The voice rang clear, unwavering, filled with a strict resolve that could only belong to one person. All eyes in the room turned toward the source of the voice. The heavy wooden doors of the hall had swung open, revealing a tall, armored figure. Her polished breastplate glead under the grand chandeliers, and her red cloak swayed behind her.
Knight-Captain Sophie stepped into the room, her presence demanding attention.
Draven's sharp gaze narrowed, recognizing that familiar voice instantly. His eyes widened ever so slightly in surprise before he closed them in resignation. It was Sophie.
Aurelia, lounging lazily on her throne, gave a dramatic sigh as her fiery eyes t the knight's. She arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into an amused but irritated smile.
"Sophie, you barging in here ans it must be really damn urgent," she said, her voice dripping with impatience. "What do you have that makes you think you can interrupt this eting?"
Sophie knelt with one knee on the cold stone floor. She kept her eyes forward, staring directly at her queen, her expression as serious as could be.
"Your Majesty, I apologize for the interruption," she said, her voice unwavering. "But this cannot wait. I bring news that's critical to the safety of the kingdom."
Aurelia leaned forward slightly, curiosity piqued. "Alright, let's hear it then. What's so damn important?" She made a gesture for Sophie to stand, though her irritation was still evident.
Sophie stood, her eyes not straying from the queen's intense gaze. She unclipped a leather bag from her side, and it was clear sothing was off about it. The bag was wet, a sickly greenish liquid dripping from it. The stench beca apparent before the contents were even revealed.
Without another word, Sophie turned the bag upside down, and a head fell out, landing with a sickening squelch on the polished marble floor. Gasps echoed throughout the hall, and murmurs rippled across the crowd as they took in the sight. The head of a demonic orc lay on the ground, its eyes still wide in death, its tusked mouth twisted into a grotesque snarl.
The court magicians, professors, and ministers whispered among themselves, their expressions ranging from shock to horror. Draven remained calm, observing the reactions with disinterest.
Sophie took a step forward, her voice commanding attention. "This is the head of a demonic orc we encountered in the northern reaches," she began. "Near where the Shadow Plague had begun to spread. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the plague was initiated by these demonic orcs."
She paused, allowing the information to sink in. The murmurs grew louder, the tension in the hall increasing as everyone tried to make sense of the sudden, grueso revelation.
"Furthermore," Sophie continued, her voice unwavering, "we discovered evidence that these creatures have been capturing humans—keeping them as livestock, breeders, and using them for dark rituals. We found remains, Your Majesty... remains of people who were used, discarded like they were nothing."
A shiver ran through the hall, the weight of her words falling heavily upon those present. Aurelia's eyes narrowed, her deanor shifting. Gone was her lazy, detached air. In its place was a cold, calculating gaze—a gaze that spoke of the fierce queen she could be when the situation demanded it.
Sophie took a deep breath before delivering the next piece of her report. "Moreover, from what I gathered at the site, I found hints of a larger plan. There are indications that an orcish invasion is being prepared. The demonic orcs are gathering, and this might be the first of many attacks."
Before Aurelia could interject, Sophie added, "I confird these findings with the adventurers that assisted us during the Goblin King uprising—the Shadowbound Adventurer Party. Dravis Granger and Sylvanna both verified the signs of an impending invasion."
The murmurs grew louder, almost uncontrollable, as the officials began to react, a mixture of disbelief, fear, and curiosity sweeping through the chamber. The ntion of Dravis and Sylvanna seed to add weight to Sophie's claims.
Aurelia's eyes widened slightly, her gaze shifting towards Draven. For a mont, their eyes t—a silent exchange. Then, she looked back at Sophie, her expression hardening. She closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, and nodded as if coming to a decision.
When she opened her eyes again, they were fierce, her gaze like molten gold—blazing and unyielding. She rose from her throne, her voice resonating through the hall, echoing off the stone walls. It carried a tone of authority that left no room for doubt. This was not Aurelia the lazy queen; this was Aurelia the ruler of Regaria.
"All knights present, hear my command!" she called out, her voice ringing clearly. "Investigate this imdiately! Prepare for a potential invasion. Mobilize your forces and ensure that our defenses are ready to withstand whatever may co. Leave nothing to chance!"
The knights and ministers began moving in a flurry, their hurried discussions filling the room. Questions erupted, so skeptical, others simply seeking clarification. But the resolve in Aurelia's eyes silenced most of the dissenters.
A voice rose above the murmurs, a minister stepping forward. "Your Majesty, are we sure this threat is legitimate? The idea of an orcish invasion seems... far-fetched."
