"Your husband saved our lives."
Elaria stood in the courtyard, Draven beside her, facing the Void Queen with all the dignity she could muster. Around them, guards had formed a nervous circle, weapons drawn but clearly uncertain about attacking a void entity.
"Saved you? Is that what he's calling it?" The Void Queen circled them slowly, examining them from every angle. "From what I understand, you've been manipulating him. Using his sentimental attachment to extract protection and favors."
"We made a deal," Draven said carefully. "Terms were negotiated and agreed upon by both parties."
"A deal." The Queen's laugh was like breaking glass. "My husband, the ancient entity who once commanded armies of shadow, making deals with humans like a common merchant. How embarrassing."
"We're not co
