Elias was led from the grand hall by a couple of silent, armored guards. The weight of the cloak draped over his shoulders was welcome, though it did little to mask the unmistakable power imbalance in the room he had just left. He had played his part well, unrattled, and confident. Although he knew better than to underestimate the situation he'd been thrust into. He was now in a world where men held no power, a foreign emperor with no empire beneath his feet.

  The corridor they walked was lined with tall arched windows, the pale light of an unfamiliar moon casting elongated shadows across polished marble. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of something floral, yet unfamiliar. If he was certain he wasn't in immediate danger, he might've found the place beautiful.

  The guards flanked him closely, their postures rigid and their expressions unreadable. Finally, Elias broke the silence, "Neither of you are much for conversation are you?" Neither woman responded, though the one to his right had tightened her grip on her sword. Amused, Elias continued, "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were afraid of me." The woman on his left scoffed, "Afraid? Hardly, we are ensuring you don't attempt anything foolish."

  Elias smirked, "Foolish? My dear, I'm unarmed, outnumbered, and currently at the mercy of a kingdom that didn't even mean to summon me. I can assure you, my foolish days are behind me." The guards ignored him, though he caught the faintest twitch of a smirk on one of their lips before they pressed forward. At last, they arrived at a set of heavy double doors, which were pushed open to reveal his temporary quarters.

  The chamber was grand, far more luxurious than he'd anticipated. A massive bed dominated the space, draped in dark blue silks. A bathing area had been prepared, steam rising from the large basin of hot water. Near the balcony, a table had been set with food and wine, though whether it was a gesture of hospitality or a means of containing him remained to be seen.

  One of the guards stepped aside, gesturing for him to enter, "You will stay here until summoned."

  Elias strolled inside without hesitation, glancing around as if he were inspecting an inn rather than a gilded cage. He turned back towards the guards, his smirk returning, "And if I grow restless?" The guard who smirked before crossed her arms "Then you will learn patience." With that, the doors shut, the heavy lock clicking into place. Elias exhaled, rolling his shoulders, he was alone for now. Although he doubted he'd be left in isolation for long.

  He approached the table, pouring himself a glass of wine. The first sip was smooth, slightly spiced, definitely different from the vintages in his world; although it wasn't unpleasant. As he continued to drink, his mind worked out the puzzle before him. Queen Ravena, she fascinated him.

  She had expected a champion, a warrior of legend and instead she received him. Yet despite her initial irritation, there had been something else in her eyes when she looked at him. Not just curiosity, but interest. Elias knew how to use interest.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  Setting his drink down, Elias dropped his cloak and moved towards the steaming bath. If he was going to be a "guest" in this castle, he'd make himself comfortable. Once the Queen inevitably called on him, he'd be ready.

  ______________________________________________________________________________________________

  Elias awoke to the soft creak of his chamber doors opening. He didn't stir, instead allowing his senses to adjust to the dim light filtering through the heavy curtains. Footsteps, measured and deliberate, crossed the marble floor. He remained still, listening closely to the intruder. Only when the faintest scent of something floral, jasmine perhaps, reached him did he open his eyes.

  Queen Ravena stood at the foot of his bed. Dressed in a deep crimson gown that clung to her form with regal elegance, she regarded him with that same unshaken intensity. Her arms were crossed and beside her was Seraphina, the silver-haired guard who was quick to show her disapproval of Elias before. She too watched, though her expression carried more scrutiny than intrigue.

  "You sleep soundly for a man in captivity," Ravena remarked.

  Elias smirked, stretching leisurely before sitting up. "A man should never waste an opportunity for rest, especially when he doesn't know what awaits him." Ravena's lips twitched, almost like she fought the urge to smile. "You speak as if you expect trouble."

  "I always expect trouble."

  Seraphina scoffed, "Clever words will not save you, Emperor."

  Elias turned his attention to her, arching a brow. "Are you so sure I need saving?"

  Her glare darkened, but Ravena lifted her hand, silencing whatever retort Seraphina had been prepared to give. Queen Ravena stepped forward, her eyes never leaving his. "I have spent the night deliberating on what to do with you."

  Elias leaned back against the headboard, "And what conclusion have you come to?"

  Her gaze flickered over him before she answered, "You're full of unknowns, Elias. I don't know if you'll be a boon or a curse to this castle, but I won't let you stay here without getting some answers."

  Elias tilted his head slightly, "Meaning?"

  "You will remain here, under my watch. You will be observed, questioned, and tested." She took another step closer to his bed. "If you are truly a champion then you will have received some form of magical power when we summoned you here. Whatever form it takes, will be studied and understood by us. Your presence in my kingdom will be decided based on what we learn."

  Elias chuckled, "So I am neither prisoner nor guest, but an experiment?"

  "A curiosity." Ravena corrected, echoing her words from before.

  He watched her closely, noting the way her fingers tightened ever so slightly around her arm. Looks like Elias might already be growing on the Queen. Swinging his legs over the side of the bed, he stood to his full height, steadily moving towards the Queen. Ravena didn't flinch, nor did she step back. Seraphina shifted slightly, ever ready to intervene. Coming face to face with Ravena, Elias let his smirk widen, "And if I refuse?"

  The Queen's expression remained impassive, "Then I will find a way to make you comply."

  The challenge in her voice sent a thrill through him. Although he'd built an empire, and even had several wives in his home world, none of them challenged him...not like Ravena just had. "Very well, Your Majesty." He said as he inclined his head, "I look forward to our next conversation."