UE Rewrite: B2 — 20. A Rise To Infamy (Patreon)

Pov:

1. Elinor (Our Undead Empress!)

Undying Empire Index

Previous Chapter

Inline Edits

--------------

A curious smile lifted Elinor’s lightly tinted green lips as she stepped out of the gatehouse onto the bright, stone-block entrance of Lumina.  The pattering of rain against the gleaming white surface of the street met her, retractable coverings seen along the walls and buildings, accustomed to stormy weather due to the Tempest that ruled the Kaspir Kingdom.

Lieutenant Cole moved to update the guard, still barring any further admittance into the city to provide them a safe gap between the asylum seekers and the general population.

She could see that quite a few in the long line stretching across the hilly landscape didn’t have much to protect them from the downpour, huddling beside wagons or sharing what shelter they could.  It didn’t seem they had much time to gather their belongings before setting off or the need for haste caused them to leave the bulk of their goods.

New, hidden features of their carriage had been extended since her absence, including a strange, see-through fabric that had been draped over the horses and set as a net around the driver’s seat.  It allowed for wind to pass through yet blocked the liquid, which made for an interesting material that required further investigation.  Certainly, it would be popular in the nalvean’s silk-obsessed culture.

Black smoothly approached her as she stood under the gatehouse, holding a two-person umbrella of some kind that had the same properties as the barrier protecting the stagecoach driver.  She had no doubt in her mind that Tiffany was already studying it.

Her father went to speak to Roman, obtaining further information on what he knew about the city and Opal Shrine Inn.  The cat-like man rode with him, seemingly enjoying the Legend’s company as he waited for Julian to call upon him.

Elinor was still preoccupied with the stone, fantasy-like designs of Lumina.  The foundation almost seemed chiseled out of solid marble, and many of the buildings were the same, yet as she studied the rising level districts to the giant castle in the distance, she saw a pattern.

The main streets and the accompanying shops were composed of solid material, while wooden structures became more pronounced the further one branched out.  She expected an ocean or sea would be on one of the sides, if not both, with how this city seemed to rise as a mountain to its towering keeps high above them.

And off to the left side of the castle was a giant alabaster tower, barely visible beyond the misty rain that veiled it; no doubt, that was the noble district, which left one to wonder what the right side of the castle was for.  It would be fun to explore.

Castria left the stagecoach, becoming somewhat frustrated with Tiffany’s pokes regarding her self-control.  “I can operate my abilities fairly well, thank you very much.  See?”

Water bowed around the seventeen-year-old commoner-turned-princess Tempest, blue highlights illuminating and drawing attention from the guards.  Cole paused, and Elinor could hear the witch cackling between the pair’s private communications.

“Yes, quite an excellent show of power under absolute zero stress or surprise that could bring a lightning bolt down on a poor child’s head that spooks you.”

Castria ceased her abilities when stopping beside her, arms crossed and looking quite agitated as she followed her gaze to the cityscape.  “Queen Tiffany is… not an enjoyable instructor in the use of mana.”

A twitch came from Black’s mouth as she waited on them, her closed umbrella held at her front.  “Have you learned anything from her?”

“…Yes.”

Elinor chuckled, seeing the frown that creased her father’s face as he spoke with Roman about the various districts of Lumina.  “Then she is doing part of her job.  What is your first impression of the city?”

Castria swallowed nervously, looking up at the thick walls that divided the many sections.  “It’s… massive.  I always heard it was big, but not… this big.”

Famine sniffed.  “Kel’mal’tha is far larger and more significantly grand in scope and scale.”

“Black,” Elinor half-chided, catching the frowns from a few nearby guards, “you cannot compare a human-scaled city to the monolithic black fortress of the quen’talrat.  All things considered… this is impressive.”

“Hmm.  I suppose, Empress.”

Cole finished his report and moved to give them another dab.  “Empress, Princess.  I’ve arranged for an escort to clear the way for us on our path up to the Noble District.  You wish to head there straight away?”

“Ahem.”  Tiffany left the shelter of the carriage, orange flames dancing over her head in a makeshift umbrella that brought her a lot of attention as she stepped out of the rain.  “Actually, Empress, I suggest we visit a few shops on our way to get a general sense of the diversity between districts.”

