The Eccentric Entomologist is Now a Queen's Consort

Mikhailis had barely finished his conversation with Estella when he felt a firm hand grab his arm. He turned to find Vyrelda glaring at him, her face stern, her grip unyielding. It was clear she had something to say, and it wasn't going to be a compliment. She pulled him aside, her voice low but full of frustration.

"What are you thinking, Your Highness?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing.

Mikhailis, instead of being rattled, just smiled. The kind of smile that he knew infuriated her.

"Well, Vyrelda, I'm thinking that blending in with these folks gives us an opportunity. A group of well-armed travelers wandering alone in these woods? Suspicious. But as guards for a merchant caravan? Much less so," he explained, his tone almost casual.

Vyrelda sighed, her frown deepening.

"You always do this. Take risks, make snap decisions without consulting anyone. What if they turn out to be enemies? What if this is a trap?"

Mikhailis shrugged, giving her an almost carefree look.

"They could be enemies, sure. But everything's a risk. Besides, do you really think anyone would suspect someone as charming as me?"

Vyrelda's eyes flashed with irritation.

"Charming or not, Your Highness, your actions put everyone in danger. You may have a way with people, but that doesn't make you invincible."

Mikhailis leaned in a little, his smile softening.

"Look, I get it. I know you worry. But sometimes, taking a chance is what gets us through. Staying with them helps us move without drawing unwanted attention. And it's better than sticking out like a sore thumb."

He could see Vyrelda weighing his words, her gaze flickering between him and the caravan in the distance. She wasn't convinced, not entirely, but she wasn't arguing anymore either. He took that as a small victory.

"Just promise me you'll stay cautious," Vyrelda finally said, her tone more resigned than angry.

Mikhailis raised his hand, giving her a mock salute.

"Cautious is my middle name. Don't worry, Vyrelda. I have a plan—always."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the slight upward tug at the corner of her lips.

"You're as crazy as I thought you are, you know that?"

He grinned, letting the tension between them ease.

"And yet, you still stick around. Guess I can't be all bad, huh?"

Vyrelda shook her head.

"Just... don't make me regret this." She turned back to the caravan, signaling the end of the conversation.

Mikhailis followed, a faint smile still on his lips. He knew Vyrelda cared, and while she might not always agree with his decisions, she had his back. That was enough.

They regrouped with the others, formally agreeing to join Estella's caravan. It wasn't long before they were on the move again, forming up around the wagons as hired guards. Mikhailis rode on his horse alone, keeping a relaxed but vigilant posture. He noticed how Estella kept glancing his way, her eyes warm, perhaps a bit too interested.

"Mister," she called, riding up beside him with a smile that bordered on flirtatious.

"It's good to have you with us. I feel much safer already."

Mikhailis chuckled.

"Happy to help, Lady Estella. You can just call me Mike. We can't let those Skalverns have all the fun, can we?"

She laughed, a sound that was both genuine and somewhat calculating.

"Indeed not. And it's not often one finds such capable assistance." Her eyes lingered on him, clearly assessing him in more ways than one.

He played along, giving her a charming smile.

If she thinks I'm smitten, all the better.

As they traveled deeper into the forest, the atmosphere seemed to change. The once serene path now felt more oppressive, the shadows beneath the thick canopy growing longer. Mikhailis could feel it—the shift in the air that often meant trouble was brewing.

He was proven right soon enough. Without warning, the underbrush exploded, and a Skalvern burst onto the path, its roar echoing through the trees. It was one of the stragglers from the earlier attack, clearly still hungry and very determined. Continue your saga on empire

"Defensive positions!" Vyrelda shouted, her sword already drawn, her eyes fixed on the snarling beast. The bodyguard from Estella's caravan, a young woman with a composed expression, stepped forward, her blade at the ready.

Mikhailis watched as Vyrelda moved, her form precise, a mix of grace and raw strength. He could hear her yell at him, her voice strained but commanding.

"Stay back, Your Highness!"

He was supposed to listen. He knew that. But something in him stirred—a mix of instinct, maybe recklessness, or just the urge to prove himself. Before he could second-guess it, Mikhailis had already drawn his sword. He saw the Skalvern lunge, its yellow eyes locked on the nearest target—Estella, who was fumbling to draw back.

Not today, he thought, and moved.

