ShadowBound: The Need For Power-Chapter 595: Mabel’s Report

Back in Zone Eight, within the capital city of Tynoon, the royal palace of the Tempest Kingdom stood bathed in quiet lamplight. Inside one of its grand private chambers, Queen Lucy sat before her ornate dressing mirror, the room steeped in soft gold hues and gentle stillness. She wore elegant nightwear befitting her station, its fabric flowing and refined, as she calmly tended to herself with practiced, unhurried motions.

As she continued her routine, carefully attending to her skin, Lucy became aware of a familiar presence behind her. She did not turn, nor did she so much as flinch. Instead, she carried on as if nothing had changed, her composure unbroken.

"How have you been, Mabel?" she asked calmly, her gaze never leaving her reflection.

A few paces from the chamber door, Mabel stood in a disciplined posture, her presence quiet yet firm. "I’ve been faring well, Your Majesty," she replied, dipping her head in a slight bow. "Thank you for asking."

"I’m glad to hear that," Lucy said evenly. After a brief pause, she continued, "How is Liam doing?"

"He is doing well, Your Majesty," Mabel answered without hesitation. "So far, nothing has occurred that is out of the ordinary. Just training... and more training."

"I see," Lucy replied calmly, her tone neutral as she reached for another vial on the dressing table.

"However," Mabel said after a short pause, "there is something I believe would be worth your interest."

At that, Lucy’s hand stilled for a brief moment. Through the mirror, she glanced at Mabel, studying her reflection with quiet attentiveness before returning her focus to herself. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"Go on, then," she said calmly.

Behind her mask, Mabel drew in a slow, measured breath, preparing her words carefully. "Liam was recently challenged to a duel by a third-year student," she said evenly. "Percy Granger."

Lucy paused once more, her eyes narrowing just slightly as she asked, "And Liam accepted this duel?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, he did," Mabel replied. "I confronted him about the risks of doing so, but he claimed there was a reason behind his decision to accept."

Lucy’s gaze sharpened subtly at that, curiosity and suspicion flickering beneath her composed exterior. After a moment of thought, she spoke again. "Do you happen to know what this reason is?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Mabel answered promptly, then hesitated, choosing her next words with care. "However, I don’t believe it is my place to reveal it. I would prefer that Liam himself explain it to you when the time comes."

Hearing that, Lucy’s brows lifted in brief surprise, the reaction fleeting yet unmistakable as the words sank in. For a moment, she simply stared at her reflection, clearly not expecting such an answer from her own subordinate. However, the lapse lasted no more than a heartbeat before she composed herself, her expression smoothing back into regal calm.

"Are you saying," Lucy asked evenly, her voice cool and measured, "that you are refusing to tell me what Liam told you?"

Mabel flinched almost imperceptibly at the Queen’s words. She drew in a steady, calming breath before responding, her posture remaining respectful and composed. "Your Majesty, I sincerely apologize," she said carefully, "but yes." She paused briefly, choosing her words with caution. "Considering the kind of person Liam is, there is no telling when he might decide to withhold his trust entirely. That is why I am making this choice."

A faint smirk tugged at Lucy’s lips as she listened. Slowly, she turned in her chair, finally facing Mabel fully, her sharp eyes settling on her with renewed interest.

"So," Lucy said, her tone carrying a hint of amusement, "you’re telling me that the trust of a sixteen-year-old boy matters more to you than the trust of your Queen?"

Mabel shifted slightly under the weight of that gaze, but her voice remained steady. "Of course not, my Queen," she replied earnestly. "My loyalty to you and to this kingdom will forever belong here, and I take great pride in the trust you place in me, Your Majesty." She continued calmly, "You entrusted me with protecting Liam and ensuring that he comes to trust the Tempest Kingdom—and you as well. I believe that in order to accomplish that, I must earn and preserve his trust first. Doing so will ultimately make your plans for him far easier to achieve."

Lucy regarded Mabel in silence for a long moment, her amused smirk lingering as she absorbed every word. To think she would devote herself this deeply to her duty regarding Liam, Lucy mused inwardly. Well, it’s not entirely surprising. From Mystica’s observations, Liam does seem to have a certain soft spot for Mabel... and perhaps she harbors one for him as well. Her gaze remained steady, thoughtful rather than displeased.

Finally, Lucy scoffed lightly. "Very well, Mabel," she said calmly. "I understand the logic behind your decision, so I’ll let this matter slide. And more importantly, for you to make such a choice, it means you truly believe in Liam’s reasoning and his ability to handle the situation. That, I don’t mind at all."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mabel said, bowing her head slightly.

"There’s no need for that," Lucy dismissed casually. Then her expression sharpened just a little. "I need to know something. This duel—has it already taken place?"

"No, Your Majesty," Mabel answered promptly. "Based on the agreement between Liam and Percy, Percy is meant to initiate the duel whenever he chooses. So far, he hasn’t appeared yet, and Liam is still waiting."

"I see," Lucy muttered thoughtfully. After a brief pause, she continued, "In that case, I want you to inform me of what happens once the duel concludes."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Mabel replied swiftly. "I’ll make sure everything reaches you when the time comes."

Lucy studied her for a moment longer before speaking again. "Good. You’re free to return to your duties now," she said calmly.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mabel said once more, dipping her head respectfully.

With that, she turned and opened a portal behind her, preparing to step through. Just as she did, Lucy’s voice reached her again.

"Oh, and Mabel," Lucy added calmly.

Mabel turned back immediately to face the Queen. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Keep doing what you’re doing," Lucy said, an amused smirk returning to her lips. "You have my full support."

Mabel stared at her for a brief moment before responding. "Uh... of course, Your Majesty. I appreciate it," she said at last, a hint of confusion slipping into her tone. She then turned back toward the portal.

Why do I feel like Her Majesty wasn’t referring strictly to my duty as a protector? Mabel wondered as she stepped through and vanished, the portal collapsing inward behind her.

Left alone in the chamber, Lucy let out a soft chuckle and shook her head slightly as she rose from her chair.

"The young ones these days are truly something else," she murmured to herself as she made her way toward her bed.