You're currently being dragged through the halls of a castle belonging to the current queen of the elven queen Orelia Windborn. You're a human soldier who's been taken as a prisoner of war after your group was ambushed by elves and you're the only one who survived the torture that followed after being captured and now even after all that and you still haven't been broken the queen herself has decided to try her hand at interrogating you
The castle is extremely luxurious from what you can see through your blurry vision as the pair of big bulky elves drag you through its hallways towards the queens private quarters. Once you've reached her door they drag you inside and throw you to the floor before leaving you on the floor bloody and beaten with your hands tied up and as you mange to get up to your knees again you're met with a cold gaze by a woman in a white dress standing over you
She looks down at you with a cold gaze before taking a step back to look at you better as you're on your knees in front of her "So, you're the lucky survivor? I must say, I'm impressed you managed to survive all that..." She says, her voice cold and distant as she gazes down at you
"All of what? The tickle session your guys call torture? My mother hits harder." I say with a strong snarkyness in my voice. "Your people would be better suited as message therapists." I laugh.
Her expression doesn't change as you attempt to be insolent and smart-mouth her. She takes another step closer until she's only a few inches away from your face. The cold gaze pierces right through you, making your heart race faster despite yourself.
"I'm not here for that," she hisses. "I want information about the human king and his plans against us. You should know what happens to traitors in my kingdom." Her words are like icy wind, causing a shiver to run down your spine despite her warm breath on your face. "So I suggest you start talking..." Her voice lowers even further, almost inaudible, but there's something dangerous in it that makes your blood run cold.
Realizing how close she is to my face, I lean forward and kiss her. (I hope this pisses her off.) "My king set his plan h
Her expression darkens and she quickly pushes you away with enough force to send you falling backwards onto your backside. You taste blood in the corner of your mouth as her eyes narrow dangerously. "You insolent brat! I should have you drawn and quartered for that!" She takes a deep breath, attempting to calm herself down before speaking again. "Let me make this clear. I am the Queen of the elves, and you will show me the respect I deserve. If you continue to provoke me, I won't hesitate to have your tongue cut out." Her voice is cold and unyielding as she looms over you, making it clear that she means every word.
I laugh while lying on my back. I am laughing almost uncontrollably. "You have no idea what is coming. My king set his plan in motion before my scouting party even left the barracks." I roll over and get back to my knees. "I am not the one who should be afraid right now." I turn to look her in the eyes and smile. All fear has left my face. I am not concerned.
The look in your eyes chills her to the bone. Something about the certainty and confidence in them is unsettling, making her fear that you truly know what you're talking about. "You fool," she hisses through gritted teeth. "You do not understand the consequences of your actions." Suddenly, she lunges forward with incredible speed and force, driving one pointed finger straight into your chest as if to pierce your heart. Her magic surges through you as pain erupts in your chest, leaving you gasping for air on the floor.
"I hope this will be a lesson," she snarls down at you, eyes flashing with fury and determination. "Tell me what I need to know, human, or suffer my wrath!" She pauses for a moment, her expression cold and unforgiving as she waits for your reply.
I fight through the pain and stand up. I am clearly in pain. I turn and look at her. Through the pain, I am still able to smile. "Do you hear that?" There is a distant sound echoing from the hills that are visible from the window of the chambers. "They are coming." I spit blood on the floor and then smile again.
"So be it," Orelia mutters darkly, her expression growing even more distant and cold as she watches you. She takes a step back, her hands resting lightly on her hips, gaze fixed on the window through which the sound of approaching hoofbeats can be heard. "If this is your king's plan, then he has doomed us both," she whispers softly to herself, almost as if she hadn't spoken at all.
Her gaze flickers back to you briefly before returning to the window once more, her expression unreadable. You can feel the tension in the room building as the sounds of battle draw nearer, and yet somehow, you are not afraid. The knowledge that your king has sent his army against her kingdom seems to have lent you an unfathomable strength and courage, even in the face of her cold, emotionless stare.
"I will give you 2 choices." I speak through the pain. "You can surrender to me, I will signal to my king that you surrendered and I will make sure that your people are spared. Your fate will be in my hands, but no harm will come to your people." I look out the window at the approaching army. "Or, you can watch as your people die defending your kingdom. They might survive, or they might not. It will be up to the gods then." I turn and stare her down with true conviction. (I know that her people are no match for the knights of the human kingdom.)
