"Nice story," Leo said with a bow as he rose to his feet. The soft hues of twilight painted the sky in purples and golds, casting a romantic glow across the garden. Emelda noticed the shift in the sky and smiled faintly.
"I'm guessing you enjoyed your tour," she said.
Leo nodded. "It's the best I've had in a very long time."
Emelda raised a brow and scoffed. "As if an assassin like you ever gets to go on tours."
Leo chuckled. "We do more than killing, you know."
"I'd love to find out how true that is." Her grin held a playful challenge. "Regardless, today was… quite wonderful."
Leo found himself agreeing, even if he didn't say it aloud.
A low, drawn-out whine broke the moment as they neared the kennel. Flower, who had been bounding ahead during most of their walk, now stood still, ears drooped, tail lowered, her entire posture soaked in disappointment.
"Don't worry, girl," Emelda said softly, kneeling down to scratch behind the hound's ears. "I promise to bring you out first thing tomorrow morning."
Flower gave her a wide-eyed, pleading look that could melt stone. Still, Emelda remained firm.
"You know the drill, Flower."
The hound's gaze shifted from the open kennel to Emelda, then to Leo—those soulful eyes practically begging for a savior.
Leo knelt and ruffled the soft white fur behind Flower's ear. "Why do you elves keep them in cages?" he asked. "You treat them better than most humans treat each other."
Emelda sighed. "They're bred for hunting and battle, not for snuggling by the fire." Then, with a sly smile, she added, "Besides, Flower belongs to my mother. I can't do anything without her approval."
With a resigned huff, Flower trudged into the kennel, pausing only to shut the door behind her with a back leg—a gesture both intelligent and tragic. Leo gave her one last pat before rejoining Emelda at the entrance.
"That reminds me," he began. "Were you invited to the upcoming Valor Ball?"
Emelda glanced at him, curious. "I was. Why?"
Leo scratched the back of his head. "It might be nice to see other young faces for a change."
She chuckled. "I know, right? But I'm pretty sure Bethran was invited too. So that makes three of us."
Leo's face darkened slightly as he shook his head.
"What?!" Emelda gasped. "Why not? If not for him, you wouldn't even be standing here right now."
"Beats me," Leo replied with a shrug. "Only you, me, and Hamilton even knew about the mission. Still, it doesn't make much sense. The Midnights sent me to protect you, and Bethran played a huge part in that."
"Is it because he's a werewolf?" he muttered, rubbing his chin in thought—then suddenly froze. "Shit! I forgot—" He glanced at Emelda, alarmed. Did she hear that?
Fortunately, she was too engrossed in her own story. "Did I ever tell you about the fat elven butcher who once proposed to a noble?"
Leo blinked. "What?"
"Guess what?" Emelda grinned.
"What?" Leo asked, trying to follow, his expression politely blank.
"The butcher is actually a female."
There was no shock on Leo's face.
Emelda folded her arms. "Really? That didn't surprise you?"
Leo stifled a yawn, exhaustion from the long day finally creeping in. "Sorry, I don't get it."
"Are all butchers male or something?" she asked, exasperated.
"You really need to get out more," she added with a sigh.
Leo smiled. "Thank you for your time, Princess." He knelt and kissed her outstretched hand. "I had a wonderful day."
Emelda stepped forward. "Goodbye, Leo." Then, standing on her toes, she leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.
Leo's eyes widened. For a moment, he stood frozen, the warmth of her lips lingering. Emelda turned and disappeared down a side corridor, her laughter echoing faintly.
*Cough*
Leo turned to see Glandhyr, the ever-stern captain, standing with arms crossed, a raised brow on his sharp face.
"Yes?" Leo asked with a smile that Semmes impossible to shrug off.
"The queen and the Phoenix Leaders request your presence in the throne room."
Leo gave a curt nod, his expression shifting to one of complete seriousness. As they walked through the quiet courtyard and into the main corridors, silence fell between them.
They soon reached the massive double doors of the throne room.
"After you," Glandhyr said, gesturing forward.
Leo pushed the door open with a heavy creak.
"Took you long enough," Queen Flowyria said with a wry smile. She sat at a massive roundtable, motioning to the empty seat opposite her.
Leo pulled it back and sat slowly, his instincts alert.
"I never thought I'd be given the honor of sitting at the royal table," he said, voice light but eyes wary.
"You would've made a fine courtesan," the queen replied. "With all that flattery."
Leo's smile faded slightly. "Your Majesty, if I may—where are the others?"
Queen Flowyria's expression turned serious. "They'll arrive tomorrow for a full briefing on the vampire hunt."
"And me?" Leo asked.
"You're here because I need a favor."
Leo crossed one leg over the other. "What kind of favor, Your Highness?"
She took a breath. "You're attending the Valor Ball, yes?"
Leo nodded.
"Good. Then I need you to keep certain details of the vampire hunt… confidential."
He leaned forward slightly. "What details, exactly?"
The queen locked eyes with him. "No one must know about the golden knife that fiend used."
Leo's brow furrowed. "May I ask why?"
Flowyria sighed. "So many questions."
She folded her hands, her voice softening. "I'm only telling you this because I trust you'll keep it away from the wrong ears."
Leo bowed his head slightly. "You have my word."
The queen's gaze turned grim. "That knife is the key to resurrecting one of the most sadistic beings this realm has ever known. A creature only second to the White Dragon in malevolence."
She paused.
"Blood Rose—the Vampire Queen."
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HI dear readers, sorry for the slow update. This is one of the last filler chapters so get ready for more action packed scenes.