Chapter 8: The First Day of Interrogation

Selena sighed inwardly. Stubborn Vera was excellent in a charge, but at a moment of life and death her temper might get them killed.

Seeing the notorious prince narrow his eyes outside the bars, Selena dared not let Vera say another word. She stepped forward until she was almost against the cold iron and discreetly tugged Elia’s skirt, signaling to the sheltered princess.

Elia bit her lip, fear in her eyes. Under the queen’s gaze she forced herself forward to stand beside her, hands twisting helplessly together.

“Your Highness, please forgive our uncouth general.” Selena’s voice was soft and lilting as she pressed closer to the bars. She pressed forward until her breasts slipped between the bars, squeezed awkwardly by the rough iron. “She understands only swords and shields, not how to serve someone as distinguished as you.” Her smile remained inviting, though her breath quickened. “If you would let go of your anger, Selena would be happy to… keep you company.”

Behind her, she gestured emphatically to Elia. The princess avoided Rhode’s eyes. “Yes, Your Highness… If you’ll spare the innocent elves, I… I’ll do anything you ask. I can learn…”

She tried clumsily to imitate the queen, forcing a smile despite her fear, the tears still wet on her face.

Rhode’s eyes widened. *How can anyone resist an innocent like that?* His knees nearly buckled.

*No. Hold it together!* He mentally slapped himself. His predecessor’s body was a disaster, ready to take off at the slightest provocation. If he fell for their act in this weakened state, he might drop dead right there.

He swallowed hard, dragged his gaze away and turned, only to meet two painfully embarrassed imperial guards. Holding their halberds, they stood sweating and looking at one another, unable to decide whether to advance or retreat.

They assumed the prince had taken charge of these beautiful prisoners for the obvious reason and was about to act on it in the damp cell. The trouble was, what were they supposed to do? Face the wall? Retreat to the end of the corridor? The royal guard academy had never taught them how to watch a prince conduct his business with dignity.

Their frozen expressions irritated Rhode. “What are you waiting for? Are you planning to buy tickets and watch me?”

One guard shuddered. “B-but, Your Highness, your safety…”

“Nonsense!” Rhode pointed at the three unarmed elves in their torn clothes. “Look at them. Do you think they dare touch a hair on my head? Go stand guard outside the corridor!”

“But your safety…” the guard ventured again, looking nervously at Selena and Vera. “They’re extremely dangerous. If they’re unchained…”

“They’re clever. They won’t touch me.” Rhode waved impatiently. “Even if they lose their minds and try to kill me, you’ll be right outside. If you hear me scream, you can rush in, collect my body and avenge me. What’s the problem?”

The guards’ eyes went wide, their minds blank. Hongye, Selena and Elia each looked uneasy, unsure what to make of him. In some respects, this scoundrel of a prince was remarkably carefree.

The guards dared not provoke him further. They handed over the cell key and fled down the corridor, thoughtfully closing the heavy iron door behind them. Only Rhode, Hongye and the three elves remained in the lower prison. The moment the door shut, the atmosphere grew tense and strange.

Selena took a deep breath, apparently reaching a decision, and closed her eyes as she grasped the neckline of her battered gown. Elia followed her example, shutting her eyes and fumbling with the tie at her waist.

Expressionless, Hongye stepped back and turned to face the wall, studying its cracks as though they contained a treasure map.

“Wait! What are you doing?” Rhode sprang up, his weakened legs wobbling. “Stop! Both of you, stop!”

Selena froze and opened her eyes in surprise, her gown already slipping from her shoulders.

“What do you think I’m here for?” Rhode demanded solemnly. “Am I the kind of man who thinks of nothing but that?”

Silence fell.

Hongye slowly turned around. “Yes.”

Rhode nearly choked. He glared at her and tried to preserve a reputation he didn’t have. “Quiet, you nosy girl!” He coughed and tugged at his extravagant robe. “Today I… I’m not feeling well. Yes, I’ve caught a chill, and my head is spinning! Put those thoughts away. I’m here strictly to learn about the rebellion!”

He clasped his hands behind his back and continued in a calculated tone. “And a word of warning.” He wagged a finger at Selena through the bars. “Don’t think of taking me hostage to escape. If I die here, the capital could celebrate with fireworks for three days and nights. They’d be rid of their least popular prince and have the perfect excuse to wipe out your people. My brothers would be delighted. You’d only hasten your destruction. Understand? My coming to speak with you is your last chance.”

Selena visibly relaxed. At least this was better than facing the immediate humiliation she had feared.

“Since Your Highness has come on official business, how would you like to proceed?” she asked through the bars, neither servile nor defiant. “Whatever your questions, we will answer truthfully and conceal nothing.”

Rhode looked at her mature, intelligent face and sneered inwardly. *An elven queen who’s lived for centuries? A proper old fox. If I try matching wits with you, I’ll be lucky to get a word of truth. I wouldn’t trust even your punctuation.*

His gaze moved past her to Elia, still trembling half a step behind. The innocent princess had clearly been sheltered from the world; her simplicity was written on her face. She was the perfect opening.

Rhode pointed at her. “Your Majesty may rest.” He grinned with a villain’s swagger. “Today, I’ll interrogate the princess myself.”