Her eyes narrow at your words as she listens carefully, weighing the options in her mind. "You dare propose such a thing?" She asks coldly, taking another step back until she's leaning against the windowsill, overlooking the oncoming battle outside. "You would betray your own kind for the sake of my people? Or have you forgotten that your king started this war in the first place?" Her voice drips with venom as she glares at you accusingly. "I think not," she finally says, straightening her back and turning away from the window. "The elves will fight to defend our lands, even if it means our deaths." She pauses for a moment, a distant look in her eyes before continuing in a softer tone. "Better that we die with honor than live as slaves under your king's rule."
Her gaze drifts back to you, colder and more emotionless than ever before. "Now," she says slowly, each word dripping with venom, "tell me everything you know about their plans, and maybe I will spare you from the pain that awaits both our peoples."
"Oh, I would not be betraying my people. I would be sparing yours." I casually break my bonds and bring my hands in front. "I am actually one of the weaker knights. That's why I'm a scout. And your metal is like paper to me. What do you think the other knights are capable of?" I look at her with determination. "Surrender to me and my king will spare your people. Fight and all of your people will die. Your choice."
"I think not," Orelia says through gritted teeth. "You expect me to believe that you're just a weak knight? You insult my intelligence!" She crosses her arms over her chest, nostrils flaring as she struggles to control her anger. "No, I will not surrender! The elves have fought for their land before, and we will do so again, even if it means our deaths!" Her voice echoes through the room, growing louder and more unyielding with every word.
Her gaze shifts to the window once more as she hears the clash of swords and the cries of battle starting outside. "Even if your king were capable of sparing my people," she says slowly, venom lacing her words, "I would not accept his mercy. The elves are stronger than that!" She takes a deep breath before turning back to you. "So be it. You leave me no choice."
With that, Orelia's body seems to go limp, and for a brief moment she looks as if she might collapse. But then her eyes narrow and her muscles tense, green energy crackling around her fingers as she prepares herself for the fight ahead. "Let our people be judged by the gods," she whispers hoarsely, before charging at you with inhuman speed, fists raised high above her head.
I slap the queen, knocking her to the ground. I turn and charge the 2 guards. I punch the first one, sending him through the door and then grab the sword of the second guard and bend the sword in half. The second guard runs for his life. I turn back to the queen and approach her. "So, do you still think you have a chance?" I look down at her.
The queen glares up at you, eyes flashing with rage and humiliation as she lies on the floor. "I do not need your help," she hisses through clenched teeth, her voice trembling slightly. "Get away from me!" She struggles to stand but you're blocking her path. The anger in her gaze only grows stronger as she tries again to rise up and push past you.
But it doesn't matter how hard she fights against you; you're too strong, too fast for her now. Even the air around you seems charged with energy as you stand there, almost glowing with power despite your injuries from earlier. And yet still, she refuses to admit defeat. "You... You don't understand!" she manages to spit out between heaving breaths, struggling against the invisible bonds that keep her pinned down by your presence alone. "I cannot allow my people to suffer for my failure! I must..." Her voice trails off as she finally gives up and collapses back onto the floor with a defeated groan.
"Surrender to me, and your people will be spared. Not enslaved, spared." I reach my hand down to her. "You have my word."
Her green eyes narrow as she glares up at you from the floor. Even in defeat, there's still a spark of defiance and pride burning bright within them. But after a moment's consideration, she slowly reaches out to take your offered hand, pulling herself back to her feet. Her body is limp with exhaustion, but there's something in her posture that speaks of determination.
"Very well," she says through gritted teeth. "I will spare the lives of my people this once... But know this: we will not forget your treachery against us." Her gaze flickers briefly to the window where the battle still rages on outside before returning to you, her voice cold and emotionless as ever. "Now lead me to your king, so that I may face my punishment for betraying him."
I smile at her. "I'm right here." I pull out my insignia that was hidden in my breastplate. The seal of the king. "The approaching army is coming to save me." I soften and become polite. "That is why I can give you my word that your people will be spared. I don't serve a king. I am the king."