Elinor examined the straight path to what she assumed was a lower-middle-class section further up the road, guarded by its own gatehouse.  Even during the thunderstorm, citizens bustled along the slick road.  A gutter system funneled water into grates to counter build-up with surprising efficiency.  This was a well-designed city.

I assume this is to look through shops in order to find items you’ll require for the ritual?

“Indeed!  I’ve devised a wonderful method that won’t cause Castria to explode if she breaks the limiter.”

The teen’s eyes widened, making Cole glance between them with uncertainty at why they were staring at each other so intently.  “Explode?!  You didn’t tell me I’d explode!”

A short giggle shook the witch’s frame.  “I told you version one, dearie, which wasn’t enough after some calculations.  Version two had the exploding bit, as a moderate sacrifice for more oomph, and now, we are on version three, which only detonates the limiter, causing ‘potentially’ minor injuries.  Keep up!  Well, Empress?  Might we search some jewelry shops on our way to find something less… pricey.”

“This is my life!”  Castria snarled, glaring at the dark-haired woman as she adjusted her pointy hat.  “You’re trying to save money?  How much better of a chance do I have to ‘not explode’ with more expensive materials?”

“Hehe.  I don’t know yet!”  Tiffany chimed, an enthralled and predatory gleam in her glowing orange eyes.  “I have to see what kind of materials they have to choose from.  Well, Empress?”

Cole cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably.  “Pardon me if I am interrupting, Raven Empress, but… can your people communicate by looking at one another?”

Elinor waved her hand to dismiss the question.  “It is a magic that I employ to some of those who serve me.  You needn’t concern yourself with it.  We will search for a jeweler.  And Princess Castria…” she stated with an edge that brought a chill to those watching, “remember your place.”

The teen’s hands tightened at her front as her eyes fell to the wet ground.  “Yes, Empress.”

Although meek on the surface, the Tempest’s teeth were gnashing inside the Nexus from Tiffany’s private taunts.  “Aww, regretting the lowly life of a princess, Monarch of Arcanum?”

“Quit picking on me, Tiffany!  I know I’m the new girl on the field; I’m learning.  Cut me some slack.”

Black opened the umbrella as Elinor moved to the stagecoach, bringing everyone into swift action.  Castria, it is important to know and play your role.  Black is only just below you within The Court, yet she is acting as my maid.  You chose this story.  Live and breathe it.  Tiffany may be having her fun, but she is exposing your weaknesses.  Learn from them.

“I will remember it,” Castria said with a tired sigh, seeing the calculating gleam in the witch’s small smile.  “Thank you for your guidance.”

“Lieutenant, King Edmon will prompt you when we desire to stop.”

“As you command, Empress,” the dark-haired man returned with another bow.  “Clear the way, men!”

Elinor entered the vehicle, sitting beside the open window, the mostly transparent fabric showing a bit of wear but still keeping the rain on the outside.  Her father took up a riding position beside them, allowing the chilling liquid to fall over him with the city guard that surrounded their carriage.

Once Tiffany and Castria were settled, Roman put them on their path.  Julian seemed nervous as the Queen and Princess silently stared at each other, the Tempest holding up her hand to focus on the sparks of electricity Tiffany prompted her to practice with.

She was a tad entertained when Julain asked to join in the training, likely spurred by the idea of making his crush not seem so alone.  Tiffany was perhaps even more brutal with him as she snickered at her unreasonable, extremely precise instructions; control was something witches excelled in, while sorceresses lacked, which made it a good initial icebreaker to deal with fundamental basics.

Elinor shifted her studies to the broad streets in their passing, emerald eyes drifting between the crowds that were directed to the sides.  According to Edmon, the Raven Empress’ name was on a few of the whispers he caught through the pattering of rain in their slow, showy ride.

Black and Ash took the opposite side, and, due to needing to support her as a maid, Famine kept herself dry by using the umbrella, held against her shoulder in their gentle trot.  Unlike the bumpy terrain on their way into the city, the ride along the streets was smooth and seamless.

Resting her cheek against the back of her hand, she made note of the disparity between classes here on the ground level of Lumina while Tiffany studied the shops.  Her Witch Queen and Death Knight passed short messages to one another, identifying things that might be of interest before dismissing them.  Tiffany seemed set on a jeweler, and just before making it onto the ramp to the lower-middle-class district, Edmon ordered them to stop.

