Queen Queen Angelina leaves Tomas unconscious outside the reliquary and carries the clasped jar through a narrow servants’ stair. She keeps Mint hidden beneath her crimson cloak.
A concealed door opens into the royal bathroom, warm with lanternlight and fragrant steam. Marble basins, embroidered towels, and a deep copper tub fill the private chamber.
Queen Angelina
No court agent will find you here, Mint. Until the evidence is safely questioned, you remain my hidden witness.
She sets the jar beside the washbasin, then turns its silver clasp toward herself. At five inches tall, Mint has little room to move inside the padded glass.
Queen Angelina
As for your thousand gold, I must delay payment. If the court discredits these papers, they will claim your reward was never authorized.
Queen Angelina removes the clasp but does not open it. Her reflection watches from the polished basin as she draws a privacy bolt across the bathroom door.
Queen Angelina
Tell me plainly, Mint. Will you cooperate while I protect you, or must I keep this jar locked until the court’s lies unravel?
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent the court from taking authority over my confinement
““You cannot leave me in here I do not accept!””
SUCCESS (Fair Willpower, rolled +3)
Mint
You cannot leave me in here. I do not accept!
Mint braces both hands against the padded glass and drives upward. The unfastened silver clasp slips aside, and the jar’s lid lifts beneath his strength.
He climbs free onto the marble washbasin, still only five inches tall. Warm steam curls around his fox ears as the empty jar remains open below.
Queen Angelina
You are right to object. I removed the clasp because I intended to speak with you, not imprison you.
Queen Angelina lowers herself beside the basin, broad hands resting on her knees. Her crimson cloak pools across the tiled floor, hiding the evidence at her belt.
Queen Angelina
You are free of the jar, Mint. I still need your testimony, and I will not pretend that my promise of gold excuses taking your choice away.
The bathroom falls quiet except for dripping water and the muted bells beyond the walls. The jar stands open, while the sealed court order remains within Angelina’s reach.
Quest Complete
Prevent the court from taking authority over my confinement
Attribute Upgrade: Willpower Fair→Good