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If things end up going according to plan, Zalith won’t know what’s hit him until it’s too late.
I march my way to a private conference room to meet the King. Even without his throne, he is intimidating and commands respect.
Being as bloodthirsty as he is, it does not surprise me that he wishes to be directly involved with fear-mongering and the conflict itself.
“I’m glad you could join me, Captain,” he says with a sinister smile. “You’ll see here maps we have of Lodra and the outposts along the border.”
“Very good, my King.”
We delve deep into a discussion of logistics and battle strategies.
“I have men stationed here, here, and here,” I say, pointing at various highlighted areas. “This spot along the border is where it’s weakest, so it’ll make a good entrance point for our troops during the initial offense. Also, it’s located near some human settlements, so we can snatch them up for our own use.”
My words impress King Kriseri but seeing him so remarkably satisfied with my intelligence and insider knowledge isn’t as rewarding as it once was.
We go back and forth, exchanging thoughts and analysis on routes of attack. Gone is my once heavily present enthusiasm for bloodlust.
I think back to a meeting I had a long time ago with Captain Lasta of Lodra’s Royal Guard. I recall how I had sensed unease within him when we had conversed about human mates being the cause of the looming war.
This feeling going through me… I wonder if it’s what Lasta had felt in my presence.
Like Lasta, I now have a human under my watch to be concerned about. Snapping back to reality, I quickly divert my focus back to the matter at hand.
The last thing I need is for the King to suspect I have hesitations about this whole affair. I have heard of what he does to humans, and I do not wish to get on his bad side.
After all is said and done regarding our plans for the attack, I bow to him and excuse myself.
“Do not be so hasty to leave, Captain,” his booming voice says. “There is another matter which you and I need to discuss.”
“Of course, my lord. What may that be?” I ask, feeling my heart drop to my stomach.
“Yesterday evening, I received a lot of troublesome complaints regarding you and the human that you took from captivity. It appears as though you and her have been spending an extensive amount of time together.”
I draw myself up, trying to exude every ounce of confidence. By no means am I scared of King Kriseri, but I fear what he will do to Maya should he find out my true feelings for her.
“What of it, if I may ask? I am enjoying having my way with her,” I reply, saying the first thing that comes to my mind.
Kriseri laughs, but I cannot tell if it’s because I humor him or if he’s seeing right through my lies.
“That may be the case, Captain, but a fair point has been brought to my attention. This human of yours is said to be receiving standard naga meals instead of rations, fine clothing, and was out on the palace grounds yesterday. I’m sure you can understand that it’s turning a lot of heads within the royal court.”
“Including yours, sir?” I ask.
“I am by no means an advocate of what you’re doing, Selliss. You should know that much given my opinion about humans. However, because it is you, I am willing to make an exception due to your outstanding performance in your role.”
Does this mean that Maya is safe?
“So there’s no demand attached to your observation?”
“Not for now. Maybe you get a kick out of pampering your human property, so consider it a reward. Just keep in mind that you only have so much liberty when it comes to how you treat your human. After all, you are very aware of how we normally handle them here.”
By chance, I hear a human woman’s scream echo through the castle.
“Perhaps though, it would be in your best interest to back away from this girl and have your way with others. Show the naga that they have nothing to worry about. What do you think?”
“Maybe I will, if there are any on offer.”
I don’t mean what I say, but I need to keep the King happy.
