For now, Thirteen could only rely on this black egg to communicate with Erasmus whenever he was free. Their communicators didn’t work here, and it would take the Artemian Researchers some time to develop ones that worked.
"Your name is Zion, right?" Queen Miriamele asked, her tone becoming tender. "Or would you prefer me to call you Thirteen instead?"
"Just call me Zion, Your Majesty," Thirteen replied. "Due to some circumstances, it’s easier to use that name to prevent misunderstandings."
"Understood." Queen Miriamele nodded. "I’ve heard about your plans and your concerns about the Celestials of Artem. While I truly want to help you, my movements are restricted to only as far as the Royal Palace’s courtyard.
"Unless you can bring the battle to this location, I’m afraid I cannot help you fight the other Celestials."
"I see..." Thirteen couldn’t mask the disappointment in his voice. He had truly hoped the Queen would be their key to balancing the scales.
"However, I can still assist you in another way," Queen Miriamele stated. "While I cannot leave the palace grounds, I can unleash long-distance attacks from the palace. The range of these attacks can travel up to fifty miles, and I can assure their accuracy.
"I can also send an Astral Body to join your cause so I can help you in real time. My Astral Body is only as strong as an Archon, but I believe it can provide you with support magic that will be very helpful in battle.
Her answer made Thirteen quite happy. A Celestial that could unleash long-distance attacks was a very deadly opponent.
He was also very curious about the Queen’s Astral Body and what it could do.
Unbeknownst to Thirteen, the Queen’s Astral Body carried her consciousness, so when the time comes, they’d truly be interacting with each other.
She had wanted to personally thank Zion for saving her only daughter and giving her a new lease on life for a very long time, and this was her chance.
Even if her daughter no longer carried the Chandrean Royal Bloodline, in the Queen’s eyes, Rhia was still her own.
To her savior, Queen Miriamele had nothing but gratitude. In fact, she was so smitten with Zion that she already claimed him as her son.
He may not have been born from her womb, but he shared her blood.
In fact, Thirteen could also be considered the Crown Prince of Artem. Although it was in the minority, the blood of the royal bloodline of Artem also flowed in his veins.
"Your Majesty, please tell us about any news that you know about the current political status of Artem," Thirteen said. "Does everyone revere King Astrion, or does he face opposition among the nobility?"
"I like the way you think, Zion." Queen Miriamele smiled. "So you’re hoping to spark a civil war?"
"That will depend on how the nobility of Artem will react to King Astrion’s defeat," Thirteen answered. "I’m sure many are not happy with the outcome of this war."
No matter the time, no matter the occasion, war was a sensitive topic.
If the Artemians won, it wouldn’t be a big deal. But since they lost, there were bound to be voices of opposition that would do their best to spread the word that the King had failed in his attempt to conquer Pangea.
Erasmus told Thirteen that King Astrion didn’t trust anyone completely and kept some of the officials at arm’s reach.
One of the Celestials was even at odds with him, but since the other two were supportive of the King, the opposition could only voice out their complaints and not act on it.
However, it would be different this time.
They would have a valid excuse to antagonize the king, which was all part of Thirteen’s plan.
This was why, as soon as Erasmus arrived at the palace, he immediately convened a court meeting and officially announced they had lost the war.
He made sure to also dismiss them afterward, offering no other explanations. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ nοvelfire.net
This would allow the ministers who left the throne room to hold private meetings among themselves and disparage the King behind his back.
"Your plan can work," Queen Miriamele said. "All those who are loyal to Astrion have crossed over to Pangea. Those who remain here have their own opinions about his leadership.
"In fact, some of them wished that the King and his army would not return, so someone else could sit on the Artemian Throne."
Erasmus’ and Thirteen’s ears perked up after hearing that juicy bit of information. This was a chance for them to stir up trouble, which could possibly tip the advantage in their favor.
"Erasmus, when you hold court sessions again, make sure to show a bit of incompetence," Thirteen advised. "Quarrel with your ministers, and blame them for the outcome of the war. I will leave it in your very capable hands."
"Good." Erasmus grinned. "I plan."
"Your Majesty, we have a method that will allow your Astral Body to instantly teleport to my location," Thirteen stated. "But, to do that, you will have to sign a magical contract that will be binding."
"I don’t mind," Queen Miriamele replied with a smile. "The sooner I meet you, the better."
For some reason, Thirteen sensed the excitement and anticipation in the Queen’s voice. It reminded him of the time when he woke up from his coma, only to find himself being cuddled to death by Shana, Sherry, and Princess Aracelle.
He had to admit that being hugged by his lovers made him feel happy, especially since their bodies were very soft, making him feel comfortable.
"Very well, I will ask for permission first," Thirteen said. "I’ll return after half an hour."
He then went to the Domain of the Apocalypse and asked Metatron if it was possible for Queen Miriamele’s Astral Body to use Erasmus’s portal so Thirteen could meet her in the Domain of the Apocalypse.
After that, he would open his own portal and take the Queen to his current location.
The magical contract was needed to ensure utmost secrecy. He knew that Metatron spoiled him a lot, but he had a feeling that this request might be stretching his goodwill a bit.
Nevertheless, it was worth trying, so he didn’t hesitate to consult the God of the Apocalypse if his request for a stopover was possible.