Adara had waited for Akilah outside of the room, as soon as Akilah came out, Adara jumped out of her seat.

“How did it go?” Adara asked, sounding surprisingly exited.

“Um well they agreed to the deal…Kind of” Akilah answered.

“What’s wrong? What do you mean ‘kind of’” Adara asked, her chipper tone had switched to one of worry.

“Nothing is wrong per say” Akilah said and motioned for them to start walking “It's just that we things didn't go exactly as planned”.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Well I got a favor for favor deal”

“Favor what favor?” Adara asked

What do you mean Adara asked worried before putting her hands on both of Akilah’s shoulders and bring her to a standstill “Aki explain properly, what happened?” she said firmly.

Akilah sighed and removed her hand before talking “Essentially I'll have my favor granted as long as I do a favor for the king” she said and looked up with Adara, noticing that she wouldn't be satisfied with her reply “Era is set to arrive with the eastern empires ruler”

“What? Why?” Adara almost shouted out

“Well our failed trip to Leer Graves apparently gave the emperor the impression that this kingdom and its new king are weak. Therefore the king has sent and invention to show the emperor the kingdoms strength…And Era will be following along on that trip, with some other merchant. The emperor says it’s a way to help the kingdom rise but in actuality it’s just a way to mock the king and kingdom for not being able to ‘catch their own pray”

Adara nodded along with everything Akilah said, she was listening diligently

“Well when the emperor arrives there will be a banquet, and the king has invited me to be there, as entertainment”

“Entertainment” Adara asked confused

“I’ll be there showing my skills, the king said that he would stage some swordsmanship fight as a sign of strength”

Adara sighed heavily, Akilah knew that she disapproved of that part.

“And while after I’ve done my end of the bargain, the king will do his and point me to Era” Akilah said and started walking again.

“And what will you do then” Adara said

Akilah turned around and saw that Adara was still standing at the same spot. Akilah sighed and turned back around

“You know what I’ll do”

Adara quickly walked up to Akilah “But Aki do you really need to do that. I mean-”

Akilah interrupted her before she could even finish her sentence “Adara I’ve literally killed hundred to get here, what would one more life do?” She said with anger in her voice

“I’m not discussing this nor am I asking for you permission” Akilah continued “I didn’t sacrifice everything to just give up now” and with that she walked away towards the door they had entered through. Before exiting she turned towards Adara, still standing on the spot she had left her in

“Are you coming or not”

Adara stayed still for a moment before sighing heavily and walking towards her.

“By the way Adara, have you met the king before?” Akilah asked all of a sudden

“The king? No I haven’t” Adara replied taken back “Why?”

Akilah hesitated “The king was oddly keen on me bringing a companion to the banquet. I was just wondering if he might have seen you with me”

Adara shook her head “No, I’ve never seen him”

Akilah shrugged “Well then he might have just suggested that so that I’ll be hesitant before doing something crazy at the banquet”

“Yes, might be” Adara replied.