The next day dawned bright, and the palace courtyard buzzed with activity as the envoy prepared to depart for Brenden. Horses were being saddled, provisions packed, and guards stationed at key points.

Adrian, clad in a travel-worn cloak, stood beside his steed, adjusting the straps of his gear while observing the controlled chaos around him. He caught sight of Queen Alannah at the top of the palace steps, her regal presence commanding attention as always.

Lord Faolan, standing beside her, seemed less composed. He turned to the queen, his lips set in a thin line, clearly agitated.

"Your Majesty," Faolan began in a formal tone, though there was an unmistakable edge to it. "Is it truly necessary for this... outsider to accompany the envoy? Surely, the matter of Brenden's tribute can be handled by your most trusted officials?"

Queen Alannah, with a graceful tilt of her head, regarded Faolan with cool authority. "Adrian is my special advisor," she replied in a calm yet firm voice. "He has proven his worth time and again. His presence will ensure that matters are handled efficiently."

Her tone left little room for argument, but Faolan wasn't one to back down easily.

"But Your Majesty, with all due respect," Faolan pressed, his gaze flicking toward Adrian with barely concealed disdain. "We don't need outsiders meddling in our internal affairs. Especially one with no ties to Zarpha's history or—"

Alannah raised a hand, cutting him off with a single gesture. "I have made my decision, Faolan, and it is final. Adrian will go. Let that be the end of it."

Her words sounded like a command this time, and Faolan's mouth snapped shut, his face flushing with frustration. He bowed stiffly, retreating a step, but the fire in his eyes didn't dim as he shot a cold look at Adrian.

As Adrian mounted his horse, Ava sidled up beside him, her voice low enough that only he could hear. "I wouldn't be surprised if Lord Faolan knows more about Brenden's late payments than he's letting on," she said, her tone laced with suspicion. "There's a greed in him I don't trust."

Adrian's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Well, we'll find out soon enough," he replied, his eyes glinting with resolve.

Lilith then approached him, her eyes gleaming with a mix of mischief and desire. Without a word, she reached up and kissed him, her lips lingering on his with a fierce, almost possessive passion.

Adrian returned the kiss, his hand resting on the small of her back before they pulled apart.

"Don't get yourself killed," Lilith whispered, her voice sultry but tinged with genuine concern.

"I'll try not to," Adrian teased. Then, he leaned down, planting a soft kiss on Selene's forehead and one on Ava's cheek before turning to Medea. "Ready?" he asked.

Medea, already mounted on her horse, gave a curt nod. "Let's get this over with."

The envoy set off, a small but well-armed group, and as they rode through the gates of Zarpha, Adrian couldn't help but notice the stillness of the city behind them. It felt like the calm before a storm, an unsettling quiet that clung to the air like mist.

It wasn't long before Lord Faolan rode his horse closer to Adrian with a sour expression, filled with barely concealed contempt.

Faolan growled, his voice low enough to avoid the others overhearing, "I don't know what game you're playing or how you've managed to charm the queen into agreeing with every suggestion you make, but know this—I'm watching you."

Adrian's smile was sharp, almost mocking. "That's comforting, Faolan. I'd hate to think I was going unnoticed." His tone was deliberately casual.

Before Faolan could respond, Medea appeared, her horse trotting up beside them. Her presence was like a sudden storm—cold and fierce, and Faolan visibly stiffened as she fixed him with an icy stare.

"Is there a problem?" Medea asked with a cool voice, though the threat was clear in her tone. Her aura seemed to seep into the air, making Faolan flinch slightly.

Faolan cleared his throat, his earlier bravado faltering under Medea's fierce gaze. "No... no problem," he muttered, retreating a step as if the force of her presence alone had pushed him back.

Medea didn't take her eyes off him, maintaining an unreadable and dangerous-looking expression. "Good," she simply said, then added in a low voice, just loud enough for Faolan to hear, "Adrian isn't alone out here. He has powerful allies. Remember that."

Faolan swallowed, his face paling slightly before he quickly spurred his horse ahead, eager to put distance between himself and the two of them.

Adrian watched him go, a chuckle rumbling in his chest. "I had it handled, you know?" he said, turning to Medea.

Medea smirked, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "I know. But he needed to understand that you're not someone he can intimidate. And that I'm not afraid to remind him of that."

They rode in silence for a few moments, the sound of hooves on dirt the only noise around them. The city of Zarpha had long since disappeared from view, replaced by rolling hills and stretches of untamed land.

The journey to Brenden would take three days, but Adrian's mind was far from the tribute issue.

His thoughts drifted back to the map, to the temple that lay near Brenden, where one of the remaining goddesses awaited her release.

The sun hung high in the sky as the envoy made their way along the dusty road; the clopping of hooves and the quiet murmur of the guards were the only sounds accompanying their journey.

It had been hours since Faolan had ridden ahead, distancing himself from Adrian and Medea after their brief exchange. Medea rode beside Adrian, her piercing eyes scanning her surroundings from time to time.

The air felt heavier as they ventured deeper into the wilderness. The hills surrounding them were wild and untamed, the perfect hiding place for trouble.

Suddenly, a sharp whistle cut through the air.

Medea's instincts kicked in immediately as she looked around. "Ambush!" she shouted, her voice slicing through the stillness like a blade.

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