The Royal Mark-Chapter 168: Her Proposition

"What the heck are you saying? How will you go to Novus without using the portal here? If Chris told you that I can conjure a portal he is right but it has limitations. I can only do it within Vectus or from Novus to Vectus and not the other way around," Elandir told Elsa.

"I completely understand that. But I have found another way to do it," Elsa replied.

"Do you think the Council and my father will allow you to do that? They may have invited you here but it doesn’t mean that they are ready to be friends with you and Chris or your kingdoms. They are selfish and are only interested in the mithril staff," Elandir stated.

"I have considered that. So if they decline, I have a counteroffer. I would still give the staff back but the condition will change. Instead of allowing us to use the portal, I want you to fight with us. And only you can have the staff."

"And do you think they will agree on your new offer? My father definitely would not want me, his rebellious son to have that staff for sure," Elandir crossed his arms, he thought that Elsa’s idea would not work.

"How fond are you of your father?"

Again, Elandir was flabbergasted with her question. He can no longer guess how this woman’s brain works.

"He is my father and I am his only child, of course, I am fond of him," Elandir sighed. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Gotcha, because if the Elven Council still declines then I guess I could just kill some of them. Since you are fond of the king then I have no choice but to spare him, I guess," Elsa casually said like a psycho not minding how seriously wicked was the plan she had in mind.

Elandir dropped his jaw and was uttered speechless. He had thought that his friend’s wife was stubborn and feisty but not up to this point.

When he stood frozen on his spot and just staring at Elsa, she smiled at him and said, "Shall we go and meet them?"

"Okay, I will go along with your plan but let me do the talking," Elsa nodded in agreement and followed Elandir to the council hall.

Elsa found herself once again in awe of the architectural marvel that housed the council hall. Contrary to her expectations of it being within the castle, it was discreetly nestled in the woods, accessible only to members and invited guests.

The exterior walls were composed of huge vines, and even the door was organic and alive, responding to the commands of the stationed guard. Upon stepping inside, Elsa was astonished by the expansive interior, featuring various elevations for council seats and an impressively high ceiling.

The setting resembled a circular courtroom, where the accused took a central seat to present their case and await judgment. Elsa couldn’t shake the unsettling atmosphere that surrounded the place.

Her eyes first landed on the person who was seated in the middle, opposite the door. She immediately figured that he was the king even though he was not wearing a crown for he is a carbon copy of Elandir, just an older version. "It is wonderful to finally meet you, Princess Elsa. I have heard so much about you," King Tyrion said.

Elsa curtsied and put on her best behavior, "Thank you, Your Majesty. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be invited to Qiryn by the king himself. And I hope you only heard good things about me."

The king chuckled which calmed Elsa’s nerves for she didn’t know what to expect from him.

"Yes, it was only good things. Whatever action you took in the past, I believe that there was a good reason why you did that. Are you comfortable here in Qiryn?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Queen Ydril made sure of that. She sent me a personal servant even though I wouldn’t stay long," Elsa hinted at every one of her plans before adding, "How is your health? I heard you are not feeling well?"

"I am fine, it’s just old age so it is expected. I heard your ship was attacked, and you don’t have to worry about that we have contacted your family and we will help them look for the Prince of Arcanis and everyone aboard. You are safer here, so no need to hurry back home."

Elsa looked at Elandir who was giving her a meaningful look and signaling her to go with their plan. "That is not the only reason I will not stay long here. I am withdrawing from our deal," Elsa said to the king with conviction as she looked at him directly in the eyes.

Murmurs and loud chatters erupted in the hall, the Elven Council definitely didn’t like what they heard.

Elandir facepalmed himself internally and quickly interfered, "What the princess meant was, she–"

King Tyrion silenced the room with a resounding thud of his staff against the floor, commanding the attention of everyone present. "Why do you wish to withdraw?" the king inquired of Elsa, his gaze unwavering.

"I no longer intend to use your portal, Your Majesty. And because of that, there is no need to proceed with our agreement. I only request a small boat, allowing my dogs and me to return to Zemaria, where we can help in the search for my husband and my people."

The king nodded thoughtfully. "I appreciate your forthrightness, Princess. You are a smart one. Now, tell me, what secrets do you conceal within the folds of your sleeves? Do not hesitate to voice out your demands. I am well aware that you anticipate our keen interest in reclaiming the mithril staff," King Tyrion said, a genuine smile gracing his face as he observed Elsa.

Elsa had expected King Tyrion to exhibit wisdom, not merely due to his age but also based on the tales she had heard. His adept handling of various matters, as recounted in those stories, had led her to anticipate a ruler of intelligence and sharpness.

Elsa wore a smug expression, her smirk catching the Elven Council off guard as she boldly mocked their king.

"I will give the Moonstone Mithril Staff to Elandir only if you allow him to fight with us in this war."

A collective audible gasp was heard from the council hall and this time, the Elven council openly expressed their disapproval of her proposition.