Authority and annoyance

The fight, if it could be called that, is over in less than a minute. It would have been faster, but Uzume is being careful not to kill the guards. By the end, their halberds are shattered and the guards are unconscious, with Uzume having not even drawn her club. You look at Hektor and raise an eyebrow. “So, I had hoped we could do this civilly, but apparently you’re not terribly bright.”

You look to the other man standing beside the throne hooded and silent. “And you? Anything to say?”

The second man steps forward. He is taller than Hektor, and as he draws his hood back you can see that he at least appears to be younger. His eyes glow green as well, and he looks at the defeated guards for a moment before speaking. “It seems my associate underestimated your…guard. However, he and I are of one mind. I am Lain, and I am the queen’s master sorcerer. This is your last chance to surrender yourself, human.”

You sigh. “Well, there’s the mystery solved. So, what magics are you using to turn a vampire queen into a puppet? I’m genuinely curious.”

Lain’s eyes narrow. “You talk too much, boy. You should…”

His words cut off as you wave your hand, laying a silence spell upon him. “Enough of that. I didn’t want to be emperor, but I am, and you will treat me with the respect I have earned. You both clearly do not know what I am, but it doesn’t matter.”

You look between the two, concentrating to hold them in place with telekinesis. “I didn’t bring much in the way of attacking magic, but I doubt I need it here. Neither of you are as strong as you think you are, and I imagine that your queen will be quite upset when I unravel whatever magic you’ve laid upon her.”

You step forward, laying a hand upon the motionless queen’s shoulder. There’s a murmur from the crowd, but a look from Uzume and Maya silences them. Holding your concentration on the pair of men you have bound with magic, you also feel the magics pulsing around the catatonic queen.

You open your eyes. “So, I can’t free her while I hold these two. But I won’t simply execute them, this isn’t my court. Anyone have any ideas?”

Uzume grins. “I could solve this problem easily.”

You shake your head. “I’m looking for something a bit less violent. Maybe some rope?”

Sadie grins, darting over to the wall where some tapestries are hung. “I got it, Joshie!”

You roll your eyes as she grabs a banner off the wall, twisting it into a serviceable rope. You shrug. “As long as it holds. I’m going to release them once they’re bound.”

Soon, the two are tied as securely as possible. As expected, as soon as you release your hold, they begin to struggle, and you see Lain wriggling his fingers rhythmically. You shake your head. “I wouldn’t try anything, mage.”

Despite your warning, he continues, and the expected blast of magic howls towards you, only to dissipate harmlessly. You sigh. “Well, at least I have a new spell now. I’m out of patience with you two. Try it again and I’ll have Uzume break your fingers.”

Shaking your head, you turn back to the queen, who if anything, seems even more withdrawn. You place your hands on her shoulders, close your eyes, and concentrate. There are multiple spells working on her, keeping her a puppet, and most horrifyingly, a prisoner in her own mind. However, your ability makes quick work of them, though the magic itself feels unclean in your mind. You discard the spells as soon as you remove them.

The effect is immediate, and dramatic. The red glow in her eyes strengthens, she straightens herself, and you see life enter her face. Or unlife, as the case may be. You step back and wait to see how she will react.

For a moment, Queen Mayella looks around, seemingly confused. After a moment, she reaches out and takes your hand, looking up at you with gratitude in her eyes.