The Heroine of Ferelden

Ch:10

Elra's gaze remained steady as she addressed Aren, her voice cool but commanding. "Ezn is trained in more than just domestic duties," she said, gesturing toward her maid. "She'll serve you well in her wifely duties, should you treat her with respect. But be warned-like all my maids, she's also trained in combat. Don't think you can overpower her without consequence."

Then, Elra turned to Ezn, her tone softening slightly. "Are you okay with this?"

Ezn didn't hesitate. "I follow your orders, my lady," she said with a calm confidence, bowing her head in submission.

Elra smirked as she looked back at Aren. "See? People under my command listen, Aren. You can refuse if you wish, but if you do, your fate is imprisonment and years of hard labor. The choice is yours."

Aren, still visibly shaken, didn't refuse. The threat of labor and imprisonment weighed heavily on him, and the idea of crossing Elra felt far more dangerous than following her orders. But he started to like Ezn somewhere in his mind. After a moment of tense silence, he finally nodded in submission.

Elra, satisfied with his response, gestured toward Ezn. "Take him."

Without a word, Ezn stepped forward, offering her hand to Aren. He hesitated for just a second before taking it. Her touch was firm, and she guided him out of the tent with grace.

As they left the camp together, Elra watched them go, her mind already moving on to the next task. She had no time for insubordination or disruptions within her ranks. Everyone under her command, even a brute like Aren, would learn that loyalty and discipline were not optional.

As night fell, the camp was alive with the sounds of preparation, the soldiers setting up just a few kilometers away from the stronghold of Lord Eamon. Elra and her forces were planning a march to gather support from the lords loyal to Queen Anora. Elra and Leliana sat outside Elra's tent, a small fire flickering between them.

Leliana spoke casually, mentioning that both Morrigan and Alistair were far away from Ferelden, their fates tied to different paths. She leaned closer and added with a sly smile, "Anora has her own plans. She's working on securing a powerful lord's hand in marriage."

Elra made a clicking sound with her tongue, frustrated. "If only Alistair had married Anora... she could've been under my thumb, easy to control."

Leliana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Don't worry too much. Anora still trusts you. After all, she's gifted you a castle and all the comforts that come with it. She won't forget what you've done for her."

Elra gave a slight smile, acknowledging the truth in Leliana's words. While things hadn't gone exactly as she'd planned, she still held significant influence over the queen and the future of Ferelden. Even with powerful players like Alistair and Morrigan gone, Elra knew she had secured her position-through both loyalty and strength.

(Their conversation continued)