"Mother?" Rughoi turned his head eagerly to look in the direction of the door. An advisor approached him with his decree, but Rughoi interrupted him. "Whatever, Do what needs to be done," he said, waving him away offhandedly. Almost running, he rushed over to the doors and flung them open, then charged down the hall to the main room. 

Krakas paced worriedly across the main room. Was her son even here? What if one of millions of things happened, and this supposed "Emperor of All Kobold" was just Rughoi's successor? Her thoughts were dispelled by the heavy stomping of incredibly large feet racing towards her, in a gait that she knew by heart. Without having to look, she flung herself into the arms of the source of the noise the moment he emerged from the hall. Rughoi and his mother shared a warm embrace.

"What are you doing here, mother?" Rughoi asked, breaking the silence and the hug.

"I'm taking you home,” Krakas said, trying to be the stern mother figure she could never imitate.

“That’s the best part! This is home! Not just for you and me, but Xigyll will be a home for all kobolds! Our art and culture will finally surface after hiding since the days of dragons!” Rughoi explained excitedly, not caring if his cool, calculating facade was removed in front of his subjects.

“No. Enough with this imperial fantasy. Please, I beg you. If you return Traeton to its rightful rulers, I promise you the dracons will give you a fair trial in the Fertile Valley,” Krakas said, trying to appeal to reason. Rughoi stiffened, and let go of his mother.

“Guards, Her Kindness the Queen Mother is fatigued after her long days of travel. Please escort her to the safest room in the castle, where she can rest and regain her senses,” Rughoi commanded, as two guards in full armor stepped forwards.

“Don’t you take another step towards me, young man,” Krakas scorned to one of the guards.

“Please come with me, Your Kindness. I would not wish for us to do this the hard way,” he responded, offering his hand. Krakas scowled, but allowed him to lead her away. Once locked in her room, she kneeled before the bed and began praying feverishly to Scen.