[Quick summary because of the extended break: In a recent turn of events, while Glolieh, the elven guard, tried to make a claim for Eial to be treated better while working for the elves, Drokn suddenly pops into the royal throne room from thin air. He assumes Eial was forced to stay with the elves, and in a moment of hesitation, Drokn gets bound with anti-magic shackles, making him unable to use magic. The queen takes an offensive pose at the sudden threat, where, analyzing both Eial and Drokn, announces that Eial stayed here of his own volition and had been doing okay without Drokn. After looking at Eial, who didn’t deny the statement, Drokn was rendered speechless.]

~~~

The one to break a wave of silence that had surfaced was Glolieh. Kneeling in the direction of the queen, she stated, “If I may suggest, Your Majesty, to resume this unexpected meeting in a few hours. I assume a more private audience would be ideal for all parties considering some confidential matters. Meanwhile, I will interrogate him on how he had entered.”

The queen’s icy stare moved to meet the guard’s bowed head. “Since we don’t know how he entered our palace, we can’t take any risks or give him time to plan or escape.”

“Your concerns are understandable, Your Majesty. However, if you continue to have faith in my intuition, I humbly request that you trust my word in that I believe-,” Glolieh glanced from the side of her eyes at Drokn, who stood numbly with a shadow across his eyes. Then, her eyes shifted towards Eial who looked downward, his bangs covering his expression, before continuing, “-King Drokn would not leave as long as Eial stays.”

“And what if Eial leaves with him?”

Eial glanced up at his mention, a look of worry, ready to deny, when Glolieh responded first. “I humbly request that you also trust in my word that I believe Eial would not go back on his promise and leave.”

Iciness remained on the queen’s stare as the ring of ice magic continued to circulate behind her back. “You seem to be making many daring requests today, Glolieh. Perhaps I’m spoiling you too much.”

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

Crisp air froze time and goosebumps rose on the ones present who were weak willed. Although the queen was kind and merciful to the elves of the palace, she was still royalty. Only Glolieh could ever speak so brashly, making bold propositions towards her. Some wondered when would be the limit where the queen would no longer tolerate the guard’s insolence and rid her from her position.

Yet, today did not seem like it would be that day, either. As seconds passed, the queen’s eyes softened and the ice shards hovering behind her back shattered into dust and dispersed, the light shining on the falling crystals, making it seem as if glitter. She sat down and rested an elbow on the armrest of her seat while rubbing her temples with her hands. With a heavy sigh, she faced Glolieh, and spoke with her voice resigned. “This may be the last I trust you,” she said, as she’s said many, many perilous times in the past, yet continued to heed to the guard’s advice.

“Utter bullshit!” The demon’s voice boomed loudly in the eerily noiseless, magic nullifying chamber as he was forced to sit on a stone bed with his wrists still bound behind him. That was not the only time he had cursed. In fact, the several guards who had accompanied Drokn down the long hallway had all grown dreadfully weary of all the curses and shouting and tugging and all around rebellion of the horned being. The few of them who had also accompanied Eial just a month prior reminisced and recognized how easy they had had it with the complying smaller elf.

They had locked Glolieh and Drokn inside the dark chamber when another flurry of curses sprang from the demon’s mouth. Finally relieved of their escorting duties, they left the long hallway empty with Glolieh’s instruction.

Glolieh, however, had maintained a mask of poise despite a nerve bulging at the side of her neck. “Apologies for the discomfort, King Drokn. Do understand we have to be cautious of your sudden entry.”

“‘Apologies’, my ass! You elves don’t give a shit!”

After a pause, Glolieh smirked, sat up straight on a stone stool, and crossed her legs. “You’re right. I was merely showing courtesy for your position.”

Finally having taken on the air of confidence, Glolieh started to look familiar to the demon. He hadn’t been exposed to many elves. As such, certain elves stained a distinct memory. “Wait… You! You’re the fucking elf from the elven prison!”

Glolieh blinked in honest surprise. “Should I be honored that you recognized me so soon while Eial did not?”

Hearing Eial’s name, a sudden needle stabbed at his chest. Then, after a brief hesitation, Drokn grated, “Where’s Eial? Take me to him!”

A thumb under her chin and her pointer finger curled on her lips, Glolieh stared at Drokn, as if analyzing his reactions. “And if I refuse?”

Drokn roared as he thrashed against the chains which bound him to the bedpost. “Fuck! Take me to him!”

“And if he refuses?”

Suddenly, Drokn stilled and the flame of his red eyes ceased. Opening his mouth, no words came out. He tried again, stuttering against empty words until his voice squeezed in a hiss, “No, he wouldn’t refuse. I know he wouldn’t!” Yet, those words seemed to try to convince the demon, himself, rather than the elven guard across.

Hmm-ing, Glolieh continued to observe the demon: His narrowed eyes looking to the side, his tall posture slouching, sweat falling past his neck.

“I need to see him…,” the demon’s voice deepened and slowed as each word tangled with hesitation.

Finally, the guard sighed, murmuring in an inaudible voice, “You really have changed since then.” Uncrossing her legs and placing both hands down on her knees, she stated, “Understand that I am doing you a favor.” Keeping the anti-magic shackles bound to his hands and feet, Glolieh unchained him from the rigid bedpost. Just before reaching the thick door of the chamber, she said, “Luckily for you, he wanted to see you, too,” and led the demon out.