Her eyes widen in shock as she takes in your words and the insignia you reveal. For a moment, she looks like she might collapse again, but with an effort of will, she manages to remain upright. "You... You're the human king?" she asks incredulously, her voice barely above a whisper.
Taking another deep breath, she forces herself to meet your gaze. There's still anger there, and hurt, but there's also something else... Perhaps recognition, or even respect. "Very well," she says at last, inclining her head slightly. "If you truly are the king, then I will honor our agreement." She pauses for a moment before continuing, voice trembling slightly, "Please... Let my people live in peace."
Her eyes drift back to the window once more, as if unable to tear themselves away from the battle that still rages outside. The pain and loss are etched deeply into her features, and yet somehow, there's a sense of calmness about her now that wasn't there before.
I walk to the window and shout. "The valor of man will stand." (An ancient signal among the human kingdoms acknowledging a sense fire.)
The elven queen watches carefully as you shout out the window, her expression guarded but curious. After a moment, she sees movement in the distance and her eyes light up with hope. "It seems they have heard you," she whispers, her voice barely audible above the sound of battle outside.
Suddenly, there's a pause in the fighting as a lone figure emerges from the midst of the knights, arms raised high above his head. His armor gleams in the sunlight as he rides towards them on a massive white steed, followed closely by several dozen mounted soldiers bearing the crest of the human kingdom. Even from this distance, it's clear that the elven queen can feel the weight of his presence.
"It seems your word is indeed as good as gold," she says quietly, her voice laced with awe and respect. "You truly are... to be admired." There's an almost reluctant hint of approval in her tone, as if she were unaccustomed to giving it.
Her gaze flickers briefly to you before returning back outside, watching the approaching rider with a mixture of hope and fear. "We shall see what fate has in store for us all," she murmurs under her breath.
I shout to the approaching knight. "Sir Gunther. You and the others are ordered to spare the elves of this kingdom. Their queen has surrendered herself to me." I remove my ring and toss it to the knight. "Take this to the men. The fight is over."
Sir Gunther catches the ring and acknowledges the order, signaling his men to halt their charge. He rides closer to the window, bowing deeply before the elven queen as he addresses her in a loud voice, "Your majesty, by order of the human king and your new liege-lord," he gestures at you meaningfully, "we are to spare your people. You have our word."
The elven queen looks on, surprise etched into her features as she realizes that this is actually happening. She glances at you again before responding, her voice steady despite the uncertainty within her, "Very well, sir knight. I accept your king's mercy and swear fealty to him." Her gaze flickers to the other knights, and then back to you. "So it seems our fates are now intertwined. Let us work together to bring peace to our lands."
There is a long moment of silence as everyone present processes this new development. Then, Sir Gunther nods in agreement before turning his horse away from the window, signaling for the remaining knights to follow suit and dismount. The sounds of battle gradually begin to fade into the distance as men on both sides mingle together, exchanging stories and experiences from the field.
Despite the strangeness of it all, Orelia finds herself looking at you with something akin to respect, even admiration. Perhaps, she thinks, this human king truly is different than any other leader she has known. Only time will tell what destiny holds for them all.
"Queen Orelia, even though you tortured me, a human king, I will grant you my forgiveness. I do request that a treaty be created between our 2 kingdoms. Let there be peace between us." I pull off my glove, revealing a king's ring. I pull off the ring and hold it out to her. "Merry me. Let us bond our kingdoms together through marriage. A royal wedding."
Her eyes widen in surprise at your offer, and she hesitates for a moment before reaching out to take the ring. "I... I accept," she says quietly, her voice shaking slightly. The thought of marrying a human, especially one who has proven himself so cunning and strong, fills her with a strange mix of emotions: curiosity, fear, and perhaps even desire. She can't help but wonder what life would be like beside someone like you.
"And," she continues, meeting your gaze directly, "I agree to sign a treaty of peace between our kingdoms. Together, we shall work to mend the rift that has divided us for so long." There's something unspoken in her words, a sense of hope and determination that suggests she truly believes this new alliance could bring about a brighter future for both their peoples.
For now, however, there is much work to be done. The scars of war run deep, and it will take time for trust to be rebuilt between them all. But with you by her side, Queen Orelia feels a small spark of optimism flare within her heart. Perhaps, just perhaps, the legends of the great human king were not entirely without merit after all...