Chapter 106 The Reluctant Bride (1/2)

Nix ignored the whispered words of envy from his guildmates as the Fire Storm pulled into Glory Bay. His own FlagShip definitely wouldn't lose out to the Fire Storm, the Veranda Class ship was even bigger than a Dreadnought.

The silver-armored Princess stepped onto the dock a few minutes later. She was flanked by a half dozen very serious looking Knights. She wore a smile on her face and greeted Nix as an equal. ”Well met Nix! It's nice to see you again.” She offered him an armored glove to shake.

Nix returned her smile. ”Welcome to Glory Princess Festa.” Nix turned to one side and motioned for Shae to come forward. ”May I present Shae Balefire, Nemesis of Fire.”

Shae nodded cordially, she wore one of the dresses that Nix had made for her. It had intricately designed red flames on darker red silk. The Salamander wanted everything in red. ”I am pleased to finally meet you, please address me as Shae.”

Festa could feel the dormant power of the Nemesis, even royalty wanted to make a good impression. ”Thank you for inviting me Shae, since we are allies we will dispense with titles.”

/Inferno: Nix: Fajii, have Eron examine the Knight in the back row, nearest the water.

/Inferno: Shae: Something is masking his intent. Such foolishness.

/Inferno: Fajii: Eron says that he is being possessed.

/Inferno: Nix: Anything else?

/Inferno: Fajii: He says you are worthy.

/Inferno: Tess; I'm on it.

Tess moved from behind the group. Her dark red hair was tied up in a ponytail, she wore leather armor rather than the traditional robes of a cleric. She stood beside Nix, a slight smile on her face. ”Please accept the blessings of Glory Island.”

[Sacred Ground]

A white pulse of light moved outward from the cleric. Those whose nature wasn't dark received a small strength and stamina buff. The knight in question collapsed face-first on the ground.

Nix frowned while the other knights tried to help him up, he was completely unresponsive.

/Inferno: Tess: He'll be fine, This wasn't a long term control.

Tess knelt next to the Knight, her hands running casually over his limbs, torso, neck and finally hair. At the base of his neck was a black scarab, its pincers were embedded deep into the flesh. She pulled in free and immediately healed the area.

Nix took one look at the scarab and stepped in front of Festa, blocking her from the Knights. ”Festa is now under my protection. You will stay here.”

The Knight Captain was a squat, dark man, with a short goatee and broad shoulders. He placed a hand on his sword. ”What is the meaning of this?”

”Stand down,” Festa spoke quietly but firmly. ”You may escort me to their gate, but I forbid you to go any further.” She glanced at the scarab in Tess's hand. ”Please bring that with us, honorable Healer.”

Nix brought Festa into the Sea-World, immediately the Princess seemed to relax. Her expression changing from worry to curiosity.

”A seed world? It's lovely.” She glanced at the cottage on the beach and the houseboats tied up on the wharf. A man stood on the wharf, he was dressed in a dark suit of foreign fashion.

”This way please.” Nix led her to the wharf, stopping in front of Tu-Khat who seemed to be frozen in place.

”Tu-Khat? Is that really you?” Festa's dark features remained expressionless. It was true that he betrayed their plans ten years ago. ”What did I say to you during my birthday celebration in Lohai?”

Tu-Khat stared at her without replying.

/Inferno: Sharl: Oh shit...

/Inferno: Nix: Be ready Tess, just in case.

Tu-Khat cleared his throat, looking quite uncomfortable. ”You said that you would provide me with one heir and that I should never think of ever touching you again after that.”