Lennix was seething with anger and irritation. The spectacle laid before him by the magis felt like a personal mockery, a deliberate belittling. He knew that no number of swords, spears, or arrows at his disposal could match these beasts.
She could have him killed with ease. He had no leverage in this bargain now. As if he fell for a trap. Yet Theana displayed her power with a calm grace, even bestowing gifts to placate him despite the overwhelming show of might.
This only enraged the great emperor further, inflaming his fury to the point of madness.
But this was a bargain he could not afford to lose. Imagine such power in his hands—the other empires would falter beneath him, and all without even trying.
Yet his ego had been bruised, and he could not accept it.
"Why you?" Lennix shouted, voice cracking with rage. "What's so special about your bird? I could have the wyvern instead!"
The people of Graitan at the back snickered and whispered, amused at the emperor's foolishness.
They whispered under their breath with giggles, "Does the great emperor wish to share his bed with Lord Rokhan instead of the chancellor?"
Rokhan overheard it and he felt chills in his spine. The feeling of utter disgust.
Lennix's anger boiled over, and he began cursing and lashing out at them. He close the gap between him and Theana.
But Rokhan stepped between them, drawing his arm and a knife.
The emperor stepped back and drew out his sword, and his soldiers mirrored him, ready to charge.
But Rokhan did the unimaginable. Without hesitation, he slit his own arm.
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Blood poured from the wound, deep and dark. Why would he do such a thing?
A second later, a golden light from the phoenix arced toward Rokhan's arm. The wound healed instantly, the flesh knitting together before everyone's eyes.
Lennix stared, aghast. Advanced healing power.
Rokhan finally spoke to the assembled non-magis, his tone dripping with disgust trying to explain simple logic to them.
"A white magis can heal wounds and cure illnesses. They possess vast knowledge—medicine, politics, research. They may seem…"
He glanced at Theana with longing.
"…meek, yet beautiful."
Then he turned back to Lennix, eyes cold with contempt.
"But they excel at all things, without vanity, without craving power. I suggest you accept her with grace, refrain from mistreating our chancellor. Treat our people as equals in your empire. Only then can Epsos truly rise."
Rokhan's unexpected intervention in the bargain sent Lennix into further fury. Theana stepped forward.
"We offer our power and our service. So, what say you, great Emperor Lennix?"
Lennix, trapped between rage and necessity, felt like a cornered beast. Once haughty, now he was forced to choose. As always, he needs to keep up the act.
"I accept the terms of your bargain. As emperor, I will be wise and fair. Your people will be treated as equals and granted titles based on merit. You shall serve me as my subjects, and I promise no harm shall come upon your land by Epsos. Your chancellor will be promoted as my royal advisor."
Then, with a sneer, he added, "Perhaps she will even become my empress… bear my children."
Rokhan's eyes blazed. "You shall not even entertain the idea. Our chancellor is untained and pure till now. She shall remain so, lest her powers would disappear."
Theana's eyes widened in shock. She could hardly believe what she heard. This was also news to her, a person who cant tell a single lie. Yet the simple lie by Rokhan seemed to work.
Lennix's desire was immediately thwarted—for now. As his desire for her power is greater than just settling for her beauty. Clearing his throat, he promised,
"Then, she will remain untainted and untouched."
Rokhan took his word, but in Lennix's heart, the threat remained. In the capital of Epsos, no matter her position in Graitan, Theana would be vulnerable—helpless against the emperor's whims.
----------------------------------
With that, the bargain was struck.
Just like that, Graitan became part of the Epsos Empire without a single drop of blood spilled.
The people of Graitan would benefit from the empire's vast reserves by utilising their knowledge and expertise, while the people of Epsos would, in turn, be guided toward a future of prosperity. Under this union, the empire would flourish.
Beneath the shade of a great oak tree, a table had been prepared. There, they signed the necessary documents. Graitan pledging its service, and the Emperor of Epsos swearing to uphold his promises.
Lennix was pleased.
No—more than pleased. He was elated.
He now possessed a power no other empire could claim. His people would rejoice, knowing their soldiers would return home unharmed. His empire would be respected. It would thrive.
And of course… he claimed it all as his own brilliance.
----------------------------------
As Rokhan and Theana watched Emperor Lennix, they both understood, it was time to part ways.
Rokhan felt a strange turmoil stirring within him, an unfamiliar weight he could not easily name.
He turned to Theana, his voice soft, almost reluctant.
"Call for me in your time of need… and I will come."
Gently, he placed something into her hand.
It was a family heirloom—a black stone etched with a faint grey swirl. At its center lay the crest of his tribe, identical to the one engraved upon the ring he wore.
A silent promise.
Should Theana ever break the stone, it would signal Rokhan, no matter where he was, and he would come.
Theana smiled, her gaze warm yet composed.
"Let us hope such a need never arises," she said lightly. "I would much rather visit you in Graitan instead… dear Rokhan."
From a distance, Lennix observed the two magis.
They were complete opposites—rage and calm, steel and silk.
Yet, even he could sense it.
Something unspoken lingered between them. And for reasons he could not quite understand, it stirred something within him.
His lips curled into a quiet grin.
If he could not punish Rokhan for his insolence…perhaps he could take it out on Theana instead.
And in his mind, that thought alone felt like a stroke of brilliance.