'Did the offer stand till tomorrow?' she pondered.
Meanwhile, Mike glanced at her tentatively and finally stepped closer.
"If you bite me again…"
"I wouldn't," Elvida promised, her expression solemn. Mike finally believed her a little and leaned closer.
She whispered. "Do you know what that's called?"
Mike growled. "I wouldn't be asking if I had an idea."
"Don't be angry. It's called Throat Lock."
"Th–Throat Lock?"
Elvida nodded. "Yes, Throat Lock. Only a royal member can grant that lock. It's sacred. Nurtured by our internal mana since childhood. That was my last one."
"So… what's its function? Why did you use it on me?"
Elvida met his gaze, and for once, her eyes were serious. "You will work for me."
Mike took a deep breath.
"Work for you?"
"Calm down, will you?" Elvida gently patted his head, rubbing it soothingly.
At this point, even if Mike wanted to shout, all he could do was calm down.
Elvida continued. "You see, a woman as beautiful as me…" She smiled, gazing into his eyes with a soft expression. "To be confined in this dark place and treated like a criminal… Don't you think it's unfair? Doesn't your heart ache on my behalf? Aren't I too tender for this place?"
Mike thought to himself: Whatever crime you were accused of, at this point, I'd say you're guilty.
But he didn't say it aloud. He just let her keep speaking, her soft voice both calming and aggravating at the same time.
"Moreover, how could a woman like me possibly want to steal the royal secrets? What can they offer me that my position as the first and eldest princess hasn't given me? I'd be the queen anyway, why would I be in a hurry to inherit a throne that rightfully belonged to me? I loved the masses like siblings. I treated them well, fought for their rights. They used to adore me, and that's all I ever wanted."
She paused, then added. "You see, I still couldn't wrap my head around this. Me? Covet state secrets? For a lover? Who would I even give them to? I've been a princess for years. Why would I turn my back on my country like a snake?"
Mike had never seen this side of her. Her brows were tightly furrowed, a mix of confusion and anger dancing in her eyes as she bit her lip.
"I wanted to serve the people. That's what I believed a king or queen should do. To serve. I've embraced that since birth. So why would I betray them?"
She looked at him firmly.
"I may be bad at many things, might be too cold or too seductive, like some say, but never will I let my intentions be questioned or my loyalty be doubted. I, Elvida Silver Siich, can accept anything that happens. But I will never accept a death branded as a sinner when I committed no sin."
To say Mike wasn't moved would be a lie. In fact, he could somehow understand her feelings, though he'd never been in her position. One thing he couldn't accept was being unable to clear his name after being framed.
He imagined people looking at him with unkind eyes for something he never did. He'd probably go berserk. So whatever she felt… it was valid. But not what she did to him.
He already had a faint suspicion, but he didn't dare confirm it. He could only look at Elvida, hoping she'd continue, needing to know what she'd given him.
And indeed, she did.
"I would like to apologize for taking advantage of you and giving you the Throat Lock. But with only weeks left before my execution… I'm desperate."
This version of Elvida, the serious at the same time desperate one, wasn't something Mike expected. But this woman could somehow be both serious and unserious at the same time.
"I hope you understand, Mike." She reached for his hand.
"Whether I live or die, I, Elvida Silver Siich, Princess of the Second Moon, first daughter of the Silver Line, rightful heir to the Throne of Elven, do solemnly swear upon the name of the First Wind and the Sevenfold Petals,
that I choose you to carry my burden, fight my fight, and risk your name beside mine, I shall reward you not as a servant, not as a soldier but as one worthy of the crown's honor.
If I live, you shall stand beside me as a brother-in-arms and bearer of the Emblem. If I fall, may this vow bind my spirit to yours, and may the royal stars know that Elvida Siich died grateful."
Honestly, Mike was tempted to give her a thumbs-up. She sounded so royal and regal in that moment that, somehow, he was assured she wasn't as evil as she was painted to be.
No, she was still evil. But it was an understandable kind of evil.
With pleading in her eyes, her voice softer than cotton, she parted her lips. "So… Mike… please fight for me."
Mike didn't even think about it. From the moment he found himself in this world, he knew damn well his fate was tied to this woman.
"I will do whatever you ask me to do," he said solemnly.
"I will fight for you, Elvida."
Elvida felt her heart thump in her chest, racing like something was chasing it.
Sigh… this man is just too dashing.
If she had met him before that general, the one who betrayed her, she probably would have chosen Mike instead.
Well, whatever. Men weren't worth it anyway. And that damn general had proven it.
They were going on a secret vacation together, and somehow… he brought the royal document with him. It was obvious someone had asked him to do it.
And that person?
She would know soon enough.