Chapter 785: Chapter 785 - A cold, elegant leader [1/3]
The next morning, they woke up in each other’s arms. Unfortunately, they had little time to enjoy it, as Erik still had plenty to do.
"I’ll have a talk with Nobuntu later today," he whispered softly as he lay in bed next to Emily. Their faces were inches apart, and he gently held her chin with his hand as they looked into each other’s eyes. "After that, she and her son will probably leave tomorrow or the day after, and I want you with them. I’ll discuss the details of how you’ll join her entourage with her later, so just follow her lead when the time comes, alright?"
While previously looking at him warmly, Emily now narrowed her eyes. "You’re not putting her in charge of me, are you...?" she grumbled indignantly.
"Hehe, of course not," Erik chuckled, gently wiping his thumb across her disgruntled lips. "She’s a servant, and you’re in charge at all times. Just remember that she knows a lot more about Azania than you and is also more experienced in most things. I trust you to lead and make the right decisions, but don’t ignore what she has to say out of pride or indifference."
Emily continued pouting, obviously unconvinced Nobuntu would be of any help. She essentially put Erik, herself, and the rest of their family above the rest of the world in terms of competence. Still, she refused to disappoint Erik, so she still nodded. "I won’t disappoint you, Master..."
Erik sighed inwardly. He could feel that she was genuine right now, but wondered if her conviction would hold up for as long as her mission lasted. Still, he carefully hid those emotions from being shared through their bond, and instead smiled at her. "Good girl," he said, and kissed her lips.
Then, before Emily could try to turn that kiss into something more, he jumped out of bed. "Alright! I’m going back to training," he announced, chuckling when he noticed Emily’s disappointment.
"Don’t look at me like that!" he smirked after turning around and putting on some pants. "It’s not like you don’t have enough to do! You have to prepare for travel. Go talk to Elora about any help she can offer you, and maybe carefully probe to see if you can say goodbye to Emma without disturbing her training."
Instantly, Emily sobered up, a difficult expression appearing on her face. "Right, Emma..." she whispered softly, sinking into thought. Erik suspected she only now realised she’d have to be away from Emma, as well as him.
Unfortunately, Erik could offer no help there. He still needed Emily to go, and it might even do the sister a little good to spend some time apart. So instead, he simply kissed Emily’s forehead, and left.
Behind him, Emily sighed wistfully and dropped into the pillows, deep in thought.
***
After leaving the bedroom, Erik went to finish a handful of minor tasks Elora and Naeku had given him recently, all related to the Empire, and mostly just formalities or administrative things.
He did this in preparation for entering an extended period of training, probably by tomorrow. He’d already sent a message to Nobuntu about meeting later, and after that was done, he would start really focusing on his spatial affinity for a few weeks, at least. Hopefully, even until he advanced to the next rank in it.
Right now, he had a few irons in the fire related to extending his influence across Africa, but it would still take a little time for any of that to take effect, which meant his best use of time was growing stronger.
Technically, he could simply start moving his armies into neighbouring nations, but that would be rash and ultimately unproductive, simply due to the massive scope of this continent. He would be better served by conquering a few nations through more gentle means before resorting to force with the rest.
Fortunately, the war between the hunters and Europe would give him at least a year before he’d have to interfere... and hopefully longer. He could afford to move slowly at the start.
So later that day, after finishing everything that was still on his to-do list, he ended up in front of Nobuntu’s room. After knocking on it, Nobuntu almost immediately opened the door.
Erik’s eyebrows flew up as soon as he saw her. "Oh my," he whistled, a sly grin across his face. "Did you dress up for me?"
Although her clothes were very similar to the last time he’d seen her—as in, a dress focused on her regal beauty and elegance—they were also obviously of higher quality than her usual wear. He could also see light make-up, and she’d styled her curly black hair in a fitting model, rather than simply letting it fall.
Nobuntu snorted pridefully, her cheeks showing no hint of a blush. Obviously, she was different from Erik’s relatively young wives, and more akin to Elora. To Erik, however, this simply conjured a desire to see that prideful face purr in his embrace.
But, that would have to wait...
"Is it not obvious that I’d make sure to dress well for a visit from the man who can make or break my future? The future of my people?" Nobuntu asked with just a hint of a cold aura.
Erik realised there was something bothering her, so he cocked an eyebrow with a sly smirk. "Something bothering you, Nobuntu? Also, are you not letting me in?"
She snorted again, but still stepped aside to let him in. He did so, but moved deliberately slowly. He didn’t touch her, but made sure she was fully aware of his powerful, half-naked, well-built, and towering form being so close to her. When he was inside, he noticed there was no Kudzai to be found.
"Oh, I see," he chuckled, turning around to face Nobuntu, who just closed the door. "This is about Kudzai?"
Nobuntu’s nose wrinkled, but she stayed calm. Moving over to the sofa situated in the living room of their guest quarters, she sat down elegantly and looked at him.
"I imagine you know very well that it is," she told him calmly. "He just left while making up some flimsy excuses, and I know you know why. So, before we get to why you’re here..."
Slowly, with impressive elegance, and much to Erik’s surprise, she slid down from the couch and onto her knees. Aiming herself in Erik’s direction, she bowed her head. "Please..." she whispered, a hint of pleading seeping into her cold tone. "What are you planning with my son...?"