Archibald summoned Aisha not long after that. She groaned inwardly, feeling that there wouldn't be any rest for her unless she knocked herself out.
As usual, Leslie escorted her to the cabin where Archibald's room was. However, unlike last time, Leslie actually entered together with her this time. Thinking about what happened on the night she visited Archibald's tent alone, Aisha felt much more at ease this way.
"Did you call for me, Your Majesty?"
Archibald was sitting behind his work desk, looking at some documents with a severe look. His long fingers held the quill and his eyes never left the papers as he asked her, "Since you have helped me a lot this time, tell me what you want. I'll grant your wish as long as it's not something overboard."
Aisha almost couldn't believe what she had just heard. She had to look at Leslie to confirm. The latter smiled before nodding. "Priestess, the Emperor is grateful for your great merit today. You saved a lot of our men with your power. Don't you have something you want to ask from him?"
Leslie gave her a wink, and Aisha immediately understood. She didn't expect he would reward her like this, but she would be stupid if she didn't use this opportunity!
"Let me tell you in advance, if your wish is for us to set you free, then you might as well pretend that you heard nothing today."
Aisha quickly shook her head and clasped her hands together. "No, that's not what I wanted to ask. If you can grant one wish of mine, then I wish to be by Maya's side. She is injured badly, and I want to be there for her anytime she needs me."
"Is that all you want? You can ask for jewels, new clothes, or anything. I will give it to you as soon as we reach the land."
"That wouldn't be necessary. What I need the most right now is peace of mind, Your Majesty."
Archibald raised his head from the paper he was working on and gazed inquisitively at Aisha. "Did you feel restless without your guard? Are you afraid that we will do something to you? As long as you don't do anything reckless, we won't do something to you or your guard."
Aisha wanted to roll her eyes. If the situation was reversed, would he really trust the group of men who held him captive? She didn't mind if she was the only one getting implicated, but she wouldn't let him do anything to Maya.
If Aisha was with her, the chance of these men hurting her would decrease because they could protect each other.
Because Archibald needed her power.
"Your Majesty, I believe I have chosen my reward. Please tell me if it's too much for me to ask."
Her words were polite, but it was clear that she was challenging his authority.
Archibald snorted darkly. "After figuring out your worth, you immediately have a cheeky attitude, huh? I must say, I'm impressed by your impertinence."
Aisha simply lowered her gaze calmly. "I'm afraid I don't understand what you are talking about, Your Majesty."
"Hah! Good, very good!" Archibald's face twisted before he glared at Leslie, making the latter flinch. "Tell the servants to prepare a room for two people to stay in. Let the Priestess and her guard have the peace of mind they craved so much."
"Certainly, Your Majesty," Leslie bowed before walking out of the room.
Aisha was relieved. She expected she would have to beg Archibald again. Who would have guessed that the chance would come on its own to her? Now, it wouldn't be hard for them to plan their escape.
"Before you get too ahead of yourself, this doesn't mean you can act as you please. If I catch you trying to do something funny, then only punishment will await you." Archibald uttered in a threatening tone. His expression was filled with doubt and suspicion toward her. "The same trick won't work on me twice. You'd better behave if you don't want to lose your life this time."
"Of course, I'm aware of my standing."
Archibald sneered at her obedience. "I'm really curious. How many more secrets did you keep with you? With how you handle the problem today, will you send some evil spirits to kill in my sleep next time?"
Aisha was tempted to say she wanted to do it but restrained herself. If she could do such a feat, she wouldn't have waited until now.
"As you can see today, the best I can do is to chase them away. I can't control, nor can I use them to my advantage, so please rest assured."
"Heh, I'm not actually worried. Even if the opponent is evil ghosts or god, I won't let anyone kill me that easily." Archibald chuckled as he propped his chin with his hand. His lips curled up in a crooked smile. "Rather than worried, I'm excited to find out how you will get back at me, Priestess."
"Your Majesty, this servant won't dare to think about such things."
Archibald harrumphed as he waved his hand. "If that's all you want to ask me, then you can leave now."
"Yes. Please excuse me." She curtsied before walking out of the room.
Closing the door behind her, Aisha could finally breathe out a sigh of relief. Even though she managed to get out of that situation well, talking with Archibald still cost her a few years of her lifetime.
His presence was too intimidating. Aisha had to be careful so he wouldn't be able to see through her mind. For someone as cautious as him, she was surprised that he easily agreed to her request.
Aisha suspected that Archibald purposely let her stay by Maya's side so he could monitor their interaction closely. People tend to lower their guard once they feel safe and give themselves away. All more reason for her not to let her guard down.
Regardless of his motive, Aisha was glad she could get what she wanted. She couldn't wait to meet Maya again.