Eira stopped in her tracks, frowning slightly. What was this feeling? It was a rather unnerving feeling. A presence barely recognizable, yet somehow familiar. She looked down at the locket that hung around her neck, briefly considering using the mirror that may allow her to find the answers she sought. Before she had a chance to, however, a guard, one she didn't recognize, approached her. The fact that she didn't recognize him didn't sit right with her. That coupled with the fact that Meuric's window to act was rapidly shrinking made her even more wary. She glanced up at the man, her gaze unwavering but cold, hiding her suspicion and any other emotions she might feel, from the man.<br/><br/>The guard bowed to the young queen before speaking. "Your Grace. I am meant to escort you to the great halls." he explained. Eira narrowed her eyes ever so slightly, the movement almost unnoticeable if one was not paying attention. "Is that so?" she questioned, not actually believing this to be the case. More than likely he'd pretend to lead her there and try to get the drop on her before taking her somewhere else. But she would go along with it. She was curious to see what he had planned. And no matter how strong or how clever he thought he was, he wouldn't get the drop on her. Even if he had an army waiting for her, it would make little difference.<br/><br/>"Very well, then. Escort me." she instructed, gesturing for him to lead the way. No way in hell was she letting him behind her. She would watch him, his every move, and watch for anyone else who might try to make a move. She could use suggestion to prevent him from making a move at all, but she wanted to see what he would do, see where he would lead her, what Meuric had planned. It was unlikely that she would actually manage to get herself hurt, so there was really no harm in it.<br/><br/>--<br/><br/>Meuric heard the voice echoing but the words themselves could not be heard as he approached the dungeon. He knew it was the voice of his master, as it could be no other. But what he said didn't truly matter. It was clearly not meant for him, so he wouldn't bother to worry about it. He had too much else to worry about at present.<br/><br/>So he knew of his plans. Or at least that he planned to try to keep the throne from Eira. He supposed that he wasn't truly surprised. Dardanos thought he was underestimating Eira? Perhaps he was, but he didn't think so. And it hardly mattered. He would take the throne or he would die trying. He wouldn't live a life where he was once again a subject rather than a ruler. He'd had a taste of power and he wasn't about to give it up. If the young queen managed to best him, so be it, but he would be damned if he didn't try his hardest to keep the throne. At least his master gave his blessing. So there was that.<br/><br/>It didn't take long for this momentary relief to disappear, however, as his master soon informed him that, should he ever try such a thing without his consent again, he would suffer a fate far worse than death. It wasn't the pain that bothered him so much, although he wouldn't be fond of it. It was the idea of living as an empty, hollow husk, a shell of his former self with no will, no mind, just a husk as the command of its master. He shuddered at the thought. "Yes, my master." he bowed. "I will be sure to consult you first next time." he continued before pausing.<br/><br/>"I know you cannot aid me in this task. And it may very well be a fruitless endeavor, but I would be remiss if I didn't at least try. Eira will not go down without a fight, I know this. And she is quite a powerful young woman. But it is not an impossible endeavor. The preparations are already in place, and the plan is already in motion." He paused, unlocking the cell in which Dardanos was locked. "I should be going, to see that the others don't screw it up." It was a statement, but the tone in his voice told that he would await his master's permission. "Do you have any suggestions to aid in my endeavor, master?" he asked, deciding that if anyone would know how to subdue her and prevail, it would be Dardanos, and he could use all the tips he could get. He may not be able to receive physical aid from his master, but that didn't mean he couldn't aid him at all.