"Wait, wait, WAIT!" Argider blurted out, stumbling backward with her hands in the air. Her mind raced as Elira's dagger glinted ominously in the light. "This isn't what it looks like! I wasn't eavesdropping, I swear. Well, okay, maybe a little, but that sneeze was completely involuntary!"
"Do you think I'm stupid?!" Elira snapped, her tone sharp enough to cut steel. She gripped the dagger tightly, her knuckles white as she glared at Argider. "You heard everything! And you-" she pointed the blade in her direction-"are not supposed to be awake!"
"Technically, I wasn't even really asleep!" Argider squeaked, shrinking under Elira's menacing glare. "And honestly, do you think I'd even want to hear a murder plot involving me?! That's nightmare fuel right there!"
Elira took a threatening step forward, her dagger gleaming. "Give me one good reason why I shouldn't silence you right now, Your Imperial Majesty."
