A Deal

"You're back." Azula's eyes lit up as Aldric entered the room. Her delight seemed almost genuine, but Aldric wasn't fooled. She was a master of deception.

"The king is here for you," Aldric stated bluntly, cutting straight to the point.

"Really? The king is here for me?" Azula's face brightened even more. "Does he know who resides in this body? Although we've never met face-to-face, does he know that I aided in defeating Benjamin? Is that why he's here? Does he finally recognize my effort?" She continued to babble excitedly, her words flowing in a rapid stream.

Aldric, Maxi, and Issac exchanged glances, all momentarily stunned by her wild assumptions. Her delusion that King Oberon, known for his merciless stance against demons, would acknowledge her, let alone reward her, was beyond comprehension. Aldric couldn't help but scoff at her misplaced confidence.