A Wolf's Howl, A Fairy's Wing

Silence fell across the spectators, and Erik tilted his head slightly. "Your resolve really surprises me," Erik said through their bond, his tone tinged with respect. "Are you really so willing to give up your autonomy to a man you don't know, in return for a still uncertain future?"

Nobuntu didn't immediately respond. Hesitantly, she glanced at Naeku and her son before looking at Erik again. "I know my relationship with Ankhur and Naeku has soured, and with good reason," she told him, regret spilling from her words.

"But…" she continued, her tone grave. "I've known little Naeku all her life. She's the daughter of an amazing woman I once called my best friend, and…" her tone wavered as she gulped softly. "…and technically, I'm still her godmother. Even if she refuses to acknowledge that anymore."

Erik listened patiently. He wasn't particularly surprised by her revelation. From the start, Elora had suggested the relationship between these two families might run deeper than it seemed at first glance. Regardless, their mental conversation went much faster than a normal one, so they had a little time before people started wondering what they were doing.

Nobuntu sighed, her body still down on one knee. "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is… I know them," she muttered thoughtfully.

With a sorrowful expression, she shook her head and clenched her fists. "An alliance with them has become impossible, but… Naeku's feelings are genuine, and Ankhur clearly likes you."

She looked up at him, staring defiantly into his eyes. "They have already done the hard work of vetting you for me. If they trust you, then so will I. And if the price for my people's future is servitude, then I'll pay that price."

Erik looked back at her curiously. He could see the determination in her eyes, yet there was also exhaustion there. 'I guess there are several reasons she's picked a radical option…' Erik muttered in his mind before a grin started spreading on his wolfish lips. 'Not that it matters to me… hehe.'

Still, he couldn't resist pushing her buttons a little.

"What if I've enslaved Naeku and Ankhur just like I've done with you…?" he suddenly suggested with a sly smirk. Slowly, he walked over to her kneeling form.

Nobuntu scoffed, sombre eyes focused on his approaching form. "I would have noticed," she claimed confidently. "My mind is still intact, even if I can't seem to disobey you anymore. If it were the same with them, I would have noticed. The functionality of this technique you've used on me isn't so hard to figure out."

"That's true, and even quite impressive," Erik chuckled gently before his grin widened. "But how can you be sure I don't have other, similar techniques…?"

A flash of anxious distrust went through Nobuntu's eyes as her body flinched. For a moment, her body tensed, and it seemed like she might jump up in a panic. But then she blinked slowly, took a deep breath, and calmed herself down.

She wasn't born yesterday. She could see Erik's teasing expression and realized he was joking. Yet, she couldn't figure out why. "Why are you trying to gaslight me into doubting you…?" she growled with clear irritation.

By now, Erik had reached her physical body, and he smiled mysteriously. "Hehe, just trying to test your conviction, Nobuntu. I'm glad your mind isn't easily swayed."

He extended his hand towards her and finally started speaking out loud again. "That was a good match, thank you," he grinned sincerely. On the sidelines, his remark caused a small uproar among the spectating warriors of Enkare Nkai.

"Hah! Now that's a true warrior spirit!" one roared as he pumped his fists in the air.

"Yeah!" another responded excitedly. "Regardless of feelings or intentions, a good fight should be respected!"

None of them was exactly clear on why this fight had started. There'd only been five people in the throne room at the time, and none of them was going to talk. Spreading news that Nobuntu essentially tried to overthrow their saviour and widely accepted emperor would do nothing but make future relations more difficult.

Only Naeku and Ankhur looked at this interaction a little strangely. They'd both seen Erik's anger before and didn't think it'd be resolved so easily. In fact, they themselves were still a little pissed at Nobuntu for her suggestion.

Kudzai, however, was far too preoccupied with his mother's well-being. He was still being held back by Ankhur, but at the same time, he was nervously hopping from leg to leg.

Meanwhile, Nobuntu didn't need any prompting to know Erik wanted her to play along and pretend nothing had happened between them. So, she grasped his hand and pulled herself to her feet.

"It was…" she nodded sternly, seemingly back to her old self. Yet, an unmistakable hint of respect had infiltrated her tone now. "I apologize for my words earlier. I hope we can consider it a lapse of judgement."

"It's already forgotten about," Erik grinned.

When their hands parted ways again, Nobuntu stealthily tucked away a sigil stone Erik had given her when they clasped hands. "Keep this hidden on your body at all times," he told her through their bond. "It will allow our telepathic communication to work over greater distances. This way, we can talk even when you're back in Azania, and without anyone overhearing."

"Some day, I'd love to hear about your past…" she muttered while obediently hiding the stone. Although the fight hadn't allowed for much introspection, his strangeness and powerful methods were becoming increasingly apparent to her.

"You and many others," Erik chuckled mysteriously. "But admittedly, you're already a step closer than most of them."

Thoughtfully, Nobuntu nodded, and they started walking back to the others, side by side. Erik smiled and waved at Naeku, who did the same back at him. Despite herself, she couldn't help feeling relieved that both of them were fine, rather than just Erik.

At the same time, Erik noticed the frantic Kudzai and raised an eyebrow. "So, what's the deal with your son exactly?" he asked his new servant curiously. "You said he's got loose lips, but he certainly seems to care about you a lot, so I doubt it's malice. Naeku also had some good things to say about him."

Although her expression didn't change, Nobuntu answered him with an obviously annoyed tone. "My Kudzai is a good son, but he's got his flaws… For one, he's easily swayed by emotions. Some human harlot has him wrapped around her little finger, and he trusts her completely…"

She glanced at Erik wryly. "Pillow talk is a dangerous thing, Master…"