Thread: Faerie Wonderland (Zaila and Styx)

The queen had a sleepless night comprised of severe tossing and turning as images of her kingdom burning to the ground raked her mind, torturing her sleep. Several times she'd awoken, sitting up stark straight in her head, sweat beads on her forehead and her breath ragged. Eyes darted around the room, expecting to see it engulfed in flames, relief washing over her to see the room still in one piece. If she had two more nights of this she would go absolutely insane. When she rose for the day, she scoped the kingdom for an herbalist, buying several sleeping agents from the woman and, in turn, offering her and her family a section of the castle to stay in while the war was happening. The general came into the throne room a couple hours after Kyria had arrived, a broad smile on his features. I managed to gather troops from the outlying towns to the north. They were more than willing to ally with us against the Unseelie and wish to fight as soon as they can. Kyria was delighted at this news and nodded approvingly, but a brow rose in concern when the man's smile vanished into worry. General...what is it? Is there something else? He nodded. You see, your Highness, the Unseelie captured many of our people and made them into war slaves. A scout I sent out confirmed this... If we fight, we'll be put up against brainwashed versions of soldiers and townsmen that used to live within our community. She stiffened, her fingers tightening on the arms of the throne, teeth gritting. The prince was smart...something she was hoping she wouldn't have to take into consideration besides this entire ordeal, but it seemed she had no choice. I see, she said finally and rose from the dais, walking over to one of the windows and looking out onto her almost desolate kingdom. Those men are no longer with us. Their spirits have been broken and they're merely tools for the Unseelie. You would be doing them a favor by taking their lives for it would end their misery and send them to a blissful everafter in the heavens. The general blanched, but nodded, knowing what the queen said was true. Still, some of those men were ones he'd developed a likeness for and saw plenty of potential in. Despite being a hardened soldier, he wasn't sure he could bring himself to attack those he'd trained. That is all General, she said distractedly and continued looking out the window. The general left the throne room. About an hour later, someone else appeared... The being that caused Kyria's blood to run even colder than it normally did whenever he was around. Yes? she demanded curtly as she walked back to her throne, settling on it and fixing the creature with an hate-filled glare. What is it this time? She waited for the being to speak its piece and bristled with anger at the prince's new demand. He has proven he's skilled in the ways of battle and he knows how to break me down bit by bit, so does he really expect that I would be foolhardy enough to meet with him? Absolutely not. How do I know if it's a trap or not. The mention of me bringing bodyguards is not enough of an assurance since those can be quickly disposed of by skilled hands. I refuse to meet with your prince. Kyria was trying to be sensible in this situation and knew that the prince had something up his sleeve if he wished to meet her in person. She wouldn't fall for it. You can deliver that message to your prince. Now leave my court.