50 At Death’s Door (2)

The High Queen pressed her lips into a thin line and regarded his loyal general. Queen Asheera wasn't oblivious to General Orin's displeasure towards her human ward. Still, with the power of the House of Hazelwood continuing to decline over the past generation, she needed someone capable to fill the shoes as the next High Queen, one who would protect the kingdom from outsiders.

"What are you trying to say, General Orin? You want to send Iris to the Mystic Moon Woodlands and assist them in driving out the dark elves from the borders?" She asked with apparent displeasure on her tone. It wasn't a secret that the High Queen took Iris's safety as her utmost priority these past two years.

"I'm saying that this is a good opportunity for the princess to prove herself." The old general confidently met the queen's sharp gaze. "If she is to succeed you, Your Majesty. Princess Iris would need to experience and understand the weight of wearing the crown on her head."