Under the Cover of Darkness

Chapter 21 - Magic City

When Rayford answered the door, he gracefully bowed to the queen of Ardor that stood before him. Her elegance and calm demeanor impressing the political advisor, the young queen marched into the meeting room where King Dalart already sat comfortably in a chair, wearing the same vestments he had during the feast. At the sight of the youthful queen, Dalart rose from his chair and turned towards Isada. She had changed from her flowing, white ball gown to a more comfortable, cream-colored, straight fitting dress with golden floral patterns sown below her knees. The king bowed to the royal visitor, placing his hand over his chest as he lowered his head to the Ardorian queen and she confidently walked towards her seat.

"Queen Isada of Ardor, it is a pleasure to have this meeting with you. Please, I invite you to sit down. Let's talk," the king said in a formal tone.

Isada cast her gaze down at the head that was positioned prostrate before her. She kept her face rigid and emotionless as she picked up on the signs of the room. The king's mild-mannered voice remained calm, but it was to an extent that made Isada uneasy. In turn, she reminded herself of what Alric and Vernon had taught her. She was fully aware that Dalart, while more experienced in diplomacy of this scale, was at the mercy of Isada, so his meticulous word choice would slightly reflect his plea for aid. At the same time, Isada knew she couldn't strike down all his offers because of Alric's need for a relaxation of tension between Ardor and Set.

The lighting, like most of the castle, was done by fire; thus, torches lined the walls of the meeting room, but there were a number of overhead lights that shone dimly upon the room where two chairs were facing each other. A lone, oak table was positioned equidistant to the sides of each chair, and a lamp rested on top, its light bulb focused on the ground. As Isada watched Dalart slowly uncoil his bent torso, she noticed the countless rings that inhabited his fingers, glistening in the dim lighting, a power move Isada wouldn't fall for.

"I thank you King Dalart of Set for your acceptance of my invitation, but please, do call me Princess Isada. I haven't had a professional coronation nor have my parents' death been officially verified, so I prefer you call me by that title," Isada responded, smirking in her head. By indirectly rejecting Dalart's greeting, Princess Isada had claimed control of the conversation, outweighing the impact of the dreary atmosphere.

"My apologies, Princess Isada," he corrected. "It's a shame your mother and father passed away at such a young age, but I imagine they would be very proud of their daughter if they were here today. Now, please take a seat. I'll have a servant bring some water in case your throat gets parched."

Isada knew a move of desperation when she saw it. The water was another attempt at gaining control of the conversation. By offering it, Dalart was trying to expose a weakness within the princess. The first to drink was the first to lose. In turn, Princess Isada did not even glance at the two glasses of water that the servant had placed on the oak table. One for Princess Isada. One for King Dalart.

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The sight of Fitch talking to two Etherlens was the first thing Haley spotted as she regained consciousness. Both of them towered over Fitch's small frame as most Etherlens would around people of different species. Despite their height though, each one had a youthful face with a sign of weathering. Their bodies worn down by sleepless nights, both Fitch and Haley believed the two to be in their late twenties despite the bags under their eyes and the barren wasteland of emotion that prevented their faces from revealing any form of sympathy.

"Oh, I think she's awake," the taller of the two Etherlens said, pointing at the archer, his silhouette contrasted against the moon rays that shone from above. Along with the finger, the heads of Fitch and the other stranger faced Haley, who sat leaning against a metal air vent that protruded from the roof they rested on.