Alive bond

The danger continues

Meeting room

As i was expecting,the Dark Queen was waiting for me, sitting in a big armchair. Sometimes,I find myself wondering her real name. My previous life should have known it but I don't remember it and as far as I know everyone else has forgotten it as well. Now that I think about it,the Shadows must have known it at some point and they have excellent memory. So what happened? They still remember it but they are ordered not to mention it again? Or the Dark Queen has erased their memories of that name? And why would she do that?

The Dark Queen must have noticed my vague expression and she chose to greet me first,despite the protocol which demands the first greeting comes from the host.

-Eve,good evening. I'm sorry to hear you were feeling unwell but this matter simply could not wait

I sat on the other armchair opposite of her.

-It's nothing that can keep me from my duties. I must say I was quite surprised to hear your arrival. Surprise visits are so unlike you.

-Indeed. However,this matter simply can not wait. I'm sure you are informed of Thanos's recent...passing.

-No,how would I be informed of this?

-Oh come on,Eve, don't act like that. It is a known secret that you and the Princes are practically best friends. Although,you could have been informed by one of your spies. Yes,I know of their existence as well. But to tell you the truth it has become rather convenient. I control which information is leaked and by doing so I avoid coming here and telling you myself.

-Yes,I'm aware how much you despise of my presence,so why dont you just get straight to the point so we can finish this meeting as soon as possible?

-Very well. As you are aware,Thanos,despite being a Prince,will be reborn. I want your help in finding the carrier of his soul.

-Why?

-Because Haures is unreliable at this point. His emotional attachment with his younger sibling will prevent him from accomplishing the task.

-I did not ask "why me?". I asked "why do you want to find them?"Dont tell you want to protect them.

-What I do once i have the carrier is none of your concern.

-It is. I refuse to just deliver the carrier to you in good conscience until I know they wont be harmed. And my instincts tell me that there is danger.

At that moment a guard opened the doors with such force that I could swear that I heard the walls crack at the points where the doors hit the walls.

-Forgive the disrespect your Majesties but I just received urgent news from a messenger from the Shadow World. Haures and Paimon have vanished. No one can find them.

-Impossible. I had a meeting with him just mere hours go.

-In that case I'm sure the information is false. They couldn't possibly have packed everything in just a few hours. And besides they had no reason to leave in the first place.,I said with certainty in my voice

I waved at the guard to leave. I had a feeling things will heat up pretty soon.

Also,I was taking a big risk lying in front of my counterpart. But it was obvious that Haures has fled in an effort to protect Thanos which could only mean one thing. Thanos's life was again in danger.Also,it was logical not to take anything from the palace as it would transmit a detectable energy signal. I don't know why the Dark Queen wanted one of royal family permanently erased but I was going to help the Princes,at least by buying them time. I could only hope that she will not figure things out,at least not too quickly.