The Heiress

Chapter 4 - The Shadow

 Ashen frowned and cocked her head to the side: what could he have to say then? Viscount Wilyo was about to retort, but she held up her hand to silence him.

– Enough, I will go, she said, before turning around. And you, Viscount, what did you have to tell me?

–... It can wait, my Queen. Just let me walk you to the south wing.

– Gladly, Viscount. Let's go.

After a salute to the Captain, the young woman turned on her heel and started off at a brisk pace, the Elf following her. He began to walk up to her, giving her discreet glances from time to time. She could feel it, and eventually slowed down, watching him in turn.

– What did you want to talk to me about, Viscount? She questioned him.

– Oh, do not worry, Your Majesty, there's no rush. This interview seems more important to me for the moment.

– If you say so.

She nodded, and a silence fell. Along their way, they greeted a number of people, who had come to the castle for a variety of reasons, but Ashen did not have time to converse. They stopped once in front of the door to the apartments where the messenger had been taken, awaiting there for a moment before the sovereign entered.

In the small, private living room in green and gold hues, in the center of which was a large silk sofa, stood a Night Elf, with purplish skin, long black hair and luminescent yellow eyes. His face, extremely cold, was torn with scars, and his appearance surprised the young woman more than the few in the way he showed her.

– Ashen Behôrn, I presume? He snapped at her, watching her from head to toe.

Ashen folded his arms, the Viscount frowned: they quickly realized that this man was far from being a simple herald. She tilted her head to the side while staring at him.

– You are absolutely not a messenger, much less a man of Dazorwin, are you? She questioned him, in a calm but firm tone.

– You are insightful, Miss, replied the stranger.

– You should choose your words to Her Majesty the Queen more carefully, Wilyo growled, for this disrespect could cost you.

He ignored him with disdain, and the Queen had to restrain her companion with one hand on his shoulder, before he advanced to the other with a threatening movement.

– Then, in that case, who are you? She resumed.

– My name does not matter. All you need to know is if you decide not to follow in the footsteps of Keshen, your father, and- ...

– I order you to change your tone, Herald, and not to mention the name of my late father, for I am neither he nor am I weak.

His sudden turnaround surprised the Night Elf as much as the nobleman: Ashen had raised his voice and his face darkened. She could not tolerate so much affront from such an occult stranger.

– I-... he began.

– You are one of the Jarkhan warriors, am I correct? She cut him off.

–... No, Your Highness. You are right.

– This is by far better. I imagine that you came here not to seek any help on behalf of Ozark Dazorwin, but to know my position on the subject?

He nodded, and she lifted up her chin, looking down on him.

– In that case, rest eased, I have no intention of offering assistance to such a tyrant. But if you were going to ask Bôrn for help for your group, do not wait any longer. Not only have you just abused the trust and hospitality of my Kingdom, not to mention the lack of respect you have shown me, but also, Bôrn is not involved in this conflict. So we will not take part in it, either on the King's side or on the Jarkhan's side. And with that, I ask you to leave my land immediately, or I will have you driven out by force.

The sovereign turned on her heels in an annoyed about-face and left, quickly joined by the Viscount. They had barely taken a few steps down the hall when Hanz joined them there, a broad smile on his lips and an envelope in his hands.

– I apologize to you, my Queen, I didn't want to eavesdrop, he laughed, but I have to admit that this stranger got what he deserved. Should I fire him, as he should be?

– Do it, Captain, do it. But do not give him this letter. And spread the word that he is just an impostor, will you?

– I am at your entire service, Your Majesty.

He left for the apartments, putting the letter in his trouser pocket. Ashen was about to set off again, still escorted by the young man, when the voice of the Captain of the Guards rang out again.

– Rashk'ahar... Your Highness! He disappeared!