Before Aurelia could respond, another voice interjected, this one belonging to one of the professors from MTU. "If the information ca from both Earl Drakhan and Lady Icevern, then it must be true. They are like light and shadow—one exposing the truth, the other eradicating the threats."
Another nodded, chiming in, "Considering their very public break in engagent, it's unlikely that this is so form of collaboration. Their integrity speaks volus."
Aurelia's gaze swept the crowd, her fiery eyes narrowing as if daring anyone to disagree. She gave a curt nod. "Exactly. This is not a baseless threat. We act now, or we risk our people's safety."
She looked at the gathered officials, her expression resolute. "Send ssages to all feudal lords near the borders. They must prepare in case of any threat. I want them on high alert, and I want them to report back to
imdiately if they notice anything unusual."
She paused, her gaze intense, her voice lowering slightly, but carrying an edge of steel. "We will not be caught off guard. Not again."
With that, she turned back towards her throne, her red cloak flowing behind her. "This eting is dismissed," she said, her voice commanding. "All of you have your orders."
The officials began to move, so still whispering among themselves, others looking determined as they went to carry out her commands. The knights saluted, their armor clinking as they turned to leave.
However, before the crowd could fully disperse, Aurelia's voice rang out again.
"Draven, Chancellor Elandris, Sophie," she called, her tone softer, but still authoritative. "Stay behind."
The room quickly emptied, leaving only the queen, Draven, Sophie, and Elandris in her cloned form. Aurelia turned to face them, her deanor serious, her eyes sharp.
"Now, elaborate. What exactly is the potential danger, and when should we expect it?" she asked, her gaze fixed on Sophie first.
Sophie stepped forward, her face resolute, though there was a glimr of uncertainty in her eyes. "Your Majesty, we... don't have a specific tiline," she admitted, her voice filled with frustration at her own lack of answers. "All I know is what I saw—a gate that revealed an army of orcs, gathered in a different plane. They were clad in full armor, prepared for battle.
I couldn't tell where they were, nor when they might arrive. It's... still unknown."
Aurelia's eyes shifted to Draven, her gaze expectant. "And you, bastard? What do you make of this?"
Draven's eyes t hers, cold and calculating as always. He didn't hesitate. "The information Sophie provided matches what I have seen as well. There are signs that this is part of a greater sche—a coordinated effort that we are not yet fully aware of. However, I must admit, Your Majesty, I do not have a complete understanding of their plans either. There are too many variables, too many unknowns."
For a brief mont, the pri minister, who had remained silent so far, seed to believe the queen would lash out at Draven for his lack of concrete answers. But to his surprise, Aurelia simply nodded, her expression thoughtful.
"I see," she said quietly, her tone contemplative.
She turned her gaze to Elandris, who was still in her cloned elderly form, her eyes wise and steady.
"Chancellor, is MTU capable of investigating this further?" Aurelia asked, her gaze piercing.
Elandris took a step forward, her staff tapping softly against the stone floor. "With the current conditions, Your Majesty, it would be in our best interest to conduct thorough research. However, I must beg your pardon for saying this, but there will be factions both within MTU and outside who may not believe our findings.
And I must point out, Your Majesty, that the invasion may not necessarily start with our kingdom. It could very well begin elsewhere, in neighboring countries. The Continental Magicians' Council might not take this threat seriously without more evidence."
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Aurelia's eyes narrowed, her irritation evident. She let out a frustrated sigh, shaking her head slightly. "The continent? The council?" she muttered, her voice dripping with disdain. "I couldn't care less about the damned continent or their precious council. It's my kingdom and my people that matter."
Her eyes blazed as she looked back at Elandris. "Prepare everything. Make sure we don't miss anything. I don't want this kingdom to be caught off guard."
Elandris bowed her head, her voice calm. "As you wish, Your Majesty."
Aurelia then turned her gaze back to Draven. For a mont, she hesitated, as if she were about to say sothing more. Her eyes softened, a rare expression crossing her face—one of thoughtfulness, perhaps even appreciation. But just as quickly, the mask returned, her gaze hardening once more.
"Dismissed," she said, her voice final.
Draven gave a curt nod, while Sophie bowed deeply, and Elandris followed suit. As they turned to leave, the tension in the room seed to ease slightly, though the weight of the revelations still hung in the air.
Aurelia watched them go, her eyes lingering on Draven for just a mont longer before she finally turned away, her gaze distant, her thoughts filled with the challenges that lay ahead. The fate of her kingdom rested on the decisions she made now, and she knew that there was no room for mistakes.
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