Melora and her knights returned to the castle as the maids quickly stripped her armor and drew her a silent bath. She grew fond of baths as her days with Adeline and the rest of the group washed over her mind. She opened her eyes and started to think about her conversation with Arel. Her mind fixated on the fact that she was no longer a human but a hybrid of sorts. She removed the neckce and set it aside as her body changed. She stared at her sharp, elongated nails, which were very simir to Adeline’s. Her skin also became smoother as she ran her fingers across her body. Her tongue felt the sharp fangs which continued to grow; after she passed the trial of Judgement, no one questioned her, even when her body was actively changing. She slowly accepted the fact as the thought of Adeline seeped in, Melora sank into the tub as her cheeks fshed red in embarrassment.
“I wonder if she thinks of me now and then.”
Melora could not pinpoint the specific moment she developed these feelings for her. She felt free whenever she was with Adeline; she didn’t tell her what to think or feel. She was not afraid of her and openly said her thoughts; she was simply Melora to her and Adeline was just Adeline. She saw her for who she was a broken soul filled with anger and regret, trying to be better. Melora wanted to know her better, understand her story. A knock could be heard as her train of thought was disrupted.
She got up from the tub and picked up her neckce. She released a small amount of her purple fmes as the water dried off her skin. She wore her neckce and confirmed that her body was back to normal. She wore a light white gown and opened the door. A group of maids rushed in and quickly started to prepare her. She wore a dark dress with her trademark purple cape with her sword strapped to her waist. She walked out of her chambers, where Stefan and Arthur were waiting for her; they both bowed. She acknowledged the greeting and started to walk down the hallway, where visible vines and roots could be seen. The two followed closely behind.
“The empire has sent a delegation, with the crown prince coming shortly after.”
“I also received a message from Arbegon,” Stefan added.
Melora did not stop walking but gnced at Stefan, who paused for a moment.
“The elven queen contacted me and said that Arbegon was formally formed after the iron wall fell with the aid of Adeline, who led the trolls.”
Melora and Arthur both paused in unison as the maids, who were following from an extreme distance, dispersed, followed by the surrounding soldiers. “The iron wall fell? Are you sure?” Melora asked once more.
“Yes, but Joseph, an elf you were familiar with, passed away during the battle.” Melora fell silent as she recalled her brief encounter with Joseph. She didn’t spend enough time with him to form an opinion of him, but it was a loss nonetheless.
“Stefan, get ready to depart to Arbegon with the elves. Take James and some of the elite knights with you. If you are ever stopped by the empire, tell them you’re using them as leverage to release more humans and press forward. Once you’re there, tell their Queen Adeline I sent you and go from there.”
“What about the fairy?”
“Does the fairy wish to leave?” The fairy suddenly appeared from a nearby vine as she flew around in circles.
“I want to stay! I need to take care of the vines and nd.”
“The fairy wishes to stay.”
Stefan bowed as he hurriedly walked off, leaving them behind. Melora continued to walk towards the throne room with Arthur close by. She stopped at the door as Arthur swung them open, then entered. Melora followed shortly after. The familiar face of Marquis Orson and a few more nobles could be seen wearing expensive and fshy clothing, which Melora found quite ghastly. They all slightly lowered their gaze as she passed them and sat on her throne.
“Did you bring back an appropriate apology for the ruckus you caused on the gates?”
“Of course, Grand Duchess. We also prepared a gift to celebrate your ascension to your seat.”
Orson cpped as one of the nobles advanced, carrying a beautiful chest, and pced it near the steps to the throne. Arthur stepped forward and opened the chest, revealing a beautiful neckce with different brightly colored jewels. Arthur knew Melora would not like this, but still presented it. Melora gazed at it, then waved her hand as one of the maids took it away. Her nonchant gaze nded on Orson, who started to slightly panic.
“We also brought with us ten thousand gold coins for the inconvenience we brought.”
“Thank the emperor for being so courteous. I believe you came here to discuss this alliance which was put in pce by the te grand duke?”
“Ah yes, we did, but also, there has also been a great disaster. The iron wall has fallen to the monsters, and the empire calls for your immediate support.” Melora stared at Arthur, who was standing next to her; his gaze remained cold. Melora closed her eyes for a moment, then turned to Orson.
“Have you executed everyone involved in my betrayal?” Orson’s face turned pale. He turned towards the other nobles, who did not have an answer.
“We are still investigating everyone involved, please understand it is a long process.”
“Didn’t you advertise my death as a tragic heroic death by the orcs? How about you start with those who cimed as so? Is that truly a difficult thing to do?”
“I apologize for being cking, but this problem takes precedent. If the monsters draw further, many will die.”
Suddenly, vines pierced the ground and started to grow around the throne room as flowers started to bloom. The violet flowers were truly beautiful as they caught Melora’s eyes. The throne room now gave off an earthy feeling as nature slowly took over. Orson and the other delegates were quietly panicking as they stared at each other.
“Is something the matter?”
“Not at all.”
“As for the emperor’s call for reinforcements, I fear it won’t be possible. We are preparing for our annual hunting.”
“Can’t it wait?” Melora gave Orson a strong gaze filled with killing intent as the mood became cold. He shrieked in fear as he took refuge behind another delegate.
“You must be tired from your long trip. I recommend you go and get some rest.” The delegates slowly left the throne room, leaving Arthur and Melora alone.
“What will you do, your Highness? It seems time has come to make a conclusive decision.”
“The only decision I need to make is when we should wage war with the empire.”
Arthur agreed with the sentiment. While the empire looked weak at the moment, that was far from the truth. They could easily conjure hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and if you factor in the help from other kingdoms, things could easily become grim.
“You don’t trust either side.”
“My duty is not to act on personal emotions but only execute your will.”
“You say that but then disobey my orders, Arthur be truthful with me.” Melora let out a small chuckle as Arthur felt embarrassed.
“What is your heart telling you?”
“The empire cannot be trusted at all, but the creatures of the forest could also be using you. It does not make sense how they would willingly forget about the blood we spilt.”
“I think it’s because they are willing to do anything to protect the forest and also how long they live. You and me, we could live for a hundred years if we are lucky, but they have lived for multiple centuries.”
“Do you trust them?”
“Yes, I do. They have trusted me enough to not only save me but give me so many gifts. It is only natural I extend that courtesy to them.”
A fairy appeared from the nearby vine as she swirled across the room, leaving behind dust. Melora smiled at the sight as Arthur gnced at her. He was against this at first; it was ridiculous, but after spending time with the elves and the fairy in particur, his mind slowly changed. They showed him a different world; he could not understand them, but their actions spoke louder. He expected them to be vengeful and cause problems, but it was the opposite. They spent much of their time tending to the gardens and the immediate fields outside the castle. The local farmers started to report higher yields and the soil being much healthier.
“Something the matter?”
“I am just thinking maybe I was wrong from the beginning.”
“That’s how I felt too. I am hopeful for an age of peace with them.”
“Before peace, there must be war.”
“We need to prepare adequately.”
Melora and Arthur spent most of the day discussing about expanding the army then moved to their regur training session. Time flew fast as darkness took over, Melora went to sleep with various thoughts in her mind.
