A Pet for the Dragons

162.

IVRET

"You of all people should know how it is before making demands of that kind," Mavie told me diplomatically. Her pitch-black eyes pinned with a searing intensity.

"Zorge and Radrox have been out of service for a while. They're unfit for the commission. Sending them for an important job like this would be a waste of resources and time," I told her clearly, but I saw the determination in her eyes.

She was set on what she wanted to do, and nothing could change that. I was already feeling defeated, but I had to negotiate this with her.

Arika would be heartbroken if they left. And even though I mostly tolerated the brothers, I still shared my powers with them. It was in my best interests to look out for them.

"I've reviewed their past service. They're both exceptional warriors, regardless of their extended break. They'll do just fine, Ivret. You don't have to worry about them," Mavie assured me with the fake enthusiastic tone that always prickled my patience.

"I'm sure you did, your Majesty, but I request you to reconsider this," It was all I could think of right now. It didn't help that we weren't alone. Callath and one of her council members were part of this meeting.

I wasn't optimistic about this, but I had to do it for Arika. She wouldn't want Zorge and Radrox to go away.

Okay, I admit. I didn't want them to be gone too because as much as I hated them, they'd grown on me. I felt like their third brother. The Gallow Castle without them would be too empty.

I'd never admit it in a million years but I'd miss Zorge if we were gone.

I didn't miss how smug Callath looked. He had hated me since we were boys. He was enjoying this moment too much.

"Why do you wish me to reconsider this? Are you suggesting my decision was wrong?" Mavie asked with a sly smile gently tugging the side of her lips. She was purposefully doing this. Even though I was aware of all her games, he never failed to get under my skin.

"No, that wasn't my intention, your Majesty. But as your advisor, I request you to consider this again. I don't have much trust in the skills of the Saski brothers. I've witnessed their skills' corrosion while living in the Arctic. Sending them there wouldn't look good on your part if and when they fail you," I chose my words as carefully as possible.

Something stirred in Mavie's eyes and she leaned back momentarily, considering my words. I could tell that my words might have appealed to Mavie's attention.

She might be determined to send Zorge and Radrox to the frontiers but not at the cost of her looking like a fool. Zorge and Radrox were great warriors but were still unfit and untrained to go for such a dangerous commission.

I shuddered thinking of the frontlines. I'd been there once, during the war. I was an apprentice back then, still learning and honing my craft. My first job there was to make the death of the severely injured dragons as smooth and painless as possible.

I hated that job. It was the most terrible place in this realm and after returning from there, I swore never to return. I felt pity for Zorge and Radrox that they were being sent to face a fate like that.

"Hmmm... he does have a point," Mavie finally spoke, her eyes flickered to Callath. A silent look exchanged between them. Whatever it was, it unsettled Callath.

"What do you suggest then?" Mavie asked me, even though I could tell that she didn't want to need my suggestion. From the look in her eyes, I knew what she would do— what she had already planned.

"I suggest we send far more competent warriors than the Saski brothers. They can train meanwhile and take jobs more suitable to their skills and expertise," I told her and Mavie smirked.

"That's the only problem. Currently, they are the only kind with unique skills. Zorge's reading capabilities are best suited for ratting out moles and Radrox's experience at Dacva makes him an invaluable asset to train our new warriors,"

I clenched my jaw. This wasn't working.

"Your reasoning is exceptional, Your Majesty, but their skills would be more useful here than at the frontlines. Zorge's skills will help you weed out the disloyal Nobles scheming against you and Radrox could train the new batch of Cardinal Guards," I offered. My suggestion sounded ridiculous and Callath chuckled while the Councillor looked at me as if I had lost my mind but I didn't care.

I was willing to look like a fool if it meant that the brothers wouldn't be sent to the frontlines. Mavie smiled at me. She was getting sardonic pleasure from this. It was evident on her face.

"Consort Callath and Councillor Jemish are dismissed," Mavie announced abruptly, shocking the two but they left quickly. Callath glared at me on his way out but I didn't share any response.

"You should thank me," Mavie began when we were finally alone. "I'm doing you a favour. Don't you want your human all to yourself?"

"I want what's best for her and the best thing for her would be if she had all three of her bonds with her," I told her crispy and for a fraction of second Mavie looked pissed but she covered her expressions quickly.

"It's a shame. That makes the situation more tricky," Mavie sighed, lighting a grimoak cigar and taking a long drag.

"It's not," I dared to say. She pinned me with her eyes, blowing out a heavy cloud of smoke.

"You're too hellbent on destroying my plans. Do you wish to be tried for treason?" She asked jokingly but I knew well enough that it was a threat.

"I'm merely looking out for my grouping," I told her and she scoffed.

"Your grouping?" She gave a sardonic chuckle. "I remember the day you looked so furious when matched with the Saski brothers. I wondered what changed in these years," Mavie probed, trying to get on my nerves and being successful at it.

"Your Majesty, we've learned to respect and value each other with time. However, I do understand why some might think otherwise because of their lack of experience in such matters," I returned and immediately the smile playing at the corner of her lips was gone and she looked serious. Dead serious.

"Arika went into heat that night, didn't she?" Mavie asked, getting more direct. It made me more nervous all of a sudden. Her unpredictability could work against me in this situation.

"Yes,"

"And did you mate with her?" She probed. She wanted an answer and I didn't want to give her any.

"Hmm... I see. It'd be best if I looked at her and— oh! She's already here. How sweet,"

I spun on my heels to find Arika waiting outside Mavie's chamber. She couldn't see us but we could see her very well through the enchanted glass that looked like a wall from the outside. She looked nervous. Zorge and Radrox were there with her, but one of the Cardinal Guards looked ready to throw them out on a single command.

What was she doing here with them!

"Wait, no—"

~

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