The night is dark. And darkness brings out all sorts of creatures out. Creatures that use the darkness to prey upon other unsuspecting creatures and creatures that bring out evil.
The former does so in need of survival but the latter thrive in the absence of strong light bringing forth destruction and calamities.
Dowager Empress Theodora looked at one such creature that loved the night. She's never seen his face and he rarely speaks.
"She shall not return with him," she said trying to find his eyes. Often she'd wonder if the one who takes the humanoid form is even human. Suspicious as he is, he is the best dark mage in the realm.
She once saw him conjuring an atrocious beast from the belly of hell and the beast listened to him as a dog would. He's sworn loyalty to her and would do her bidding whenever she asks for it.
A ragged hood shadowed his face and with a bow and a flutter of his cape torn to ribbons, he leapt off the balcony. Theodora looked down only to see a conspiracy of ravens flocking above the trees and they rose towards the endless sky clouding the moon. Her heart skipped a beat and she held the amulet close to her heart.
Clearing her throat, she stepped inside the room. Her eyes widened seeing Lord Zoros standing by the door. She carefully hid the amulet.
"Your Highness," Lord Zoros gave a deep bow.
As loyal and capable Lord Zoros is with his legions of military men, he is not very accepting of magic and the sorts. He prefers the power of mortal men and flesh rather than magic and spells. Maybe that's why Maximus doesn't suffer Lord Zoros gladly.
"Make sure he is welcomed as the victorious conqueror that he is and be crowned with the jewels of Aryrth," She looked at Lord Zoros.
The letter her son sent could be considered lost since she doesn't like the contents. She still is the highest authority in this place.
Her heart is soothed hearing the Royal Augur say that her son will return soon. He's left the city for years in the name of conquest. Now would be the time for him to return to his Empire and sit on the throne of his ancestors, to rule.
Lord Zoros bowed accepting her words but then he chuckled. His chuckle had a lot of amusement and a trace of pity.
"You must miss His Majesty truly, Your Highness. No love could equate to motherly love. But the evening primrose will never see the sunlight no matter how much we wish for it to," he spoke softly placing his hand on his chest.
"That woman is unworthy to stand beside him, Lord Zoros," Theodora smirked. "No one from Deberia should enter the Royal city of Lathlin. Not when I am alive."
A shadow formed under Theodora's eyes as her face turned ashen and devoid of color. Lord Zoros could very well understand the Dowager's reluctance to let someone from Deberia in.
"I sensed the meddlesome fiddling of the son of Hector in the letter sent to the Chamberlain, Your Highness," Lord Zoros smirked.
"He trusts Julius. Always has been and the son of Hector never proved anyone wrong, Lord Zoros," Theodora sat on the couch, crossing her legs.
Everyone knows the animosity between Julius and Lord Zoros. Both are very loyal to the Empire and she is not going to choose sides although she hates Julius and his wife more than Lord Zoros hates Julius.
"Ahem!" Lord Zoros cleared his throat knowing this is not the time or place to show his personal dislikes. "His Majesty has relayed his wish to get crowned with Lady Felixa as the Empress. I don't think we can-"
"Change his mind, Lord Zoros. I don't know what that witch did to him but he cannot bring her back here." Theodora pointed at the chair in front of her for Lord Zoros to sit.
Lord Zoros waved his hand and stared at the candlelight flickering in front of the big portrait of the former emperor. With a majestic mane like a lion, the Emperor was donning a regal look. With the signature raven-black hair and amber eyes, he looked handsome.
But the little smirk… madness runs in the family!
"The barbarians from the East may attack anytime soon. The Emperor should return to his land to bring fear into the hearts of our enemies. What is an Empire when the Emperor acts like a nomad? How long will he sleep in tents with the soldiers when his throne awaits his return?"
"Bring him back, Evander," Theodora looked at him, her green eyes pleading.
"Thea…" Lord Zoros let out a sigh and his voice turned soft. "What can I do? Your son is brass-necked," he walked to her and placed his hand on her shoulder to comfort her.
"I was dismissed of his quest to glory because I counseled him to stop the warmongering madness and let the soldiers return. It's been years since they've returned home and their morale is weakening. The lives lost, the gold spent, and the resources we have to acquire for war… This needless pursuit… It has gone far beyond fighting for glory, Thea, and you know it..." he pressed his lips as she looked away. The sadness that lingered in her lashes hurt his heart.
"My heart feels restless thinking he might be seeking war to compensate for something he craves; something he missed while growing up," he looked at her.
"Are you going to blame me for being a bad mother, Evander? Not you too," Theodora's eyes clouded and Lord Zoros let out a breath. His hand reached for her cheek blushed like peaches. Time did nothing to her beauty.
"Fear and anger brews among the people, Thea…" he walked away and faced the fireplace. "And where there are restless hearts, troubles will follow," he let out a sigh.
People are already complaining about taxes and there are a lot of resistance groups forming, not to mention the bandits. As if those are not enough he is getting reports that monster attacks are getting more frequent and deadly these days in the villages and crops are failing. Nothing seems fine.
But if she wishes for him to try to bring her son back, he is willing to try.
"I shall ride to Deberia tomorrow. And I'll find a way to bring him back," he walked out of the room. Staying in the room with her brings back a lot of old memories.
"But… You'll have to make your heart broader," he said standing by the door. "What is she but one woman-"
"I will not accept someone from Deberia ever, Evander. That's it!" Theodora shouted at his back. Shaking his head, he closed the door and left.
Like mother, like son!