Her Empire

Chapter 3 - Introductions

don't kill me 😬 i'm so bad at updating AGH
the picture above is the improbos liberetis, aka the rogues.
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*Ophelia POV

     "I can walk by myself, thank you," I spit at the grimy guards restraining my arms. He sent five of them. I don't know whether to be flattered or annoyed. They don't listen to my words, they just tighten their grip.

     "I recommend you loosen your grip, or else I will take all 5 of you down before you can call for help from your pathetic-" I begin, but am interrupted by a deep, smooth, rich voice. I turn my head to the side and am met by the incredibly handsome Thaddeus Bane Dark.

     "Pathetic what now?" He questions, amusement laced in his tone. He is leaning against a thick tree, his sword shining brightly against the sunlight. His muscles are on display through his armoured clothing; a black shirt with silver armour covering the important parts of his body, black pants, and a long black cloak flowing down his back, the hood resting against his lower neck and upper back. His clean shaven face is displayed with that stupid smirk, and tattoos on his hands, peeking out from the sleeves of his shirt.

     My mouth dries. Maybe threatening a ruler in his lands wasn't my best idea... "-strong, powerful, incredible, ruler that is Emporer Thaddeus Bane Dark, of course... Ophelia Credelia, I wish it was a pleasure."

     His smirk grows as I attempt to shake his hand, but am met with a sword infront of my neck. Someone isn't very happy with my advances toward their ruler.

     "Woah, big guy. That scared of 'Lil ol' me?" I chuckle, feeling it get pressed harder into my neck.

     "Okay, Jackson. Enough. She'd be stupid to pull anything here. Let her go. We'll have a civil conversation," He orders with finality in his tone. The guards obey and drop my arms. I rub the soreness.

     "Gee, thanks," I deadpan, rolling my eyes. We begin to walk.

     "Now, the Ophelia Vera Credelia, surrendering her kingdom? This has to be a mistake," He amusingly taunts. I feel my anger begin to grow.

     "It was a decision that was made for the greater good of my people," I halt my steps, Thaddeus halting his aswell. "Emperor to Empress, would you give up anything for your kingdom?" I prod. He takes a second to think about it.

     "It would depend on what the circumstances were," He answers finally. I nod, agreeing with his answer.

     "Well, those circumstances made it pretty hard to say no." I finish, my voice getting quieter, and beginning to walk again. My hands grab my elbows, holding my arms to myself. I hear footfalls begin behind me.

     "So, where will I be staying?" I question, trying to change the subject.

     "The dungeons." Thaddeus answers curtly. My eyes grow wide. I've never slept in the dungeons before. Surely, I have them in my kingdom, but I've never used them.

This will be a humbling experience.

I nod my head in acknowledgment. He raises a brow.

"No hissy fit? No demand for better something better? A room, perhaps?" He questions, crossing his arms over his chiseled, armoured chest.

I look at him out of the corner of my eye. Hesitantly, I answer. "No. I have them in my kingdom, so I should probably live in them once in my life. That wouldn't be very fair if I've sent my people to a place I've never been beforehand."

He nods his head in thought. I look away from him and am met by a beautiful village.

The Improbos Liberetis.
(The Rogues).