Misbegotten world

Chapter 28: far north

The chamber was adorned with rich tapestries and flickering candles, casting a warm glow across the lavish space. The Queen of Death stood elegantly, her figure partially obscured by the delicate hands of her maids, who were dressing her in a flowing black gown that hugged her curves. The soft fabric shimmered against her pale skin, emphasizing her ethereal beauty.

The Demigod of Death entered quietly, his presence commanding yet respectful as he observed the scene. The maids paused, their hands stilling as they sensed the weight of his gaze, and they exchanged glances before excusing themselves from the room.

As the door closed behind them, the atmosphere shifted, thick with unspoken tension. The Queen turned to face him, a hint of a smile playing on her lips, but her eyes held a glint of seriousness. "You've come at an unexpected time, my dear," she said, her voice low and melodic. "Is there something weighing on your mind?"

He took a step closer, his expression grave. "I've received troubling news regarding the conflict between the Golden Order and the rebel houses of Makaylon. The flames of war have been ignited, and the balance of power in our realm hangs precariously in the balance."

The Queen raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "And what of the Demigod of Trickery? Has he taken any action?"

He shook his head. "I have not responded to his messages. I find myself at a crossroads, unsure of whether to align with him or distance ourselves from his schemes. His motivations are often shrouded in deception, and I do not wish to be entangled in his web of trickery."

She stepped closer, the fabric of her gown whispering against her skin. "You know that chaos can be a powerful ally. If the Golden Order is to expand its influence, perhaps we should consider playing both sides. The Demigod of Trickery could be an invaluable asset in sowing discord among the rebels."

"But at what cost?" he replied, a hint of frustration in his tone. "His games can spiral out of control. We risk losing our footing if we align ourselves with his whims."

The Queen reached out, her fingers brushing against his arm, grounding him. "We must think strategically. The Golden Order seeks to subjugate the Makaylon houses, and if we play our cards right, we can use this chaos to our advantage. We can emerge stronger, regardless of who wins this war."

He studied her, the glimmer of her ambition igniting a fire within him. "You always see the bigger picture. Perhaps you're right. But we must also consider the potential backlash. If the Demigod of Trickery feels slighted, he could turn against us."

"Let him come," she said with a smirk, a confident glint in her eyes. "I thrive in darkness, and he would soon realize that crossing us would be a grave mistake. But for now, we must act with caution. I will summon him, and we will discuss the implications of this war together."

As she finished dressing, the room took on an air of intimacy, the moment charged with unspoken desires. He stepped closer, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her into him. "Before you summon him, perhaps we should find a moment to... reinforce our alliance," he murmured, his lips brushing against her ear.

Her breath caught, and a playful smile curled her lips. "You know how to distract a queen, don't you? Very well, I'll allow you a brief reprieve from the world outside."