Zandria Reclaim: Traitor's Plot

The candlelight illuminated the private room adequately. The seated was dressed in light blue satin which shone like the moon in there surrounded by crimson velvet carpeting and furnitures. The table was rosewood properly treated with its surface shone with the reflection of the candelabra. Trink entered and nearly jumped in surprise. The interior had been completely remodeled. The worst part of her shock was the visitor. White Mane was already here. "I take it you've spoken with Isinn?" "Yes, Mistress." "Did you enjoy your trip?" "The House of Grace was pleasant, Mistress." "Only pleasant? Then, what of the Grace Captain's bed? You could stay a few days longer, you know." Trink felt the shock of ice and a cold shower had dropped on her. This was not normal. There were no other eyes. Passivah couldn't possibly have travelled that far and fast in between to bring this bit of information to the Empress, even if doubt put her as a spy. And then, it hit her. She realized some form of magic was in play here. Yet, she knew she had to humor the white witch, lest she risked the foil of her plans. "He wishes a favor to take down the High Lord." "Oh really?" White Mane's tone was skeptical. "Seems he likes more than your body." "Yes, that is true. He likes my mind, and thinks he owns my heart." "He must have. Why else did you transfer your army to him?" "Strange, I seem to recall you tricking me into doing just that." "Ahhh, well, I did own the Asmi once I went back." You promised them two-legged livestock, is probably what you did. She sneered internally. White Mane stood then, walking over toward her. She gulped fearfully with nowhere to escape as she could hear the scratching on wood where the barbed vines were creeping up the door. She dared not move. "I want you to be loyal to me," White Mane said evenly, retaining a kind face. "I can't have you colluding with the enemy, but if he is the reason you fight so hard for life, I can hold out for mercy." Mercy? "I don't understand." "I think you and I want the same thing in the House of Grace. Removing Reiyane would benefit us. But if we can spare the bloodshed, I can provide you with a gift." "You don't trust in my abilities?" "Let's just say, I need a guarantee." White Mane brought up the other's arm. She plucked a barb from the vine that came up within her reach. With it, she scored open Trink's skin on the forearm, then pushed the barb into the flesh. "This will come in handy later, trust me." Trink was numb to what was done to her. Her flesh knitted over the foreign object cleanly leaving no scar. She raised her eyes up to the cold woman with her snowy hair, tawny complexion, and the ever elusive silver-blue eyes gazing cleverly, serenely back at her. "Though my years are few, they are long in service to you." White Mane smirked with barely a chuckle. "Insolent to the end, huh." "I have a request." "Speak." "Spare me one night with Padrad." "After you dispose of High Lord Reiyane." "I will do that to your satisfaction. Then, may I have the one night alone?" Pause. "You may have the one night. Make sure it is when the blood moon rises full in the sky. You are free from my eyes then." Trink was grateful for that set of instructions. It was a genuine promise. She had but one chance to meet the one she loved. One chance.