The very next morning, the witch queen found herself standing at the foot of Arpious's bed, just as she had been instructed. She could feel the remnants of the viscous substance still in her throat, but it was a small price to pay for her newfound position.
Arpious emerged from her room, her eyes scanning the witch queen's form. She was dressed in a new nightgown, unsullied by the previous night's activities.
"Good morning, sweetie," Arpious said, her voice cold and commanding. "I see you've been obedient and arrived as I commanded."
The witch queen nodded, her eyes never leaving her mistress's face. She knew that this was not a time for small talk or idle chatter.
"We will set off past your little kingdom," Arpious said, her voice rising with excitement. "And I need you by my side, ready to and assist in any way you can."
