Elena could barely sleep that night. The anxiety was still very much burrowed in her mind. Even as she stood there in the early morning, the guards had not left their position outside the residence. After talking to Adair yesterday, they had insisted to continue guarding her. She knew perfectly well that she might still be in trouble, which was why she had carried through with her plan. Elena had indeed asked about Adair’s view on a possible scrying of the mind to be deemed innocent, but he had been led to believe Elena meant for Kate to receive the scrying. But no, the young magi had sent for the court mages, bluntly explaining the situation and requesting for a scrying, to prove her innocence. They had not answered, which was worrying.ß

Not even a cup of tea had managed to bring other thoughts to her, but the knocking on her door did. With quick steps the girl skipped towards the door, opening it quickly and staring at the figures outside. One of the court mages, a grumpy old woman by the name of Yella Liversteam stood there in her same old robes, clearing her throat before she spoke. Behind her was another mage and a nobleman, with the two guards observing.

“Miss Lockslin, we’ve discussed your situation.” She paused, before wetting her lips and continuing. “And we’ve decided, upon evaluation of your former help to the King and the kingdom, to allow for a scrying. Today.” Yella said, with that familiar frown on her face. Still, she had been rather nice about it, considering.

[color=cornflowerblue] “I am prepared to leave already. Will it take place at the Astral Hall?” [/color]Elena asked, clasping her hands obediently in front of herself.

“No. The King has decided it should take place in the throne room.” The nobleman rudely interrupted, folding his arms. Elena could not help but grow nervous at that. A scrying in the middle of the throne room was as uncommon as a farmer’s son marrying a princess. It did not bode well. If the king had decided it was worthy of his time, Elena could most likely begin counting the minutes she had left. 

The throne room was as beautiful as ever. As far to the roof as there was to the top of the tallest trees Elena had ever seen. And the ancient and irreplaceable ornaments, pillars with the stories of the kingdom carved into them. It was admirable beyond imagination. The king sat in his throne, greeting the group that had entered. Each and every one of them bowed in respect, with an approving nod in return by the king. Yella stepped forward, gesturing to Elena as she spoke.

“Your grace, this is Miss Elena Lockslin of the Mage’s Tower. She is the one who request for the interrogation herself.” King Merrick nodded in return, before he spoke.

“I have heard about your position, Miss Lockslin. Merciful as I am, I will of course allow you to prove your innocence.” He said, motioning for the mages to go about their business. Elena was guided towards a single chair in the middle of the room, rubbing her sweaty hands as she sat down upon it. She had put on the robe she was most fond of. It was a soft and beautifully sown gift from Talder years ago. It had not fit her until she had matured, not that it had ever bothered her. It was a midnight blue, with silvery markings all over it, ancient words and incantations. The robe had to be one of her most precious items, even if she never had prioritized clothing.

No further words were spoke as Yella stepped towards Elena, placing a hand on her forehead. As she begun to mutter an incantation, her fingers began glowing a faint white. Instantly, Elena could feel the magic invading her mind. She grimaced, even if she knew there was nothing to fear. But it was still such a claustrophobic feeling, opening your thoughts, memories and life to other people. No one wanted to be scryed, but what choice did she have? It was something that had to be endured, horrible as it was. The magic flowed through her memories, investigating each one of them carefully. Elena took in a deep breath, shaking as she sat in the chair. 

“Your grace –“ Yella addressed the king as she halted the incantation, looking towards him. “The young Miss Lockslin has not associated herself with the Rebellion, but she does know Kate Iles, perhaps even a long-time friendship. Still, she appears to hold a remarkable loyalty for the crown, long as she has lived. I, Yella Liverstream of the King’s Court hereby declare Elena Lockslin innocent of any accusations concerning her loyalty.”

“Excellent. Most excellent.” Merrick stepped down from his throne, his cloak waving gracefully as he approached the young magi. He offered his hand towards the girl, having become slightly teary at that point. Elena accepted the help, but strayed from looking directly at him; it was not suitable for anyone besides his most trusted men. She curtsied before the king, as he spoke again.

“If you would all excuse us, I would like to have a word with Miss Lockslin.” Merrick stated, gesturing for all of the others to scurry away.

“Now,” Merrick started, turning his back and motioning for Elena to come along. “I am sorry you had to undergo that, Lockslin. But it is for the safety of the kingdom. Speaking of which, I have an offer.” The king turned around again, offering an unreadable smile. 
“Perhaps you’ve heard of the order of magi that serves the crown personally?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.

[color=cornflowerblue]“I have, Your Grace.” [/color]Elena humbly responded, dipping her head. There was indeed a group of mages that worked directly for the crown’s interests. They were commonly referred to as the Diviners. Elite, ruthless and crucial to the Kingdom, there was both fear and respect by the citizens, and the mages of the Tower alike.

“Splendid. You have been deemed innocent, but I believe there is yet more you could do for the Kingdom. Kate Iles betrayal was unexpected, and a danger to us all. If you would accept, I would have you accept the oath, and take on the seal, to find Guardsman Iles, and bring her to justice, one way or the other.” Merrick kept a rather firm expression, but smirked in his mind.

[color=cornflowerblue]“O--… Of course, your Grace.” [/color]Elena curtsied again.

Oh, how easy it was to manipulate the young.