"Uh, no. I don't think you want to do that." Maxsodin shook her head irritably. She was playing a dangerous game, she knew, but that fact just made her better at it.
The guard stared at her blankly and she continued. "If the Red Queen finds out you caused the information we have to arrive to her late, well, let's just say I wouldn't want to be you when that happens." Maxsodin gave a small, evil chuckle.
There was an awkward silence after. Nexan shuffled uncertainly, hoping Max wasn't digging them deeper into the hole she had brought them into.
Finally, the guard caved in. "Well, you better come with me then."
Maxsodin knew he wasn't quite convinced yet. She decided to push her luck a bit further.
"Actually," she said, striking a thoughtful pose. "I'd rather wait. I'd love to watch what slow, painful death the Queen will have in store for you..."
The guard pointed his spear at Maxsodin. "I said you're coming with me! Now!"
"Fine, fine..." Maxsodin grinned and winked at Nexan once the guard turned his back. Nexan glared at Max, making sure she didn't blow it.
"Okay Nexan, remember: let me do the talking. We don't want to draw any attention to you. That way, if anyone is under suspicion, it's me. And that will leave you free to get Daxjorn and Braxyd out of here."
Nexan was throughly impressed at Maxsodin's cunning in the present situation. Outwardly, she remained clam. But inwardly, she was. She nodded at Maxsodin instructions, making it look as if that much was already obvious.
"The Queen will see you now." The guard returned from the throne room to usher the two Organization members inside. Maxsodin turned to Nexan one last time.
"Try to look unimpressed and bored, alright. No expression the Queen will find interest in."
They entered the throne room. The Red Queen was perched in her throne, her many quirky subjects surrounding her. She eyed the Org members with some distaste.
"Guard," she snapped. "Are these the two that were lurking in my garden?"
Before he could answer, Maxsodin stepped forward, dishing out an elaborate bow.
"Your Majesty," she said lavishly, causing Nexan to raise an eyebrow. "I'm afraid that's why we're here."
The Red Queen made a show of looking throughly uninterested. "Oh, is that right?"
Max nodded gravely. "I see you have had... trouble with them?"
"Quite."
Maxsodin smiled greedily. "Then I do believe I have a solution that will... benefit, us both." She made the international sign of greed, rubbing thumb and forefinger together.
The Queen's eyes lit up momentarily, then she retained her bored expression. "Go on."
Maxsodin began to pace the room slowly as she began weeving her tale. "You see, Your Highness, those two members that have been causing you so many problem have, in fact, been doing the same for our Organization. If you would grant us a bit of help in scouring this blasted countryside, then we would happily rid you of these troublemakers." She paused a moment, then added, "free of charge."
The Queen look her time 'pondering' the proposal, yet Maxsodin could tell it was too good for her to refuse.
"And what means of help would I be required to make?" the Queen asked suddenly.
Maxsodin waved her hand dismissively. "Simply to means to locate the two. From there, we'll be able to handle the situation."
The Queen waited a moment, then nodded. "Right. Do we have an agreement?"
Maxsodin bowed deeply. "We do indeed. Thank you, Your Majesty."
She turned to leave, and Nexan followed.
"Well done, III." she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief.
"To tell you the truth, I was scared I would loose my head." She made a cutting motion across her neck and pulled a face.
Nexan sighed. "You're lucky you didn't. I would have killed you."
Maxsodin smiled, unable to help but one last remark. "Oh, I'm sure I could have defeated you."
She was forced to run as Nexan came after her, hurling insults at her retreating back.
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