The New Queen's Demand

Her demands were astounding in their boldness. She had asked for the kingdom's secrets, a private army, a promotion, and the right to do as she pleased. However, she claimed to have the mines' key once more.

Again there was a rattling, dry chuckle from the throne.

“Granted,” the Lich Lord rumbled. “All of it. Demidicus, you will grant her access to the archives. Helartha, you will provide her with a list of our most discreet operatives for her consideration.” He looked back at Anna. “Prove that my investment is a wise one. Do not disappoint me.”

But Helartha eyes looked scared, usually she’s the one who will move without worry, but now she looks scared.

Demidicus let out a soft, weary sigh, “We are villains, darling,” he murmured back, his voice dripping with cynicism.

“What, precisely, does your face says she’s ‘up to no good’? I reckon she’s just a genius.”

Helartha, an elf whose entire motivation was the protection of her people, could not see it that way. Anna getting the key was a victory for her cause, but the feeling the vampire gave off was one of chaotic, self-serving power that terrified her to her core.

“What is the matter?” Yarte’s voice boomed, his burning gaze falling on his two whispering captains. “I said grant her wish.”

“R-Right away…” Helartha said, kneeling down before leaving.

“Is there anything more you require, Lord Yarte?” Anna asked, pointedly ignoring the side conversation. “Or any other orders?”

“Not yet,” the lich rumbled, a hint of satisfaction in his tone. “For now, you will rest and plan. With you by our side, corrupting the whole of Frola will be… simple. When you’re ready, bring Pietta and Uetum to the mines.”

“Noted.” Anna said, her expression serious. “And is there any other operational information I should know? I have no desire to accidentally run into another one of your agents while they are doing their own job.”

Yarte considered it for a moment, the fires in his eyes pulsating.

“A valid concern,” he finally said. “You need not worry about the common soldiers. They will be given orders to avoid you. However, there are two forces you should be aware of.” He gestured a skeletal hand towards the shadow-elf. “Helartha commands my network of spies, the ‘Silent Crows.’ They operate within the city and will know not to interfere with you.”

He then turned his gaze to the vampire noble. “And then there is Demidicus. He operates as he pleases.” Yarte’s tone was a clear warning. “Consider him a rival. Do not get in his way, and he may not get in yours.”

Anna gave a final, sharp nod. “Understood.”

She turned and stepped back through the shimmering portal, leaving the court of dark beings to grapple with the new, terrifyingly effective queen they had just crowned.

With a sigh, Anna returned to the relative security of Zebril's rooms. But she stopped cold in the entryway at the strangely homey scene that met her eyes.

On the side of the bed, Zebril, the stern, tough Captain of Logistics, was stroking the bright blue hair of a small, pouting girl who was seated on a stool in front of her.

“And you have to use the soft-bristled brush, or it gets all frizzy!” Maren instructed, her voice full of childish authority.

“Of course,” Zebril replied, smiling warmly, “A weapon of your stature deserves the finest care.”

Maren beamed, her cheeks puffing up with pride. “That’s right! Praise me more!”

My sword is being ‘taken care of’ by a skilled blacksmith, Anna thought, a wry smirk touching her lips. Technically, I wasn’t lying to Yarte.

Maren’s head whipped around, her blue eyes sparkling as she saw Anna. “Anna! I can talk to Zebril now! Other humans can hear my actual voice! This is so much better than just being stuck in your head all the time!” she said happily. “I’m no longer alone at the bottom of the ocean again!”

“I see…” Anna looked down.

Maren felt Anna's sadness via their connection, and her grin wavered a little. “Mnaa! You don’t need to worry about me, Anna!” she sent telepathically, her tone soft and reassuring. “Maren is actually used to being alone!”

Anna sighed again, the sound heavy. “That’s why it’s bad, you know,” she murmured. She shook off the feeling, forcing a small smile. “For now, just enjoy your human form. It suits you.” She turned, the exhaustion of the last two nights finally catching up to her. “I think I need to rest—”

BOOM!

The entire barracks was shaken by a powerful explosion, and the stone floor shook under their feet. The main gate was in the direction of the sound.

A young knight with a soot-stained, pallid face rushed into the mess hall before Zebril could even yell an order. “Captain!” he yelled, breathless. “A corrupted person at the main gate! He just appeared out of nowhere and is tearing through the outer guard post! He’s… he’s going crazy!”

Zebril’s jaw tightened. “Understood. Sound the alarm for the inner wall defense.” Her eyes, however, immediately flicked back to Anna.

“You,” she said, “Stay here. This room is deep within the barracks; it’s secure. I will handle this.”

Maren immediately hiding behind Zebril’s leg and peek out at the commotion. “Uwah! Scary!” she squeaked.

“Exactly,” Zebril said, patting the little girl’s head. “A battlefield is no place for a child. You’ll be safe here.”

Maren looked up at the formidable captain, then shot a bratty, sideways glance at Anna. “I want to stay with you, Lady Zebril!” she declared, hugging the captain’s leg tightly. “It’s definitely safer with you than with Anna! You even know how to brush my hair!”

Anna’s eye twitched. After everything—surviving assassins, negotiating with a lich lord, fighting a berserker—this was the thanks she got.

Zebril couldn't help but let out a small, tired smirk. “I appreciate the confidence, little one, but my place is on the command post.”

Anna strode forward, she leaned down and gently but firmly pinched both of Maren’s soft cheeks.

“You stupid sword! You’re the Art of the Sea!”

“Mnaa! An-na sho mean!” Maren mumbled, her face squished. “But now Maren feel so vulnerable…”