Like felt ignored. That didn't set well with him. It tended to awake a crueler side of him.
"You know my dearest queen..." He said with a pestering tone as he followed Avalai up the stairs.
"You know the old coot is right. You know it's the blood that makes them say these things.
Their words are not their own, that is a testament to their slavery, not their freedom."
Like laughed. He stalked Avalai, playing tag with her shadow.
"You must also know they don't love you, just the blood. Give me a glass of your blood and they'll follow me like puppies till I run out."

Like's words stung like a song stuck in your head for days.

"In fact, the only thing you don't know for sure. Did the curse fail? Or does it take time to take effect?"