(Chapter 85 Blindly Loyal)
"Mm..."
Nahida slowly opened her eyes, her consciousness returning to her vessel after returning with her main body earlier. As her vision cleared, she took in her surroundings, a familiar sight. She was seated in a plush chair within Tempest's quarters aboard his Dreadnought. The soft hum of a record player filled the room, casting a soothing melody through the air.
Her gaze drifted towards the desk, where Tempest sat, engrossed in his work. His focus was unwavering, seemingly oblivious to her awakening.
"You're back?"
Tempest said, his voice calm yet firm, not bothering to lift his gaze from the papers scattered across his desk.
"I'm back..."
Nahida replied.
Nahida replied softly, her voice carrying a mix of relief and quiet warmth.
Tempest remained focused on his work, though there was a subtle shift in his posture, a silent acknowledgment of her presence.
"I can tell this ship is moving. Are we headed somewhere, Tempest?"
Nahida asked, her curiosity piqued as she glanced around the room, feeling the subtle sway of the ship beneath her.
"Yes... I'm going to be retrieving someone... From the Fortress of Meropide."
Tempest finally paused, setting down his pen and leaning back in his chair.
"Ah, the Fortress of Meropide, I've known about that place thanks to your memories. It's said to be where those who have been found guilty are sent to serve their sentences. I must admit, I'm quite curious about its enigmatic nature."
Tempest paused for a moment, finally lifting his head to meet her eyes.
"Correct."
He said, his voice steady but holding a faint edge.
"Young Pasha."
Tempest called out, his tone shifting to one of seriousness that commanded attention.
"Yes, Tempest?"
Nahida straightened in her chair, sensing the weight of his words.
"I know I've said this before, but I'll say it again, when you're using your vessel, do not ever read people's minds."
Tempest stated firmly, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spoke.
"I'll turn a blind eye to the nobleman you probed earlier, but I must insist, do not ever do it again. I have gained permission from Lady Furina herself for you to remain in Stormwind, but she has made it clear that she does not wish to share a room with you. One mistake, Young Pasha, and I will not hesitate to destroy your vessel."
Nahida felt a chill run down her spine at his words, realizing the seriousness of the warning.
"Okay, I promise."
Her voice was steady, determined not to let him down.
"Good, I know you won't."
Tempest nodded, satisfied with her response.
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*Earlier...*
"Get... Get rid of her, Tempest."
Furina commanded, though her voice wavered with a slight hesitation. Her usual confidence faltered as she gestured subtly toward Nahida, signaling for Tempest to handle the situation.
'I can't risk it, she's too dangerous to be here, one misstep could lead to my downfall. He'll do it for me, won't he?'
Furina thought, her internal conflict swirling beneath her composed exterior. She glanced at Tempest, silently hoping he would act on her unspoken fears.
"As you wish, My Lady."
Tempest replied coolly, rising from his seat with an air of unwavering calm. His expression remained unreadable, completely unfazed by Furina's order as if the destruction of Nahida's vessel meant little to him.
Tempest unsheathed his sword in one smooth, deliberate motion, the metallic ring of the blade slicing through the tense air. Without a hint of hesitation, he reached for Nahida's inactive vessel, grabbing her by the hair and lifting her effortlessly off the couch. The vessel hung limp in his grip as though it were a mere doll, devoid of life.
With calculated precision, he pressed the cold edge of his blade against her neck, the sharp steel resting just against her skin. His face remained calm, his expression composed, as though this act carried no more weight than any other routine task. There was no trace of hesitation in his eyes, no flicker of emotion. Tempest was a servant bound by duty, and at this moment, it was clear he was prepared to carry out Furina's order without question.
Furina's eyes widened in disbelief, shock rippling through her as she watched Tempest carry out her command with chilling precision. She had expected him to protest, to at least reason with her, to question the gravity of the situation. But no, he moved without a second thought, executing her order with a terrifying lack of hesitation.
"Wait, Wait! Stop, Tempest!"
Furina cried out, her voice trembling with urgency. Panic flickered across her face as she realized the gravity of what she had just ordered. She hadn't truly wanted this, at least, not like this.
She had imagined a negotiation, a chance to rethink her command, but Tempest's unflinching obedience had brought her face to face with the brutal reality of her own words.
"My Lady?"
Tempest questioned, his voice steady and calm as he paused mid-action. The blade remained poised at Nahida's neck, but he did not move further, awaiting Furina's next command.
He waited, his posture rigid and disciplined, ready to either carry out her command or stand down at her signal. The decision was hers to make, but the consequences hung in the balance.
"Aren't... are you at least going to try to reason with me?"
Furina asked, her voice shaking slightly as she fought to regain her composure. The words spilled out in a rush, desperation lacing her tone.
"I'm... I'm obeying your order, My Lady. Your will is mine."
Tempest said, his voice steady and unwavering.
''I know you are, Tempest... But I don't want to turn you into a machine that only says, "Yes, My Lady." Having her here is undoubtedly a risk, but I can't bear to see you like this.'
Furina thought to herself, her mind racing with conflicting emotions.
As she watched him, she felt a pang of regret. Tempest, with his unwavering loyalty and stoic demeanor, had become more than just a servant to her. Merlyn's words were coming true, if she was not careful, he would turn blindly loyal towards her.
"Do you want to do this? Or are you simply doing it because I said so?"
Furina asked, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of vulnerability. She searched Tempest's expression, hoping to catch a glimpse of his true feelings beneath the stoic exterior he maintained.
"I... Your will is mine, My Lady. But if it's alright with you... I'd like her to stay."
Tempest said, his voice steady yet tinged with an undercurrent of resolve. He held Furina's gaze, a silent plea for understanding in his expression.
The blade remained poised against Nahida's vessel, but he subtly shifted his stance, suggesting a willingness to reconsider the situation.
'Having an Archon in my nation is a substantial risk, and I fear I'm making the most foolish decision of my life... Yet, I can't bear to witness my friend change like this again.'
Furina thought to herself, her heart heavy with the weight of her dilemma.
Furina sighed deeply, feeling the weight of her decision settle on her shoulders before she finally spoke.
"Fine, she can stay, BUT! Only in Stormwind and under your watch. I'm not comfortable standing in the same room with someone who has the ability to read minds, even if they are another Archon."
Her words were firm, but beneath them lay a hint of uncertainty. As she delivered her conditions, she felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. Allowing Nahida to remain was a significant gamble, but one she felt was necessary to maintain her friendship with Tempest.
Tempest's mouth opened slightly, caught in a moment of surprise before a genuine smile spread across his face. The tension that had gripped him loosened as he felt a wave of relief wash over him.
He released his grip on Nahida, gently placing her back on the couch as if she were made of glass. The movement was careful and deliberate, ensuring she landed softly, unharmed.
With a smooth motion, he sheathed his sword, the blade sliding back into its scabbard with a click.
"Thank you, My Lady."
Tempest said, his voice warm and filled with sincerity. A small, genuine smile graced his lips as he dipped into a respectful bow, a gesture that carried both his gratitude and unwavering loyalty.
Furina smiled softly, watching Tempest with a quiet sense of relief.
'That's the Tempest I know... my ally, my loyal servant... my friend, not some mindless "Yes, My Lady" machine,'