Black’s horse vanished in a swirl of smog, causing whispers to sweep those who had stepped off to the side to give them plenty of room.  She waited outside as Elinor exited with Tiffany, and she turned back to address the two before they followed.

“Stay inside.  We will only be a moment.”

“As… you command,” Julian said, sitting back to smile at his crush.  “How are you feeling with all of this, Princess Castria?”

A slight blush touched the girl’s cheeks.  “It’s… different.”

Black closed the door, her father standing nearby, sealed helmet and armor seemingly keeping him dry, now that she had a closer look at him.  The City Guard escorting them had cleared out the jewelry business Tiffany had picked out, somewhat impressing Elinor with how meticulous they were about security for dignitaries.  It told her how the super elite lived here.

She paused to look down the long street, filled with people in the height of business, as the guards directed people around them, keeping traffic moving.  As if they were an emergency vehicle, wagons and pedestrians had quickly pulled off to the side to make way for them, and they’d caused a slight traffic jam.

A sea breeze funneled through the streets from above, flowing down to pull at her braided hair and clothes.  There were quite a few soldiers from various nobles mixed in with the city watch, identified by the colors they wore, but at least half of those on the road were refugees.

“Hmm…”

Entering the shop, Roman found his opportunity to join her, having an umbrella of his own.  She found Tiffany already scanning the stock, which was under lock and key behind glass, yet that wouldn’t stop her Witch’s Fire.  The flames sparked a nervous sweat from the thin older man, either an employee or owner.

“I appreciate your interest in my establishment, umm, Queen Tiffany.”

“Hmm.  No need for your help, dearie,” the witch mused, slowly moving down every row.  “I will know what I am looking for when I see it.”

Roman stood beside her, holding a large bag of what she had to assume held whatever currency this kingdom used.  He kept his voice low, so as not to be heard by the guards stationed around the shop.

“You will cause a large stir by going to the lower-tier establishments first, Empress.  It would be better to send a servant.  No noble shops by themselves anywhere below the Noble District.  Do you intend to use the foreigner card for your bizarre behavior?”

“The enigmatic, actually,” Elinor returned with a slight smirk as the shop owner had a heart attack, trying to figure out who to address and how.  “I’m letting everyone know I’m not like every other person, which will keep them on their toes.  I am no respecter of people because all are below me, noble or commoner—they are all the same to me.”

Roman’s mouth tightened, swallowing a lump that formed in his throat.  “Eventually, you’ll step on someone’s toes, and they’ll lash out since your status and face haven’t been recognized by all the nobility.”

Her smiling eyes shifted to the nervous Legend.  “I’m counting on it.  I have to exceed whatever path you paved for me, and to do that, I need an audience that will spread to all walks of life.  I’m sure servants have the best information network.  Let me do my work, Roman.  I have proven to have a gift for this sort of thing.  Well, Tiffany?”

The woman’s orange irises showed disappointment as she stopped in front of her.  “A few pieces that can be salvaged for minor charms, but nothing of the quality of what I require.  The refining process is sorely lacking regarding metals and gems.”

The owner began to quake from her disparaging comment.  “M-Most items on the first two levels are pawned off goods from those who have fallen on hard times.  If you w-want more quality goods, heh, I suggest the Noble District, My Queen.”

One of the guards glared at the man, making him flinch.  “You address a Queen before the Raven Empress?”

“O-Oh!  I-I had no—”

Elinor held up her hand with a soft chuckle as his attempt to redirect them brought a new potential avenue.  “I am not interested in stuffy formalities in a non-formal setting.  But tell me, shopkeeper, is this… all your wares?”

His tanned face turned white at the implication, eyes darting to the narrow-eyed guards.  “A-As I said, Empress, eh-heh, we m-mostly get pawned jewelry here—totally legal, and nothing from the nobility—to not inform the City Guard about an expensive—”

A sharp snap came from Elinor’s fingers as she held up her hand, making the man flinch and bite his tongue.  “Lieutenant Cole.”

“Empress, do you want us to search the shop?”  the officer said, moving closer from beside the doorway.

“No.  I want your men to wait outside…  Now.”  Her expectant gaze made the hesitant man clear his throat and nod, a quake running down the shopkeeper’s frame as his teeth began to chatter.  “You heard the Raven Empress.  Out!”

