Talitha, the prophetess raised her bowed head and her black eyes met Gael's cold ones.
"I would prefer if you go straight to the reason you summoned me." Talitha's words came out blunt.
A look of amusement flashed across Gael's face and a grin broke out on his lips.
"I see you haven't changed one bit, Tali," he said standing up to face her.
"People don't really change. I see you haven't either."Talitha pointed out.
Elias who was not standing too far from the two saw his master give him a sign and he walked out of the chamber and closed the doors behind him.
Gael's eyes came to settle on Talitha and he said,
" I guess you are already aware of the recent happenings in the palace. Craig has escaped from the dungeon and I need your help to locate him."
A short silence ensued between them and Talitha spoke afterward.
"And what makes you think I would help you with something like that?" came her sharp words that only made Gael's eyes crinkle and a wicked grin broke out on his lips.
"It is because of me that you stand here unscathed today looking pretty as always. Do you remember what my crazy sister almost did to you? You owe your life to me, Talitha." Gael said in a tart tone, his wicked grin still present on his lips.
Talitha pursed her lips slightly. She averted her eyes from Gael and looked elsewhere.
"Unless you plan to portray yourself as an ingrate to me, do this for me." Gael continued to push her with his cunning words.
"Just because you saved me that one time doesn't make me your puppet nor your slave." Talitha's eyes came back to settle on the man standing in front of her.
Gael stepped closer towards Talitha who took two steps back and Gael once again grinned for the umpteenth time since Talitha's made her appearance.
"You intrigue me, Tali." he said and tilted his head to the side."I just asked you for one thing and it seems that is difficult for you to do."
"I have pledged my allegiance to the king to serve and be loyal to him all of my life. That stance has not changed even in his absence."
"I am quite certain that you are aware of what Xenia does to those who claim loyalty to the king right? You are only alive because you have my protection. If not, you would be dead by now with those words coming out of your mouth." Gael said all traces of humor had disappeared from his face. The color of his eyes had darkened a little.
"Xenia doesn't scare me. I don't mind sacrificing my life for the King to prove my loyalty." Talitha retorted standing straight. Her words were firm and decided.
"Do you mean you are not going to help?" Gael raised his eyebrows in question.
"No." Talitha did not hesitate before answering."If that's all, I will head out now."She said and bowed. She turned and left the room leaving Gael rooted in his standing spot as he watched her back.
"What a stubborn soul." Gael sighed and lifted his head towards the antiquely designed ceiling.