Wayfinding | Aaravos x Reader |

CHAPTER 37

So, of course.

His proposal was pudding to your ears.

"I can use . . . any of these books? Nothing is off limits?"

The noble laughed modestly. "Yes. Nothing is off limits. However, I would advise to stay within the bottom four shelves."

"Why?"

"The rest might be challenging for your . . . aptitude."

And there it was again. That patronizing shine in his leaded eyes. It made you want to storm up and yank the unsightly goatee right off his smug face. But, you knew you'd catch more flies with honey than vinegar. If magic was what you really wanted to learn - then you'd have to bite your tongue, feed the man bite-size details about your lineage, and be the docile creature he had a discreet and unusual taste for.

With that unfriendly recalling, you allowed false cheer to tug at your lips. "Indeed, my lord."

"There is one other matter that needs mention." As pensiveness swallowed the man's vanity, your stomach began to sink. "You know that Countess Akira visited recently, correct?"

"Aye. I had dinner with her before she left."

"Right. Well, although she met with us in regards to trading routes, your name was raised in conversation. She didn't go in detail, but told us about the traders and the curse you broke - which, by the way, you have yet to tell me about."

There was no way in hell you'd let him in on Pavo's true identity - especially after knowing why he took particular interests in Xadian creatures in the first place.

"After hearing all that, the High Council became quite taken with you. And now they've requested for you to join their table as a consultant. They've even prepared for you to move into the palace if you say yes."

You blinked owlishly at the man. "This is . . . all so sudden. And quite frankly - I'm no politician."

"But think of all the opportunities this invites!" Viren chimed, leaning on his staff. Disturbed by his own feverish expression, the man pressed his lips together and stiffened his spine. "Dark magic has always been viewed in an unfavourable light. But it has offered creative solutions to problems that people have faced since the coming of our race. Still, some condemn it - even while holding onto their last breaths. But with your primal magic, people will finally listen. They'll trust our judgement and let us help."

You could hear a whisper of conspiracy in his tone - perhaps one that he himself could recognize yet. But his ultimate goal resonated with you. Sure, your travels to Sal Dorei and Orlion had selfish reasons behind it. In one, you wanted to stop a psychopathic elf from trying to hunt you down. In the other, you wanted to gain the truth about your family. Yet, in both scenarios the greater victory was not the ones you intended to achieve. Instead, the victories you smiled upon were those where you helped the helpless - whether they were magical beings or a town of tormented merchants. So, if practicing magic - a hedonistic desire - could serve the greater good, then why the hell not?

"That does sound nice . . . but I'm not sure if I have the heart to leave Uzner-"

"Uzner is a grown man, (Y/n). Don't belittle him. He's more capable than you think."

The honest content that etched your features failed to hold its ground for long when a petty thought crossed your mind. "And the King . . . did he approve of the Council's proposition?"

"Well, I wouldn't be telling you all of this if he didn't, would I?" Regardless of his imperative remark, you felt your chest bloom with pride. Harrow had not uttered a word to you since his reception - so, despite the stretch, your acceptance into the palace felt like a sign of some sort. "So, will you consider the offer?"