Several seconds later, the door slammed shut, leaving her father, Tiffany, Roman, and Black alone with the lower-class owner.  Tiffany moved to look up at the man, holding her arm behind her back, glowing orange barely seen behind the brim of her witch’s hat.

“Let me be perfectly clear, sir, you are not in trouble… unless you withhold something from me.  Where are the real wares that keep your business open in such a prime location?  Certainly not these.  You wouldn’t want to lose the use of your tongue or sight, would you?”

“Tiffany,” Edmon sighed, making the man jump as her father’s gauntleted hand grasped the man’s shoulder, “there’s no need to threaten the good owner.  We’re paying customers, after all.  Wouldn’t it be better if we vouched for your honest business?”

“I’ve b-been inspected six times a ye—”

Roman stroked his beard, looking beyond him.  “You could have asked me, Queen Tiffany…  A hidden room in the back…  Old, by the looks of it.”

The shopkeeper’s eyes bugged out.  “H-How did…”

“More importantly,” her father interrupted, “I’d like to know more about the unusual structural design of this city.  How do the guards not know about this little hideaway?”

Elinor followed Tiffany’s skip to the back, letting herself in and spreading her flames along the floor as the two men questioned the black market seller.

The witch grinned as she stopped near the corner, bright flames rising to the beam above to reach beyond it, pressing something within the grooves, just small enough for a finger to slip inside.  “Mechanical… and a rather complex one with gears… oiled, too.”

A section of the floor slid down, perfectly aligned with the white stone floor and causing a dip in the carpet covering it.  Tiffany threw it back and slid down the ramp to the small room below.

“Wooh!  Let’s see what we have here…  My, how organized!  Some… decent ones.  There is a…  Oooh!”

Elinor gazed down at the witch as she held up an intricate, horizontal, deep blue, oval-cut pendant, set in a unique setting that made it resemble an eye.  The bright, silvery metal sparkled with an arctic aura.

“A sapphire…  Is it enchanted?”

“No, no,” Tiffany protested, prompting Edmon to come and rescue her instead of using the perfectly capable ladder that could be kicked back down.  “It is perfect for enchanting…  Something called nilth metal—refined to absorb twenty times the energy as platinum—and the gem is celiera, some kind of otherworldly gemstone I’m not familiar with…  Thank you, Sweetie!”

Edmon came in and reached down to pull her out, easily lifting her weight.  “There was a ladder…”

“I haven’t felt your hand in a while,” she returned as a counter with a grin.  It soon faded as Roman came in with the shopkeeper, hiccuping and weeping as if he’d lost everything.  “Hmm.  It seems like such a waste to use on Castria, though,” she complained, turning it around her fingers.  “It could be a perfect fit for High Queen Butter or you, Empress.”

A low rumble shook Elinor’s throat while pondering the conditions that required a Phylactery for them, inclining her head.  “It wouldn’t work unless there is a resonating pair, which I doubt…  Is it capable of adapting as she grows?”

Tiffany twisted the item around her flames, a tad distracted as she responded.  “More than possible…  We must learn where he obtained this from.  Well?”

The shopkeeper rubbed his red eyes as he looked at the item the witch presented.  “I, umm…  Wait… is that all you want—take it!  It’s cursed!  Every buyer I’ve sold it to returns it; it strikes its wearer with lightning!  I wish I’d never purchased it!”

A giggle shook the witch’s chest at his outburst.  “Such ignorance!  Of course, it attracts energy, silly, and shockingly well.  I need the details as to everything you know about this.  The seller, who tried to buy it, and how infamous it is—all the details, dearie!”

Roman took out a few green coins and placed them on the counter, making the shopkeeper’s puffy eyes widen.  “Naturally, we’ll take some odd bobble off your hands, and none of this will be traced back to you, good sir.  It would help if you provided us with a way to get in touch with other black market deals, as well.  We are good business, after all.”

The shopkeeper’s tune flipped on a switch, all smiles and charming words now that they’d become customers.  “I would be careful, Your Majesty!  During a storm—”

“Oh, you needn’t worry about me, Love,” Tiffany snickered, displaying the extravagant piece inside her flames.  “I can easily block any connection.  Now, let’s hear the story.”

