Page 171 of The Princess and Her Grand King

"Zaiper Thoryk Dragaxlov."

"What you request is a dangerous, forbidden magic," the mage said. "Do you understand the price?"

Zaiper scoffed. "I would not seek out adarkmage if I didn't."

"Mmm." The mage remained in the shadow, his back still turned.

Even after centuries of working with him, Zaiper had never seen his face. The black swirling cloak concealed everything.

"Nevertheless," the mage continued, "I must explain the consequences. A life must be given in exchange… one you hold dear."

"Razarr, bring the girl."

His head guard entered the cave, followed by two others. They dragged a young woman between them, a sack roughly thrown over her head.

She whimpered and pleaded for mercy as they hauled her to the center of the cave, positioning her between the mage and the ruler.

"Here is a life," Zaiper told him

"Who is she to you?"

"One of my best whores," Zaiper sucked teeth. "I will have you know I enjoy this girl very much. You are taking something of value, I assure you."

The mage turned, his face hidden within his cloak. He extended a hand, a black mirror materializing in his grasp.

He held it before the girl's face, its surface sparkling before turning red.

The mage withdrew it, tucking into the folds of his cloak.

"One of which you hold dear," the figure repeated in a flat monotone.

Fucking zombie."I do not hold people dear, I'm afraid."

"Then we are done here." The mage turned towards the cave entrance, his shadowy form beginning to melt into the darkness.

“What about the girl? And…” Zaiper paused, thinking. "I'm calling in that favor you owe me."

The dark mage stopped in his tracks.

His head turned slowly. "You wish to collect now? Is this truly worth it?"

"Let's see… The only obstacle between me and my dreams will lose control of his mind again, with no choice than to satisfy his basic instinct. Going berserk, he will kill everyone that gets in his way… hopefully, Vladya will. Then, he will end up brutalizing hisSoulbondanddraining her to death." Zaiper grinned bigger, malice in his eyes. “I will be hitting so many birds with one stone. Trust me, it'sveryworth it."

The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. "It will look so natural. Everyone knows his mind is fragile; no one will ever suspect dark magic."

The mage regarded him in silence for a long moment. "You saved me when my people were going to burn me alive for practicing dark magic. And for that, I have helped you for centuries."

Zaiper gave a firm nod.

"I helped you plant the false memory in the drunk child's mind, making him believe he gave away the secret of your people to the humans which led to the attack. I helped you bring down your own kingdom." The mage paused, his unseen eyes boring into Zaiper. "And now you request mind disintegration for Urai's First Ruler?"

"Yes," Zaiper hissed, impatient.

“The girl's life and my arm should suffice," the mage said. "My arm will be paralyzed for a month if the magic succeeds. But after this, we are even. If you desire any further spells, you must meet the requirements."

"Deal!" Zaiper crowed, practically bouncing on his feet, almost unhinged in his delight.

"Alright,” the mage’s voice was an ominous echo. “If the magic succeeds, in a few days, His Majesty the First, the mighty and supreme sovereign ruler of Urai, His Grace, Grand King Daemonikai, will lose his mind."

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