"Do you still remember the rough location of their disappearances? They could be the ones that had been affected by the drugs-"
"Nay, my men wouldn't be purchasing such things."
"I didn't say anything about buying. The new drug can be randomly administered by a small poke and would have a major effect."
Zenos strolled over to the map beneath Mavislin's palm, carefully tracing his finger over specific areas while little snakes slipped from her hair.
After providing his guidance, the Viceroy returned to the bed, allowing a quietude to settle over the couple. Meanwhile, the dragoness immersed herself in her work with renewed fervor, and her passion ignited.
She had almost forgotten how much she adored uncovering new knowledge about this realm, particularly when it involved extraordinary entities.
It wasn't until she caught the gentle rhythm of breathing and soft snores that Mavislin realized night had descended, and she had become entirely absorbed in her work. Stretching herself, it was her turn to wind down in the warm bath.
After about an hour, the dragoness then changed her scales to a flowy purple night dress with a bow on top. Glancing at the sleeping blonde, she couldn't help but smile.
Mavislin approached him and leaned down, brushing his hair away from his lips with a tender touch. With one arm beneath his head and a small tilt of his head, the dragoness couldn't help but smirk.
It was amusing to her that, despite being a notorious warmonger, he still slept like an ordinary man.
"Are you preparing to retire for the night, or do you have a moment to indulge my curiosity?"
The sudden question nearly sent the poor dragoness toward the window as Venom stood at the doorway, looking at her arched figure above the Viceroy.
"Or am I interrupting something? Perhaps I should take my leave..."
"Speak a breath about this to Raven and I will maul you into an early life retirement. What do you want, Emmett?" growled Mavislin, sighing at the male dragon.
"Oh? How delightful it is to hear you utter that name again after such a time. However, I find myself curious—have your serpents unearthed anything of note regarding Spring Song or Euphoria?"
The dragoness shook her head as she sat at the empty spot beside the sleeping Viceroy.
"Hmm... Do inform me when you stumble upon something of interest. Meanwhile, I've caught wind that Raven has been summoned by Beast, though the reason remains shrouded in mystery. As for tomorrow, I am sending Spider to help out our neighbor of Albion."
"And why's that? Albion isn't part of this mess and was stable a few months back, right?" questioned Mavislin.
"Yes, well, it's still within the vicinity of Titania, so we simply wish to ensure no... unfortunate spread to neighboring areas. I'm extending you the opportunity to join."
"Feel free to bring along that Fifth Seat of yours—and the Terror, if you must—but do see to it they refrain from disrupting the mission," commanded Venom.
"And what exactly is Spider supposed to do?"
"He is to deal with the protesters in Al'Dhale, clearing the way for us to secure that province without undue interference. Ensure it's handled... properly. That seems a fair exchange, wouldn't you agree?" smirked Emmett, tilting his head to the side.
"Hmph. You are about to promote him, aren't you? Why not send Poison? Surely, I can't be the judge of another Division's member..."
"And I'm hardly one to judge when it comes to field operations. You and Wolf are far better suited for that type of combat—seasoned enough, I'd say, to determine if Spider truly deserves his title. My role is to measure his worth solely by his research and results.
"Wolf and I, however, are not precisely on friendly terms, so you're the logical choice. Come now, you'd return before dinner."
"Fine. But if I find him less than satisfactory, I'm self-medicating with a bullet," grumbled the dragoness.
"I'd much prefer you aim that shot squarely at his leg. He's been training for the Seat, and if I discover he's fallen short of the mark despite the countless hours I've invested, I'll personally see to it he's tossed around the world."
"I shall allow you to rest now, though I suspect you'll find it difficult given your nature," said Venom, leaving the room.
"One day, I will find a box and curl up in it so no male can get to me..." growled Mavislin as she plopped down onto the pillow, face first.
"Then I shall take the box with me," mumbled a groggy Zenos as he turned to his side to face the dragoness.
"No, you won't. I will hammer it to the ground with every bind known to Magecraft," replied a muffled Mavislin as her tail gently slapped his thigh.