Elinor shook her head.  “No, we can’t remain idle for too long.  We’ll leave Ash behind to follow the leads and keep us updated.  Tiffany, we’ll move to the Noble District to find everything you need for Castria and this pendant.”

“As you command,” Tiffany chimed, acting as if she’d just opened the best present on Christmas day.  “If we can find more items like these, then this place will become a gold mine for resources.  I’ve already discovered several suitable ingredients that will be quite useful, including this water-repellent silk.  It is quite fragile but useful.”

She stepped under Black’s umbrella as the pretend-maid unfurled it.  “I love being a witch.  So many interesting materials to discover and work with.”

Ash walked inside as the shopkeeper sealed up his hideaway, bringing Cole with him.  Tiffany kept the pedant concealed, presenting a new pair of metal earrings that resembled arrowheads.  After some back and forth, she entered the stagecoach to resume their journey.

A rumble shook the air as she looked into the rainy streets, climbing the long ramp to the next gatehouse.  Pondering the best use of their time, she made a snap decision, Tiffany displaying the dazzling item to the enthralled Sorceress; Julian wasn’t so comfortable, given the pedant’s infamy at killing their first queen who had taken the throne three hundred years prior.

Edmon, tell Cole to guide us to the best Alchemy shop in the Noble District.  We need to draw attention away from Castria and Tiffany during their ritual.  I’m sure you can come up with something to do there in the shop.

“Naturally!”  Tiffany chirped, communicating with Ash to get more about the pendant’s past.  “Although, I am concerned about you drawing too much attention.  I suppose Edmon will be there.”

No, he won’t, Elinor stated, drawing her father’s blue eyes as she locked vision with him from his giant, intimidating warhorse.  I want you to meet the owner of Opal Shrine Inn and set things up in advance.  I will think of something to occupy myself and draw attention when we’re in the district.  Black and Roman will be with me.  Maybe I’ll buy a dress.

Her father’s scowl said he didn’t like it, but it would be good to have things set up for when she arrived, which would be something an Empress had done.

“I don’t like spreading ourselves out too thin,” he muttered.  “Maybe if Ash were there with Black, I’d feel better.  This world does have people with powers.  Ash?”

The low whisper of Death entered the conversation.  “I can ride to meet you if you so wish, Empress, or I can follow this lead I obtained from the shopkeeper.”

The details?  Elinor pressed, watching a group of what appeared to be shabby orphans, walking the street and looking for jobs; the rain and wind weren’t kind to their thin clothes.

“Pawns of this quality require someone to vouch for the authenticity.  A somewhat infamous art forger signed onto the sale.  She’s in the Lower District, probably by choice.”

Hmm.  Keep on it, she ordered.  I can take care of myself, Dad, and it will show my confidence to the city guard.  Have a little faith in your daughter.

“Haha-haaa.  You always did know how to manipulate me.”

Maybe when I was a bit younger, Elinor reflected with a sad chuckle.  Ever since Tanner showed up in my life, I started acting like a fool.

“Love does that, Honey,” her father sighed.  “Look at Tiffany and me.”

The Witch Queen blinked, focus darting to her.  “Are we talking about me?  I do love it when you dote on me, but not too much.”

“When have I ever?”

“True.  Hmm-hmm-hmm.  Am I to presume that we are to complete the ritual and return in haste?”

Elinor slowly shook her head, seeing Julian still practicing what Tiffany gave them as an exercise.  Castria should join me, but you may shop around for your herbs and roots once it’s done.  Dad, take Julian with you.  It would be good to separate him from Castria for a time.

“Is that… necessary?”  the Sorceress asked, looking somewhat depressed; the rain pattering outside increased as if gravity doubled.  “He lost his whole family, Empress.  I’m the only person he really knows—well, other than Dris…”

Her gaze lifted to the wall behind the two teens, where Roman and the cat-man sat.  She still didn’t know what to make of the silent, observing feline guardian.  There hadn’t been any non-human residents on her way here; at least, none she’d seen.

Control yourself, Castra.  You don’t have the luxury to let Julian blind your sense of judgment.  Your sister is outside, watching your example.  Show her that you can be strong, too.  A small smile lifted her lips.  And yes, she can join you for the ritual.

“Thank you, Empress!”  The rain returned to normal at the frightened girl’s relieved sigh.  “I’ll do my best.”

