With one skillful toss, Zenos caught the paper with ease and opened it to reveal a floor plan of Vulcana, segregated into four levels.
Shadow's younglings had the courtesy to indicate the types of enemies that resided at each level and who were the ones in charge of each floor.
Three of the levels were similar, with long, semi-winding hallways and one circular area, highly likely it was the main attraction of the floor.
The floor that Solaris resided in was the odd one out, with only a single room and a podium in the middle of it. A giant throne was situated on the stage, showing off how powerful the ruler must be.
On the edges of the paper were scribbles of notes, indicating a few abilities shown or features that the enemies may have.
"I have to give credit where it's due. Your men are certainly skilled in gathering intelligence. They've even provided notes about our enemies here," praised the Viceroy, crossing one leg over the other and pointing to the little scribbles.
Mavislin turned around, jolting out of her place to view the map. The Viceroy, as usual, did not mind though he did raise a questionable eyebrow.
"And since when you could read Annatoilean?" questioned the dragoness, confused.
"When one's job is mostly about conquering lands, one should be well-versed in that land's tongue. Don't you agree?" asked the Viceroy, glancing at the girl.
Mavislin's cheeks dusted pink as she withdrew away from Zenos, noting that she was too close to him for comfort.
"Of course... But I'm just surprised that you would know my native tongue. It's considered a dead language now with all the segregation occurring... Anyways, let's get ready and I'll search for Matt so we can discuss the mis-"
Poor girl's words and thoughts were cut short as Zenos grabbed her wrist before she could hop off the bed.
"Have I done something to upset you last night?" asked Zenos, in a near whisper.
"No? Other than you proclaiming that I am your prized trophy and your touch sending me to overdrive, you haven't done anything warrant my wrath," replied Mavislin, without looking at the Viceroy.
"Do those statements and gestures upset you?"
"It's not as if you would stop doing them. I would just advise not to do so in front of Mattheos. If not, that's how you would end up with one less finger than what you woke up with."
"Maybe several because that bunny is overprotective," replied the dragoness, turning around to pry the Viceroy's iron grip off her wrist.
"And you still think that he does not have any romantic feelings for you?"
"Are you jealous?" laughed Mavislin as she finally got out of his grasp.
"Hmph, I was merely curious. Perhaps I can use his feelings to black-"
Zenos merely caught the dragoness' blade with his two fingers without flinching, even if the sharp edge did nick his flesh.
"Have I struck a nerve?"
"Don't you dare use his emotions against him... He is mine to toy with, not you. He is my most prized possession so bugger off and find your own rabbit to blackmail," growled Mavislin as she drove the blade deeper, her blood red eyes flashing pink for a second.
The standoff lasted only a moment longer before the scythe vanished, and Mavislin turned on her heel, heading to the bathroom to freshen up for the day. As she walked away, she couldn't help but glance back, her gaze lingering on Zenos.
Her breath hitched slightly as she watched him lick his blood-covered fingers, his tongue trailing slowly over each digit. A faint flush rose to her cheeks, and she felt an unbidden hunger stir within her.
Zenos, catching her reaction, flashed his signature smirk, fully aware of the feelings he was awakening in the dragoness. His eyes gleamed with mischief, knowing that his actions had a far greater impact on her than she would ever admit aloud.
Mavislin tore her gaze away, her heart pounding, but the image of Zenos's teasing smile stayed with her as she tried to focus on the morning ahead.
As they made their way to breakfast, they were greeted by the sight of a bunny leaning casually against the wall next to the dining hall's doorway.
"The servants refused to let me in unless I had the Viceroy with me. Honestly, I could barely walk around without having to decide to run or take down your guards, Zenos," complained Mattheos as he glared at the Viceroy.
His expression took a 180 turn when Mavislin rushed out from Zenos' figure and towards him. The Viceroy looked on with a slight displeasure.
"Have you had a good sleep?" asked the happy rabbit, gently ruffling the girl's hair.
"Yep! How about you?" answered the cheery dragoness.