He darted in from the side, his blade slicing through the air, aimed to distract rather than kill. The Skalvern roared, snapping its attention to him, its claws swiping out. He ducked, barely missing the sharp edge, his pulse pounding in his ears. But he had done what he needed—created an opening.

"Now, Vyrelda!" he shouted.

Vyrelda didn't hesitate. She moved in, her sword arcing downward, cutting deep into the beast's flank. The Skalvern howled in pain, its body twisting. Cerys followed in a flash, thrusting her sword into its side, her face set in concentration. Lira, further back, let loose an arrow that found its mark in the creature's throat.

With a final, agonized roar, the Skalvern collapsed, its massive form hitting the ground with a thud. Silence settled over the forest, broken only by the sound of their heavy breathing.

Mikhailis stepped back, sheathing his sword, a grin spreading across his face.

"Not bad, right?" he said, turning to Vyrelda, his eyes shining with excitement.

She was glaring at him, her expression torn between fury and reluctant acknowledgment.

"You could have gotten yourself killed, Your Highness," she said, her voice sharp. But there was something else there too—a flicker of approval, however begrudging.

He shrugged, still smiling.

"But I didn't. And look, we got it. Teamwork, right?"

Vyrelda shook her head, her lips pressing into a thin line.

"You're reckless," she muttered.

"One of these days, that luck of yours is going to run out."

Estella, who had been watching from a distance, approached, her face a mixture of shock and admiration.

"I must say, that was… impressive," she said, her voice a little breathless.

Mikhailis gave her a slight bow, the grin never leaving his face.

"Just doing my part, Lady Estella. Can't let a lady be eaten by a Skalvern, can I?"

Estella smiled, though her bodyguard's eyes lingered on Mikhailis with a calculating gaze, clearly trying to make sense of his unexpected bravery.

Once the immediate danger had passed, the group took a moment to catch their breath. Vyrelda and Cerys were quick to check the supplies, their faces growing more serious as they rummaged through what little remained.

"Most of our food was left behind when we were fleeing the Skalverns," Cerys said, her brow furrowed as she looked over their supplies.

Estella stepped forward, her expression apologetic.

"I'm afraid we have very little left. Our provisions were abandoned as well. We managed to save some coins and valuables, but food…" She trailed off, her gaze shifting between them, clearly uneasy.

Vyrelda frowned, her eyes meeting Cerys's. There was a silent understanding there—they both knew how dire their situation could become without proper provisions. Lira let out a soft sigh, her eyes scanning the group, clearly concerned.

Mikhailis, still catching his breath, noticed the worried expressions and couldn't help but feel the tension building again. They had faced down a Skalvern, but hunger was a more persistent, insidious enemy. He looked at the Skalvern's massive corpse, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as an idea formed.

He stepped closer to the dead creature, poking it with the tip of his sword.

"Well, it can't be helped," he said, his voice filled with determination. He turned to the others, his grin widening as they all stared at him, confused.

"I guess this is where I'm going to shine again," he declared, clearly amused by his own thought.

Vyrelda raised an eyebrow, unsure of what he meant.

"What are you talking about, Your Highness?"

Cerys gave him a quizzical look, her eyes narrowing as if trying to guess his next move.

Mikhailis gestured toward the Skalvern.

"We're going to eat it," he announced, the twinkle of amusement in his eyes growing brighter.

Lira's eyes widened, her lips parting in shock.

"Eat… that?" she repeated, clearly skeptical.

Estella looked just as taken aback, her eyes darting to the beast and then back to Mikhailis.

"Is that even… edible?" she asked, her voice filled with uncertainty.

Mikhailis nodded confidently.

"I've heard Skalvern meat is tough, but it's edible if prepared correctly. Trust me," he said, his tone reassuring, though he knew he was perhaps being a tad optimistic.

Vyrelda sighed, shaking her head but not arguing.

"You... sure, Your Highness?" she muttered, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

Cerys, for her part, seemed intrigued, though not entirely convinced.

"I suppose it's better than starving," she said, her expression thoughtful.

Estella watched in disbelief, but there was a hint of curiosity in her eyes. Her bodyguard, still silent, just observed, her face unreadable.

Mikhailis clapped his hands together, his grin never fading.

"Alright then, let's get to it. We have a Skalvern to cook!"