Feeling the fire rising up within the Sorceress’ core, Elinor noticed a stark difference in how she reacted between Julian and her brown-haired sister.  Elira comforted and brought her security, while Julian erupted a volcanic-sized hole in her chest that radiated tension.  It was something to keep in mind.

Soak in the city, she stated, mentally keeping track of the spider drone she’d sent to dig underneath the hilly plains.  An opportunity can present itself at any moment to immortalize us in the eyes of this kingdom.

Silence took her as she passively listened to her Court communicate with one another.  So far, they’d already discovered a few areas of interest that could help her tackle her ri’bot problem.  Now, she needed to find a way to give Castria a solid foothold in this world.

There was something unique to the young Sorceress, and Elinor wasn’t entirely sold on it being her powers.  Yes, she had amazing potential, yet if only power were needed, then Roman wouldn’t have wasted all his time on this teenage drama.  She had to figure out why he was withholding his true interest in this nobody from a random town at the edge of an aristocratic kingdom.

Elinor was a little surprised how much time passed in between her pondering as they passed through the Noble District triple gates.  Below them were the vast expanse of the city’s front area, lower-middle-class, middle-class, and upper sections, all blocked off by walls and checkpoints.  Now, from their current vantage point, she saw the docks areas, divided by east and west; the east was for the elite cargo, and the west, everything else.  As it turned out, the castle was built on a giant cliff, overlooking an endless, sparkling ocean.

Much of the view shrank as they descended the ramp to the much less populated marketplace of the nobles.  It was clean, open, and filled with greenery, grown into parks for a nice stroll as crystal clear rivers somehow cut through the district.  The upper districts mainly served this area, and the shops were of a far grander scale.  Nothing like a mall or grocery store back on Earth, but it was impressive, nonetheless.

Her father took a disgruntled Julian to the inn to prepare their stay as they came to a stop outside a shop filled with all manner of open herbs and ingredients that could easily have been stolen; of course, that wouldn’t happen in a district like this, and magic knights, dressed in their ruby red armor pranced around.  Their beaten-up stagecoach drew upturned noses from the Tempest, floating away to enjoy the storm away from the new, unsightly guest.

Elinor wasn’t put off.  In fact, this was exactly what she wanted.  Let them be rude, as it only gave her ammunition to fire.  She just needed to craft her smoking gun.

Dropping Tiffany and Castria off to do their ritual, she stood outside the establishment, scanning the relatively empty area.  It must not have been a high time for traffic.

Black followed her to the front as Roman jumped down to join her; a tad surprised, she found the cat driving.

“Hmm.”  Glancing around, he shook his head.  “What is your brilliant plan now if you are not going to see the king?”

He kept his voice low enough not to be heard by Cole as he walked around, much of his knights having left since this area was patrolled by magic knights instead of the city guard.

“Is there anywhere else that interests you, Empress?”

Elinor’s smile grew as she saw two places within sight that did spark her interest: a clothing store and a high-class restaurant.

“Naturally, I will find something to my liking in this culture’s fashion, and wait for my attendants to return in a place of comfort.  First, a dress, as I’ve seen the nobles here wearing…  Rather revealing compared to what I expected from the modest clothes of the commoners,” she mumbled, scanning the display items on their wooden mannequins.

Black and Roman accompanied her, the cat remaining with the stagecoach.  The snooty women running the shop swiftly changed their tune once Cole boldly introduced her, and the orange-painted sign, indicating it was open, was flipped to give her their full attention.

The smooth fabric may have looked flown and light, but once on her, it had a surprising weight to it that impressed her.  It would certainly build muscle if worn every day.  The garments were somewhat similar to Earth, if on the more skimpy sort.  She went with a more modest, knee-length dress that was quickly tailored to her figure, and done quite well at that.

Exiting the boutique, Elinor set her sights on the restaurant.  She wasn’t going to eat or drink, but Black could sample the items for her.  The owners brought her to the third-floor table, according to them, a place only reserved for royalty.  All things considered, the treatment had been top-tier as soon as her name was mentioned.

Legs folded as she stared out of the window, she chuckled at the thought of Roman eating in a small corner below.  He was considered a noble, but that didn’t go a long way on this level of the city.

