The group were not given time to think about what they learned. Bihse’s brother slowly walked in and remained silent. Bihse turned towards him as she let out a small sigh, she then nudged Adeline and Tymon. They all returned to reality as they got up; there were more important things to do. She unfolded her wings as they went outside of the Merchant Guild. A woman and two children could be seen kneeling before them.

  “Who are they?”

  “We found them trying to run away from the castle north from here,” Bihse’s brother answered while holding his axe. Azazel appeared from the crowd carrying a rge box filled with different odd-looking herbs and several cores.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I helped myself to several things, and I will be turning my torture chamber into my new b.” Azazel turned and saw the terrified family kneeling down. He called for one of the trolls and instructed him to take the things downstairs. Azazel's attention was fully on them now; he kneeled down and stared at them.

  “I know those eyes; you’re his children, and you must be the wife.”

  “Who is he exactly?”

  “The Duke, of course; who else but him. Do you have a name?” The woman shielded her children as she shook in pure fear.

  “Don’t hurt my children, you monsters!”

  “Well, I am not going to hurt you. Revenge is beneath me, though I would like to see what happens to you. It is not me who you should be worried about.”

  Azazel turned to Adeline, who wore a bnk face. She stepped closer to the family.

  “What is your name? Don’t make me ask twice.”

  “My name is Julia.”

  “What noble house do you come from, Julia?”

  “The Beghourt family.”

  “I won’t kill you or harm your children, but I will need a favor from you.”

  “I won’t do anything you ask me to!”

  Azazel started to cp with a smile on his face and got up. He let out a wild ughter as the family stared at him with puzzled eyes.

  “Well, Adeline, good luck with this. I will be inside if you need me. As for you lovely set of humans, word of advice: I would listen to her. She is not the same as us.”

  Azazel disappeared inside the building. Tymon slightly tugged Adeline and nodded. Tymon kneeled before Julia; he took some time before speaking.

  “Julia, listen, we just need your cooperation. I promise you no harm will come to you.”

  “Tell me, Oliver, were you the one who killed my husband?”

  Bihse raised her hand to the question as the woman stared up at her. Risin, surrounded by a group of orcs with Alfred on his neck, also joined them. He had spent the entire day guiding the trolls towards the different parts of the immediate duchy as they secured the area. He stared at Julia with weakened eyes.

  “Risin, what is the meaning of this? Are you also aiding the monsters? That is treason.”

  “Julia, just listen to them, please.” His plea was short, but she understood; the situation was dire, and the lives of her children depended on it.

  “What do you want?” Adeline smiled with great pleasure.

  “I want you to go to the empire with a message. Tell them the Kingdom of Arbegon has been established, and I will be its ruler. Those who intrude into my territory will be treated as an act of war.”

  “Do you really think they will accept this kingdom run by monsters? The empire will take you down within a week!”

  “Your husband had the same threats, just like those before him, and yet here I am. It is about time you started to realize that you have grossly overestimated your abilities. Now go and deliver my message.”

  Julia slowly stood up with her children but was instantly stopped by Adeline’s hand.

  “Your children remain.”

  “Let go of them, you monster.”

  “You have no choice in this matter. If you return, I will set all of you free.”

  “What if I don’t?”

  “Then they will remain here under my care. So make sure you don’t have an accident on your travels.”

  Julia started to protest, but she was forcefully separated from her children. Risin frowned as he tried to protest but was met with Tymon’s cold stare, who was consoling the crying children.

  “I will take her position; let me go. The emperor will listen to me compared to her.” Adeline looked down at Tymon, who was kneeling, then Bihse, who simply shrugged. Tymon slowly got up and looked into Risin’s eyes.

  “What will stop you from running away?"

  Risin fell silent as Adeline watched the scene unfold. While it was cruel to do such a thing, in her eyes this was the least cruel of the options she had in mind. Adeline always took Tymon into account; unlike her, he was a good man, and she felt responsible for maintaining that. Bihse, with a sigh, stepped forward and whispered something in Tymon’s ear.

  “If her majesty accepts this, I will permit it, but in exchange, you will have to take a poison. We will be the only one to have the cure. If you don’t return, you will die a painful and slow death.”

  Risin fell to his knees as he accepted. Adeline silently nodded as Bihse called one of the trolls. A shaman also appeared shortly, carrying a wooden staff. The old shaman muttered several words as Risin cried out in pain. A small mark burned into his skin as the shaman nodded. Alfred slithered off his neck and made his way to Adeline’s side.

  “Now go and deliver my message.” Risin bowed once more as he ran away at full speed; his figure slowly disappeared as everyone returned to their position.

  “Lock them away in one of the dungeons in the Merchant Guild. Make sure this pce is heavily protected at all times. The rest will follow me to the castle, and Tymon, bring me a magical crystal ball so we could contact the elves and begin preparations."

  They slowly made their way to the rge castle, which was well decorated with marble and gold. Some of the maids and butlers seemed to have remained as they reluctantly bowed in fear.

  “You prepare me a warm bath and find me a change of clothes.”

  “yyes” The maids walked away in a hurry as she turned to an old butler.

  “Are you the head butler?”

  “Yes, my name is Houston. How may I be of help?” Houston, unlike others, remained very calm and respectfully bowed, which slightly threw off Adeline.

  “Why are you not scared like the others? Don’t you fear for your life?”

  “I am an old man; I have already outlived my life, but I also know you don’t wish to hurt any of us.”

  “How can you be so sure?” Adeline approached him menacingly as she stared down on him. He did not avert his gaze and simply stared up at her.

  “You may feel pain and anger, but there is also love in your eyes.” The old man smiled warmly. Adeline’s thoughts on old people being nothing but trouble were further reinforced as she walked away.

  “Bring me the best tailor in this city; I want them to prepare clothing fit for a queen.”

  “As you will, your majesty.” Houston bowed as Bihse passed him wearing a huge smirk on her face with Tymon only shaking his head. Tymon stopped and quietly paid his respect to Houston, who returned it in kind. Everyone took a bath and changed out of their bloody clothing and reunited in a rge hall within the castle. Adeline sat on the rgest seat with Tymon, Bihse, Azazel and Bihse’s brother sat in front of her.

  “Now let’s begin.”