The maid, Amara, was shackled to a chair in front of them. Her hair was disheveled, her face pale, and her eyes darted around the room, seeking an escape that did not exist. The fear in her gaze was unmistakable, and her trembling lips formed silent pleas for mercy.
Elowen took a step closer, her golden eyes narrowing as they focused on Amara. There was no hint of softness in those eyes, no mercy. Only the cold, focused gaze of a ruler determined to rid her home of any threat. Vyrelda’s presence beside her was a steadying force—a constant reminder of the loyalty that surrounded her.
The queen’s voice broke the silence, clear and commanding.
"Amara, we both know how this ends. Tell me what I need to know, and your punishment may yet be lighter. Resist, and I will leave you to Vyrelda’s mercy, which is far less forgiving than mine."
Amara’s eyes widened at the mention of Vyrelda’s name. The knight’s reputation was well known, and her eyes held a fierce glint as she stood next to the queen. The heavy silence hung in the air until Amara finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, the fear evident in her tone.
"I... I was forced. They threatened me. The Technomancers, they—they wanted information."
Elowen’s gaze hardened, her voice like ice.
"What information?"
Amara swallowed, her eyes flicking from Elowen to Vyrelda, then back again.
"They wanted to know about His Highness Mikhailis. About his routines, his habits. They said... they said he was important, that they needed to know everything about him. Something about his knowledge of the truth..." Her voice trembled, her eyes filling with tears.
"I didn’t want to do it, Your Majesty, I swear. But they said they would kill my family if I didn’t cooperate."
Elowen remained silent for a long moment, her gaze steady, piercing. Then, she stepped back, her expression softening ever so slightly. Then after thinking for a while, she turned to Vyrelda, nodding slightly.
"Have her family found and brought under our protection. Ensure they are safe."
Vyrelda nodded, her expression unreadable as she gave a curt bow.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Elowen’s gaze shifted back to Amara, her expression now one of cold resolve.
"Your cooperation has spared your family, but you will still answer for your betrayal. You will be held here until I decide your fate." She turned away, her robes swishing softly as she moved towards the door. Vyrelda followed her, the knights stepping aside to let them pass.
As they ascended the stone steps, the flickering light of the torches gave way to the warm glow of sunlight filtering through the castle’s upper halls. Elowen let out a slow breath, her shoulders relaxing slightly.
"It seems that is the end of the Technomancer infiltration," she said quietly, her voice carrying a note of relief.
Vyrelda nodded, her expression softening slightly.
"It is fortunate we caught her when we did. Any longer, and they may have had more leverage over us than we could handle."
Elowen glanced at her, a faint smile on her lips.
"Do you think His Higness Mikhailis is aware of what transpired today?"
Elowen shook her head, a small smile playing at her lips.
"Knowing him, he is either watching something or observing his insects. I doubt he even realizes the chaos that has been unfolding."
Vyrelda chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with amusement.
"It seems he has a knack for staying out of trouble, despite being at the center of it."
Elowen’s smile widened slightly, her eyes softening as she thought of Mikhailis.
"Yes, he does. Though sometimes I wish he would pay more attention to the world around him."
They continued down the hallway, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow through the windows, and Elowen felt a sense of calm settle over her. The day had been long, and there were still many challenges ahead, but for now, she allowed herself a moment of peace—a moment to simply be.
As they reached her chambers, Vyrelda bowed slightly, her voice gentle.
"Rest well, Your Majesty. I will see to it that everything remains in order."
Elowen nodded, her smile warm.
"Thank you, Vyrelda. I will see you in the morning."
As Vyrelda turned and left, Elowen entered her chambers, the door closing softly behind her. She let out a slow breath, her gaze drifting to the window, where the last rays of sunlight were fading. She thought of Mikhailis, of his antics, his quirks, the way he always seemed to be in his own world.
A small smile tugged at her lips, and she shook her head, her voice a soft murmur.
"I guess that guy is currently focused on either watching something or observing his insects."
She turned away from the window, her mind drifting to the events of the day, the challenges that still lay ahead, and the people she held close—Mikhailis, Vyrelda, Lira. They were all pieces of the puzzle, all part of her world.
And for them, she would continue to fight, to lead, to protect. But at least when she’s off, she could have her husband’s warmth comforting her throughout the night.
With that thought in her heart, she continue her walk to the chamber, before suddenly-
"Your majesty, the Saintess of the Elder Tree requested an audience with you," A guard suddenly said as he kneeled.
Elowen let out a sigh.
"I guess there is no time to rest for a queen. But well, I’ll have Mikhailis pamper me more later on," She uttered beneath her breath.
"Convey to her that I will accompany her soon,"
"Yes, Your Majesty!"