The Queen or the King?

Adrian and Lilith were led through the grand entrance of the palace, where the stone walls towered above them, adorned with intricate carvings and banners that fluttered in the breeze. 

The palace itself was an architectural marvel, with tall spires that reached toward the sky, and wide marble staircases that spiraled up to the higher floors. 

The scent of polished wood and burning incense filled the air, mingling with the faint echoes of courtly chatter from within.

Their guide, the guard who had initially refused them entry, now walked with a slightly deferential air, though his eyes continued to flicker toward Lilith with a mixture of reverence and desire. 

Adrian noted the change in his demeanor and couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at Lilith's subtle manipulation. 

It felt good being on this side of power.

As they passed through the main hall, the sounds of a bustling court reached their ears. Nobles in elaborate garments mingled with advisors and attendants, though their conversations could barely be heard.

The guard led them through a series of corridors, each more decorated than the last, until they arrived at a pair of massive double doors. 

The wood was dark and polished, inlaid with gold and silver filigree that showed scenes of battles and royal triumphs. 

With a bow, the guard gestured for them to wait as he stepped forward and knocked twice. A moment later, the doors swung open, revealing a grand chamber. 

At the far end of the room, seated on an imposing throne of gold and ivory, was the king. 

He was a tall, thin man, with graying hair that fell to his shoulders and a gaunt face that spoke of age and weariness. 

His crown, though heavy and ornate, seemed to sit uncomfortably on his head, as if he was unaccustomed to its weight. 

Adrian noticed the king's eyes—a dull, almost lifeless blue—focused more on the intricate patterns of the carpet beneath his feet than on the affairs of the court.

Beside him, in stark contrast, sat the queen. 

She was a striking woman, with raven-black hair that flowed down both sides of her face in thick waves. She had a blue robe on, tied at her waist. You don't need to be a pervert to see the assets she has packed under the fabric. 

Her posture was regal, her chin held high, and her gaze flickered with an awareness that Adrian immediately recognized as dangerous. 

Though the king wore the crown, it was clear to Adrian who truly wielded the power in the room.

The guard stepped aside, and Adrian and Lilith were motioned forward. 

As they approached the throne, Adrian kept his head held high, his expression calm. Lilith's hand brushed against his arm in a silent reminder of her presence, her eyes scanning the room with a mix of curiosity and caution.

The queen's gaze lingered on Adrian for a moment longer than was proper, her eyes narrowing slightly as if appraising him. 

Then when she turned her attention to Lilith, her expression became unreadable, but there was a flicker of something in her eyes—perhaps recognition or even a hint of jealousy.

"You have requested an audience with the king," the queen's voice rang out, smooth and authoritative. "What brings you to our court?"

Adrian bowed slightly, speaking in a respectful yet firm tone. "Your Majesty, I am Adrian, former king of Meridia. I come seeking answers and aid in restoring what was taken from me."

The king's gaze lifted momentarily, but it was the queen who responded. "Meridia, you say?" she mused, her tone thoughtful. "A land known for its strength and beauty, now fallen to ruin. How tragic."

Adrian felt a pang of sorrow at the queen's words, but he kept his emotions in check. "Yes, Your Majesty. And I believe there are those who would benefit from its destruction. I seek to uncover the truth and bring justice to those responsible."

The queen's lips curved into a faint smile, though there was something predatory about it. "Justice is a noble pursuit, but it often comes at a high cost. Tell me, what do you seek from us?"

"Information," Adrian replied, without shifting his gaze. "I was told that Kaleb, the map maker, is here. I need his assistance in locating those responsible for Meridia's fall."

The queen exchanged a glance with the king, who remained silent with an impassive expression. "Kaleb is indeed within these walls," she said after a moment. "But before we grant you this favor, there is something we require of you."

Adrian's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what might that be?"

The queen leaned back in her throne, her fingers idly tracing the armrest as she spoke. "There is a creature that has plagued our lands for some time—a Chimera. A beast of terrible power and ferocity, with the body of a lion, the tail of a serpent, and the head of a goat. It dwells in the mountains to the north, and it has claimed many lives."

Adrian listened intently, already sensing where this was going.

"The king has decreed that the one who slays this creature shall be greatly rewarded," the queen continued, her voice smooth as silk. "If you wish to earn our favor and the assistance of Kaleb, you must first rid us of this menace."

"You wish for us to slay this Chimera?" Adrian asked as if seeking confirmation.