Duke Perovskia walked down the dimly lit hallway grumbling quietly to himself as he went. The lights ahead of him suddenly flickered out. He stopped and frowned. He turned and saw the lights behind were already out. The hair on his arms prickled, and he raised his fists protectively. Whatever happened, he knew how to defend himself!
"You should travel with more guards."
He whipped around at the whispered words, but there was no one there. "To defend me from a coward hiding in the shadows?" he snarled, baring his fangs.
"For someone who has enemies to fear, yes, I believe that would be the wise choice," purred the voice, again behind the duke.
The Oni spun, swinging his fist. His arm his something solid. Something that didn't give. Perovskie stared at the dark shape and recognized Lance Hearthrune standing before him, one hand holding the arm that was easily as big around as his waist. His white skin stood out sharply against the green of Perovskia's arm, and there was no sign of even the slightest tremor as he held it steady.
"What enemies have I? You?" the duke demanded, forcing down the flutter of fear in his belly.
Lance smiled at him, but it was a cold humorless smile barely visible in the dark. "To begin with, yes," he murmured. "I stand here on behalf of the royal family."
Perovskia withdrew his arm and Lance let him. "The Princess? It was her own idea! I would not have sent her to the roc!" he spluttered.
"Yes. Interesting that you should even know about that considering I mentioned it to precisely one other person. Apparently, I chose my confidant poorly," Lance purred. "That is my own fault, my own punishment, but you, Duke Perovskia, you sent an unarmed and unprepared woman into the heart of danger with only three untried and untested soldiers to guard her?" He tutted softly. "If your attempt on her life had succeeded, it is possible you would have gotten away free, perhaps even saying you sent more and better soldiers than you had, but she lived due to some miracle and brought back word of your doings."
The duke bared his fangs at Lance. "I will not take the blame for the foolishness of some stupid human who thinks a giant bird is some sort of religious benefactor! What next? The snow cat? If she is killed trying to bow her head to one of those, will you blame me then, too?"
"Perovskia, you test me," Lance warned, his voice still unnaturally quiet. "You were less than subtle in your declarations that Cranovid needed no human princess, and your city is well-known as a place of danger for humans. Your stance is clear, and when you saw an opportunity to rid the kingdom of its newest blight, you seized it. Opportunistic, clever, yet so very stupid."
"Then are you here to kill me? Are words your chosen weapon?" Perovskia demanded.
Lance finally stepped forward into the light, and his smile took on a new edge as he stared up at Perovskia, who stood only a little taller than he. "No," he whispered, his eyes purest black from edge to edge, "I have not been given permission to wipe your stain from this land. You are valuable yet as Duke. I am here to warn you. Your value will only stretch so far, Oni. Tread carefully, or next time you will not leave this hallway."
Lance turned and stepped into the darkness, disappearing instantly. Duke Perovskia stood in a wide stance for several seconds after Lance had gone. Then he crumpled, breathing heavily as sweat trickled down his brow. Glancing side to side, he hurried through the hallway and all but ran toward his chambers.
"I still think you should have allowed me," Lance commented to another shadow as he stepped into an alcove.
"Perhaps," Eleazar agreed, watching the retreating back of the duke, "but he still holds a lot of sway in this part of the country. Maybe too much. Maybe I have been too lenient on him. But having him disappear right now would only bread more trouble, and I haven't the energy to deal with it right now."
Lance inclined his head. "It may be wise to keep an eye on the Princess, My Lord. If the ruler is so bold as to attempt something like this..."
"Then rabble-rousing extremists are not far behind and ready to do far worse," Eleazar finished for him. "Yes. You will have to stay close to her."
"I, My Lord?" Lance asked, raising a brow.
"She likes and trusts you," Eleazar pointed out.
"In the daylight sun, My Lord?" Lance said leadingly.
Eleazar glanced at him and realized what he was asking. "No, you can't, can you. I guess the guards. We are still stuck here because of the storm whether we like it or not."
"My Lord, I trust our guards implicetly, but if your intention is not to alarm her by telling her what nearly happened, then I would not think suddenly having guards following her around would accomplish that," Lance said in amusement. "The answer is clear here."
Eleazar looked puzzled for a moment. Until realization hit. He scowled at Lance and muttered a curse.
"Indeed, My Lord. I am afraid you will be spending a bit more time with your bride," Lance said happily.
Eleazar grumbled and rustled his wings before walking away. "So. It. Seems. Try not to enjoy yourself too much. At least attempt to hide it from me."
"I will do my best, My Lord," Lance promised as he watched Eleazar walk away.
Eleazar went to the shared rooms and made himself comfortable on the couch. This was going to be a long few days.