On the other hand, Black, her maid, sat beside her, enjoying the fine dishes of this world; apparently, more than one noble was offering the owners to front her bill, requests coming up for people wishing to join her.  Of course, she politely rejected them all, wishing to eat in silence while enjoying the thunderous storm.

More Tempest flew in as she wasted time, letting the news spread that she occupied the royal dining section at the restaurant—meaning, time to mingle with royalty; apparently, it was a big deal for one to be outside the castle that loomed above the nobles.  Castria’s ritual was completed soon enough, and dressed in the gown fit for a marchioness, the dolled-up woman, courtesy of Tiffany, proudly made her way to where she waited.

Sitting beside the open window and breathing in the wonderful smell of falling rain, Elinor eyed her ‘Princess’ as she settled in beside her, looking regal.  “I see someone has come into her own.”

Castria’s countenance and confidence had more than doubled as she looked down at the cups atop the table; she hadn’t touched the now cold brew.  “Thanks to Queen Tiffany’s guidance.  She isn’t so bad when not making fun of—”

A commotion brought their gaze up to the stairs as an updraft pressed against their shins, and Cole’s protests were cut off by the snarl of a man’s voice.  A shadowy mist gathered along Famine’s arms as she glared at the space, the two guards hurrying downstairs to see what was happening.

“Trouble?”

Elinor’s fingers flickered with jade flames as she created a butterfly to stick underneath the polished wooden table they sat at, a curious twist lifting her lips.

Whatever it is… Black, Castria, don’t interfere.  And don’t alert my father unless things really get out of hand.

Her amused green eyes darted to a red-haired young woman, no older than Castria, who flew right through their open window.  Rain parting around her, flames wreathing her forearms, and her free, shoulder-length locks whipping in the arctic chill she brought.  A brilliant green tiara sat on her brow.

“Some out-of-city, nobody marchionesses are bold enough to take my favorite dining place?”

Cole came running up the stairs, a magic knight right behind him.  “Princess Heather, you are in the presence of…”  He choked, freezing in place with the recently informed magical knight, faces turning white.

Elinor didn’t blink as the teenager flicked her flaming wrist, causing the wind to pick up the pitcher of some sweet mix Black wanted to try.  A small cyclone carried the liquid right over Elinor’s head, drizzling it across her face and down her front.

Princess Heather smashed the jug at her feet with a furious huff.  “You’re lucky I didn’t crack that over your fake, obscene crown and throw you out of the window!  Leave in shame at what you’ve done!”

“Empress…”  Black whispered, channeling her brother’s attribute as she stared daggers at the princess.  “May I drain every last reserve of fat and muscle from her body?”

Castria’s fingers were trembling in her lap as the sweet liquid dripped down Elinor’s silvery hair to hit her new, and now soaked outfit; luckily, it was in black, as was her usual style.

“W-What should I do, Empress?!”

Just as I instructed, Elinor calmly replied.

Slowly rising to her feet, Elinor glanced at the pendant her Sorceress wore around her throat; it now glowed with a white-blue flame, a slit eye near its center, keeping the girl’s turbulent emotions in check, else she likely would have already unconsciously lashed out at the incensed princess.  Sorceresses really were an emotional problem.

“Hmm?  You want to challenge me, marchioness?!”

Hand rising, emerald flames flowed down her fingers to her forearm.  Confusion filled the teen’s eyes from the distracting color that she’d likely never seen as Cole lurched forward.

“Please, Empress, wait!”

“Empress?”

Her butterfly circled around to land on the raging princess’ back, and a small smirk lifted the corner of Elinor’s mouth.  “What… foul manners, Princess.  But, lucky for you, I enjoy being challenged.”

[Life Tap III]

Heather locked up, eyes going wild and all her gathered emotional rage slipping through her fingers as the cold grip of death squeezed her heart for only a moment before Elinor ceased her drain.  Fire and wind extinguishing in an instant from the emotional disruption, she fell toward the ground, yet the girl wouldn’t make it.

“Why don’t we take this outside?”  Elinor cooed, flaming hand tightening into a fist.

“Wha—”

[Chains of the Damned II]

Two spikes exited behind Heather, latching onto her shoulders, paralyzing her spirit, and yanking her out of the window.  Elinor didn’t hesitate, liquid still dripping off her as she stepped onto the small balcony to enter the storm, and she jumped after the princess.  This was going to be a fun trip.

-----------------

Next Chapter