Chapter 168: Ice

Midday. The day was unusually clear with a few clouds drifting here and there with no foreboding signs of rain.

The magical Royal Palace of Nemphis.

Etherwood Court.

The day outside did not matter at all since the hall was at the core of the Royal Palace of Nemphis, devoid of any windows.

But it was bright here, illuminated with artificial sunlights. Adrian was walking through the carpeted pathway, between the rows of exotic trees. 'Sunlight' gleamed through the colourful leaves above, creating a marvellous scene.

But the scene did not face him at all as he walked through to the end of the court, his destination.

The sight when he reached his goal, reminded him of the day where he first visited this exact court.

At the top of the pyramidal structure ahead, sat the Everking and the Everqueen. Just below them were the High King and High Queen, Ernic Greatwoods and Nuha Wells- a bit spaced out from each other. But it was different at the lowest step. The then Queen was now the Queen mother, sitting at her designated spot.

But the one accompanying her at the same level was not her husband, the previous King anymore. But it was her daughter, Evelyn Greatwoods, the current Queen of Nemphis.

As per the Royal customs, the previous King would stay in seclusion- all the way until he can reach level 9. This could take up to two decades or more. But once he got out, he would take helms as the new High King. The Ever monarchs would retire and would be replaced by the previous High monarchs.

Evelyn's fists we're clenched from nervousness. Her mother, Aretha was indifferent like her 'usual' self.

Maria was nowhere to be seen. Only the highest of the highest echelons of the country were in the room- the reigning Royals and the Royal Advisor of the mighty Kingdom of Nemphis.

"Greetings." Adrian stood still, not arching his back even by a bit. But a courteous smile remained on his face.

Nobody in the room was surprised. 

The Everking, Charles Greatwoods nodded. "I have seen the report of last mission." He began to speak. "Although I thought that the bet you made with your uncle was somewhat questionable and childish, Ernic assured that your decision can be trusted." He glanced at his son below. "But what you did with Aurgoth and Kraten are really worthy of commendation." His deep green eyes rolled back to Adrian.

"It's an honour." Adrian casually said.

"And I was informed that the Heeras were here to meet you. Looks like you have formed quite the deep relation with them." The old man gave Adrian a look.

"It's nothing but a deal that will help in our cause." Adrian replied calmly.

The green eyed Everking nodded. "Good. When will you start on the promise you made?"

"I have dealt with one family. I will deal with the other ones as well. But they are good tools; it would be a waste to dispose them before using their potential to the fullest." He smirked.

Everyone nodded.

"Very well." The Everking continued. "I heard that you will be heading out soon."

"Yes, I am done with my preparations and I will leave as early as possible." 

"Is it really necessary?" The old man asked. "We have top tier spies. You can just take any information you want."

Adrian shook his head. "It's not only about the espionage. I need to look into some other things." He scanned through the monarchs before looking right into the green eyes of the old man. "And if possible, weaken them to the bone before I strike at their heart."

Everyone flinched. Even the mighty Everking was not an exception.

He sighed. "Do whatever you want."

Everyone else remained silent. As long as they were not permitted to speak by the Everking, it would be discourteous to chime in. But there was always an exception.

"Dear." The blue eyed old lady sitting at the top looked at her husband. Her voice was euphonious. "I think it's time we let 'her' out."

"What?!" Everyone barring Evelyn shouted in chorus and turned to the Everqueen. The poor girl was befuddled by everyone's action.

The Everking composed himself. "Isn't this…"

The blue eyed lady shook her head and looked towards Adrian. "You might be an expert at hiding your level. But your true strength can't escape my eyes."

Adrian raised his brows.

"But I will respect your privacy." She turned back to her husband. "Just know that this boy is someone our Kingdom can't afford to lose. Besides, how long are you going to keep 'her' imprisoned in that cold room."

"But-"

"She is still oblivious to the ways of the world, right?" She smiled. "You have already witnessed this boy's ability." She pointed at Adrian. "He needs protection while she needs to see the world outside. With his wits, and her strength- they should be able to hold their own, even in the enemy territory. Besides, you know that strength without any sort of experience amounts to little."

The Everking wanted to retort, but he could not. "Very well." He sighed and turned to his daughter in law below. "Nuha, bring her here."

The High Queen nodded and stood up. She gave her husband one last glance before leaving the room. The room remained dead silent as everyone awaited for 'her'.

Evelyn was try her hardest to curb her curiosity. Who was 'she'? And how come she did not know anything despite being the Queen? She really wanted to ask her mother who was just beside her; but she did not dare to, sensing the tension in the air.

The whole atmosphere remained silent for ten whole minutes. None made a single sound.

Finally, the High Queen returned. But this time, she was not alone. With her there was a young lady who looked as if he were in her early twenties.

Evelyn gasped from the sight.

Every single one of the newcomers attributes could set herself out from the crowd. 

She was wearing a light blue dress. Her breasts were rounded and ample. Her figure slimmed down to her waist but it took a curve again. The slit of her dress revealed her plump thighs. But the ones that made her unique, probably in the entire continent was her eyes and hair.

He eyes were purple. And her hair was icy blue. But what was icier was her facial expressions. She had no facial expressions at all to be precise. And it looked completely natural.

She stood beside Adrian. Her purple eyes darted through everyone ahead before she took a slight bow.

"Greetings everyone." Her voice was as chilling as her face, devoid of any emotions.

"Greetings." The Everking nodded.

The High Queen returned to her spot and sat down.

"Congratulations!" The Everking said. "We are finally letting you out according to your wish."

"Oh" was the only sound that came from her mouth. Her facial muscles did not even twitch.

"Meet Adrian Darkheart." The Everking pointed at Adrian.

The lady looked to her side. Her purple eyes met the abyssal ones of Adrian.

He stared right into the ocean of purple. She felt a sort of suction coming from within those black holes. But she was unfazed.

But Adrian- his brows knitted. And they furrowed further and further the more he stared. The dark eyes soon began to twitch.

He suddenly closed his eyes and covered them with his hands.