α
βA teacher?β Her voice lowers, velvet edged with steel. βNow that is truly intriguing. One who can shape the very currents of time, yet escapes my notice? They must be either remarkably adept at concealmentβ¦ or simply too insignificant to merit my attention.β That smile β
γ €
γ €she's with her master, the Magister.
γ €β You can call it that, but the person who taught me would be depely offended to call it a trick. β
γ €Following her expression, Alexandra also smiles.
γ €β Really? And I wonder what services could I provide? β
γ €
β never wavers, but her eyes harden with predatory interest.
βAs for servicesββ A soft laugh, almost warm. βI might have use of your talents. One who understands the hidden workings of cities and villagesβknowledge far removed from the experience of royalty such as myself.β β
α
Agreements? I thought there was quite a language barrier. I do not recall any meaningful discourse on terms or accords. Well β From a particular perspective.
α
β porcelain grace. βA temporal trick. Interesting.β
Those cold, beautiful eyes sweep over Alexandra from platinum hair to booted feet, their gaze keen and appraising. Calculating. With a subtle arch of her brow, the empressβs smile deepens. βI might like you.β
α
α
For the briefest flicker of a moment, something indefinable glimmers behind those eyes. Surprise? Amusement? A hint of danger? With Azharelle, the truth remains ever elusive. Her lips curl in a slow, deliberate motionβa predatorβs smile artfully concealed beneath a veneer of β
γ €
γ €β This mere thief has more than the
γ €eye can see, my lady. β
γ €And as such, Alexandra stops time
γ €briefly and jumps high towards the
γ €balcony, landing on its edge.
γ €And as time resumes, she continues
γ €β And since I am a thief nor your
γ €subject, here I am. β
γ €
α
βπ»πβπβπβ such words from a thief, directed at an empress. Pray, do you not overlook a few moral precepts yourself?β One leg elegantly crosses over the other, exuding effortless command. βAnd no, I don't believe I shall grant you that privilege.β
α
γ €
γ €β Morality? I am just being realistic
γ €and pragmatic, my lady. β
γ €β Can I go up there? It's a little...
γ €uncomfortable to speak in such
γ €unequal position. β
γ €She meant literally, as Alex was
γ €pretty much shouting.
γ €
γ €
γ €β Yes, but amidst the peasantry your
γ €entire lifestyle depends upon. What
γ €good there is to govern an empire
γ €of sand? β
γ €Quite ironic, since she also treated
γ €commoners like shit.
γ €
β β β β β γ €γ €γ €
γ €γ €γ €: The tribe hates it when the empress looks down on them. . THEY'RE not under her control. . π’
β β β β β γ €γ €γ €
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πππ‘ππ‘πβ quite the little provocateur, aren't you? I may have π πππ uses for that. But first, try your worst with those π¦π’π§π¨π« ππ‘π«ππππ¬.
α
α
β
β
Bold words . Yet - itβs easy to be confident from her high tower, isnβt it ? Wonder if those words will come with a blade at the throat .
β