Adrian and Lilith entered the war room, a grand chamber dominated by a massive table in the center. The table was a detailed mock-up of the city and its surrounding territory, well crafted to aid in planning strategies and defenses.

Around the table stood the queen, the king, a man Adrian guessed was the army general, and several other council members, each absorbed in the details of the ongoing discussions.

As soon as Adrian entered, Queen Alannah looked up, her face brightening with a genuine smile. "If it isn't the hero of the city," she announced warmly. "And starting today, my special advisor."

The room fell silent.

Every eye turned to Adrian, the council members were obviously taken aback by the queen's declaration. The group's surprise was clear as whispers spread among them, creating a ripple of reactions.

"Advisor?" Lilith murmured in surprise, her voice low enough for only Adrian to hear. She glanced at him, her eyebrows raised in curiosity.

Adrian met her gaze with a subtle smirk playing on his lips. "Well, you did say to use her desires to my advantage," he replied softly, "and here we are."

Lilith didn't respond, but her eyes sparkled with amusement as they stepped forward to greet the queen.

"Your Majesty," Adrian greeted with a respectful bow, his voice steady and composed.

"I trust you had a pleasant night?" Queen Alannah inquired, her tone light and almost teasing.

"Yes, indeed. Thank you for your hospitality," Adrian replied, his words measured. "However, I regret to inform you that we will be leaving today."

A flicker of disappointment crossed the queen's face, though she quickly masked it with a graceful smile. "Oh," she said, her tone carefully neutral. "Is there a reason for your sudden departure?"

"Not exactly," Adrian answered politely. "We must continue our journey. Time is of the essence."

The queen nodded, though her eyes betrayed a hint of reluctance. "I see. Nonetheless, I'm glad we could assist you during your stay." She then gestured toward a man standing beside her, who stepped forward holding a rolled-up parchment.

"Allow me to introduce Kaleb," the queen said. "He's prepared the maps you requested."

Adrian frowned slightly in confusion. He didn't recall asking for any maps or even meeting Kaleb before. "Maps?" he echoed, glancing at Lilith, who had been silent until now.

Lilith gave him a knowing look and stepped forward. "I took the liberty of requesting them," she explained smoothly. "I thought it would save us some time and avoid any further delays."

Kaleb handed the map to Adrian, unrolling it slightly to reveal its contents. "This green light represents you and the lady," he explained, pointing to a glowing spot on the map. "And this yellow light," he continued, indicating another glowing point, "is the location of the one you're searching for."

Adrian studied the map, his mind racing as he absorbed the information. He rolled the map back up and nodded his thanks to Kaleb. "I appreciate your work, Kaleb," he said sincerely.

Kaleb gave a respectful nod, then turned to the queen. "Your Majesty, with your permission, I'd like to take my leave now."

But before Kaleb could exit, Adrian, always quick to think ahead, called out to him. "Kaleb, wait."

Kaleb paused, turning back to face Adrian. "Yes, my Lord?"

Adrian's mind was already working, considering the potential value of Kaleb's skills. "What do I owe you for your services?" he asked.

Kaleb looked slightly taken aback, shaking his head modestly. "There's no need, my Lord. It's my duty to serve the queen and the city."

Adrian nodded, but he wasn't satisfied with the answer. He could sense that there was something more Kaleb wanted, something he wasn't saying, something he could use to his advantage. "I understand," Adrian said calmly. "But I believe in fair exchange. What do you desire in return for your work? Be honest."

Kaleb hesitated, his eyes flicking nervously to the queen and back to Adrian. Clearly, he wasn't used to being asked such direct questions, especially not in the presence of royalty.

Finally, after a moment of silence, Kaleb spoke, his voice quiet but firm. "If I may be so bold, my Lord… I wish for a better life."

The room fell silent again, the weight of Kaleb's words hanging in the air. Adrian's gaze softened, and he gave a slight nod.

Just as he suspected.

From the shabby-looking house he had seen on the outskirts of the town they passed through days ago, Adrian knew Kaleb's wish would lie around that line.

Adrian turned to face the queen and the king, who had been observing the exchange with interest.

He took a deep breath, then spoke with quiet authority. "Your Majesties, as your newly appointed special advisor, my first piece of advice is this: Kaleb's talents are too valuable to be left in the shadows. I recommend that he be brought to the palace, where his skills can be utilized more effectively.

His services will be needed from time to time, and I believe he deserves a better life for the invaluable work he does."

The council members exchanged glances, murmuring among themselves. The queen's eyes narrowed slightly as she considered Adrian's words. She glanced at the king, who gave a subtle nod of agreement.

"Kaleb," Queen Alannah began, her voice measured, "would you be willing to serve the crown from within the palace? We can arrange accommodations for you and ensure that your work is recognized and rewarded appropriately."

Kaleb's eyes widened in surprise, and he quickly bowed his head. "It would be an honor, Your Majesty," he replied, his voice trembling with emotion.

The queen smiled, her expression warm. "Then it's settled. You will have a place here in the palace, and your skills will be put to good use."

Adrian felt a surge of satisfaction as he watched the exchange. He knew that securing Kaleb's position in the palace would not only benefit Kaleb but also serve as a valuable resource for him.

As the formalities concluded, Adrian turned back to Lilith, who had been watching the proceedings with a satisfied grin. "Well played," she whispered, her voice filled with admiration.

Adrian smiled, his eyes twinkling with a mix of pride and relief. "Thank you," he replied softly.

Queen Alannah rose from her seat, signaling the end of the meeting. "Adrian, Lilith," she addressed them both, her tone filled with warmth and respect, "you've both done this city a great service. And while I'm sad to see you go, I understand the importance of your journey."

Adrian and Lilith bowed their heads in gratitude. "Thank you, Your Majesty," Adrian said,. "We're honored by your kindness and generosity."

The queen's gaze lingered on Adrian for a moment, a hint of something unspoken in her eyes. But then she nodded and dismissed them with a graceful hand wave. "Remember," she added as they turned to leave, "you always have a home here."

As Adrian and Lilith exited the war room, they were met by the three maids who had escorted them earlier. The maids stood at attention, their expressions a mix of respect and curiosity.

Adrian nodded at them, his demeanor calm and composed. "Thank you for your help," he said, his tone polite but distant. The maids curtsied deeply in response, their cheeks flushed with the memory of their earlier encounter.

Lilith, however, couldn't resist a final playful jab. "Remember, ladies," she whispered as they passed, her voice full of mischief, "don't be shy about what you want. Life's too short for regrets."

The maids blushed even deeper, their eyes wide with surprise, but they couldn't hide the small smiles that tugged at their lips.

As Adrian and Lilith walked through the palace corridors, heading toward the exit, Adrian glanced at Lilith, a question forming on his lips. "What's next?" he asked, his voice filled with curiosity and anticipation.

Lilith smiled, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Next," she said, her voice full of promise, "we follow the map and see where it leads us."

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