"That's just the basic requirement," she said. "We can't discuss specifics until we agree to some basic terms." Vashj shook her head, her eyes expressing complexity.
If she could return to her night elf form, she wouldn't refuse, but thinking of the queen's current appearance as a naga made her hesitate.
She was undoubtedly loyal to Azshara. Azshara's fingers became sharp and somewhat gray, and her lower body was made of octopus tentacles, which made her look very peculiar.
This appearance was not what she desired; after all, women are creatures that love beauty. Especially for someone at her level, immortality was a given, so she wanted to pursue something meaningful.
"What do you think?"
"My queen, I believe we should try collaborating with him. Once we've made use of him, it will be his end!" Vashj's tone remained cold and resolute; she had no feelings for Arthas.
If he could be used, then use him; if not, throw him away. People are like that; those they don't have emotions for can be discarded after use, but once emotions are involved, it's a different story.
Tap, Tap, Tap Azshara's sharp fingernails tapped against the specially carved crystal armrest, her amber eyes narrowed.
"You are responsible for this matter. Stay by his side and keep a close watch on him. Have him find a way to break the curse for you. Once we confirm the curse is fully gone, report back to me. If possible, make him submit to your charms and become a slave for me, understand?"
This was the safest approach; Azshara would not take personal risks. She couldn't leave the Eternal Palace for long—it's not that she couldn't, but that she needed to maintain her presence there. If she were absent for too long, the whispers and corrosion from N'Zoth would turn her naga subordinates into faceless ones or the old gods servants instead of hers. That was something she absolutely would not allow; these were her subjects, and she wouldn't abandon them.
As a queen, she knew most of her subjects were expendable if the need arose, but for now, she needed them to serve her and couldn't let the enemy erode their minds. Her main power base must be secure. Without competent subordinates, Azshara would be in a much more precarious situation. That was something she did not want to face or witness, so she would ensure it was prevented.
"Yes, my queen, I will carry out your orders." Vashj sincerely bowed her head; this made her a test subject. Yet she was willing, eager to do anything for her queen—a sentiment that had not changed since ancient times.
"As long as it doesn't touch the interests of the palace directly, you can command everything else as you wish." Azshara generously granted her this authority. Deep down, she was also anticipating a return to her night elf form; she would surely reclaim her position at the zenith of beauty!
A wave of obscure energy came, and Azshara snorted, repelling the wave—this was an ancient god's probing, a continuous infiltration. The whispers of the ancient gods had no effect on Azshara; had it not been for the betrayal weakening her, N'Zoth might not have captured her in the first place.
Azshara, who could make the guardian dragons wary, was far from weak. With the power of the Well of Eternity, she was just slightly less powerful than Deathwing, who had been empowered by the Dragon Soul. Had the Well's power not been used to summon the Burning Legion, she would have never been defeated—absolutely no way!
Every time she thought of this, Azshara felt intense anger; she had been played! So what if the enemy was a titan? Those who dared to take what was hers would never have a good end. The pride of a queen demanded nothing else!
"Your command is my will." Vashj retreated slowly, eventually exiting the palace. She cast a complex glance at the dozing queen; how much turmoil was hidden in her own heart? If Arthas could indeed break the curse, she might rescue those sisters like her who had been transformed fully into naga.
The next day, Arthas got up for breakfast under Vanessa's attentive care. Watching the smiling maid made his entire day feel much brighter. In the morning, he took his sister Calia to inspect the military camp and visit the injured soldiers.
Some disabled soldiers struggled to salute him; they held no resentment towards the prince but rather felt deep gratitude. Arthas's expression was complex; these wounded soldiers would receive compensation before leaving the military camp to return to civilian life. Their future might include bullying, or it could be peaceful.
These were all valuable veterans, and he suddenly felt the need to do something. "Sister, when they go back, they won't be able to farm; how do you think they will live? Will they rely on their families?"
"What do you want to do? I will support you in whatever you choose," Calia offered, holding Arthas's large hand gently, looking at her brother with tender eyes, treating him as her husband. Supporting a husband was normal, right?
"I am just thinking, but I feel I must do something." Arthas fell silent, and at that moment, a soldier came to report.
"Your Highness, in the southern seas, we have spotted a stranded ship with some crew members taken captive. There are goblins and humans; it's the goblin trade ship." The scout reported.
"Hmm, I understand. Captian, take a team and come with me," Arthas said, feeling a spark of interest. The farm belonged to the Brigitte family, and she would take care of it herself. Matters at the camp were being handled by Marlene, so he didn't need to deal with those trivialities. At this moment, he felt the essence of being a prince—having capable subordinates and wielding power was truly enjoyable.
Since negotiations with the naga were still ongoing, they did not initiate an attack but instead withdrew into the ocean. Without the naga's prompting, the murlocs were unlikely to mindlessly rush ashore to fight the human soldiers. Murlocs could leave the water temporarily, but without water for a day, they would die. Some might say murlocs are weak, which is indeed true; yet, their breeding capacity—thirty eggs at a time—could bring tears to the eyes even of a sow.
Calia's expression was one of joy and excitement, feeling like part of an adventure team. Although she was still surrounded by soldiers, the mere act of leaving the palace to breathe free air made her very happy. All of this was brought about by Arthas! Thinking of this, Calia looked at her brother, who was focused on the map ahead, feeling an impulse to be physically close to him, wanting to bear his child!