it go to the kitchen? Could we get late-night snacks?”
Maybe. Elinor giggled, following the girl’s gaze; it was just as high as the ceilings in the bathroom.
“Empress, there is an elevator at the end; I do not sense any other secret passages here.”
Elinor subconsciously nodded at Violet’s report. Interesting … what do you think, Edmon?
“Clearly, this has not been used for quite some time. I doubt many would know of its existence.”
And where does it lead? Elinor mused, spotting a sharp L turn ahead.
Once reaching the space, she spotted the device Violet mentioned; the unusual bit was its placement. The elevator was sectioned on the opposite side of the hallway. Violet returned to her human shape, and went down first with Aileen; the pre-teen thrilled to be able to feel the vibrating pulse of the much older version of the elevator they’d used to move up the palace before.
Violet cleared its safety, and they rose again to retrieve them.
They’d entered what appeared to be an ancient maid or butler room, designed with multiple rotten wooden closets, mostly decayed beds, and utterly ruined rugs. A small bit of water dampened the stone floor; they must have been on the lowest foundation. The area lacked in every way the grandeur of the palace surrounding it.
Huh … so, this must have been where the Nalvean servants used to be located a few decades ago … perhaps millennia, for all we know. Is there a way out?
Violet searched but came up empty. When they’d redesigned the palace, they’d sealed off this entire room.
“A panic room?” Edmon offered a doubtful tone; it mystified him from a design aspect with how utterly unused the space was. “Perhaps it was kept in case of an emergency.”
It could certainly function as one. Elinor mumbled. If needed, we could put Tal’tamine in here … it’s an option.
Returning to the bedroom, Elinor couldn’t help but lift an eyebrow at how much of a difference it was from the blocked-off space below. From the fine silk drapes that consisted of everything to the elegant greenwood sculpted furnishings, opulent was an understatement when adding gems and exquisite, rare metals.
This time, the activation device was much different; a yellow stone that matched the powerful jewels of the Quen’Talrat kingdom. This passageway was much newer, and it showed. Taking them to a private elevator that used the same yellow gem and magnetism by Violet’s senses to take them to what appeared to be a private garden with only one other entrance across the way.
Fogged crystal surrounded them, and crushed glowing gems were like brilliant stars shining yellow, warm light down on the stunning floral garden below.
The whole experience reminded her of Ke’Thra’Ma’s Life Room … just much more conservative, which was saying something with the sight around them.
It was exotic with the vivid orange, white, purple, and pink flowers, trees with blue trunks and orange leaves, and everything was neatly trimmed; although, this garden clearly had to be tended to, unlike the White God’s.
Elinor moved further into the wondrous hidden area, examining the textured ferns more than double her size with golden sap-like dew dripping onto the organized flowerbeds. A pathway led to an extravagant veiled bed in its center, tucked into a dark tropical willow with faint blue bulbs that glowed with blue light.
Fascinating … now, why would you have something like this connected to a ruler’s bed chamber? A small smile lifted her lips while backtracking to the second elevator, following its ascent beyond the crystal dome. Castella…
“Yes, Empress!” The warrior chimed, keeping watch in the hallway, just outside the room with Emelina, to support and inform them of a knock in case someone wished to enter.
What are the Nalvean rules for intermingling with other races?
“Oh, Empress!” Castella mumbled, clearly flustered by the question. “I … I cannot recommend such a … umm, task as … well, Nalveans have a very strict culture of remaining true to our roots … I hope you understand what I’m trying to say!” She stammered.
Hehe … no, no, Castella. God, no … not me.
Edmon’s hidden smile grew at the question, but Violet didn’t understand the direction; the pre-teen was protected from such conversations.
No … my next question is … which nation’s leader most visits the Capital and stays in this chamber?
“Uh … that would be the Golariex Holy Empire, Empress. They are the race that inhabits the northwestern territory to the old Quen’Tarlat lands. The Golariex incorporated a large chunk of the Trelmere lands to their east when the Quen’Talrat all but eradicated them on their war march northward. They are … an unusual looking race that lives twice as long as we do.”
Mhm … which delegate stays in the room I’m currently occupying?
“Oh, naturally, it is always Grand Duchess Juliquah, next in line for the Holy Brace; she makes the journey personally twice a year to go over her nation’s progress and negotiate the yearly changes to trade policy. High Ruler Nukulara has developed many strong ties with most of the allied races after the Fire Wars!”
Elinor licked her smirking lips, doing her best not to imagine the scene unfolding in her mind, but it made her surprisingly curious about the whole transaction. I’m sure his two yearly affairs with Grand Duchess Juliquah are quite a bit more … intimate than the rest.
“W-What do you mean? No … are you saying…”
With that succulent news, Elinor’s vision shifted to the nearby second elevator. I’m now intrigued by what these Golariex look like. I assume there are statues of them … perhaps one of Grand Duchess Juliquah somewhere in the palace? You know, for memorable purposes.
“I … yes … at the top of the Art Museum. Oh, no … High Ruler … he … he had it commissioned just after the war. He and the Grand Duchess … they spent a lot of time together strategizing…” She cried.
It was a little shocking to find such conflicting emotions in the warrior, but this was actually a very devastating thing for her to learn.
Huh … I suppose I should go … investigate who he admires so much. She giggled, returning to her room to prepare for the journey.