Seeing Jaina's vicious expression, Marshal Windsor was taken aback. He didn't want to think about the worst possible answer, but instead tried asking:
"Is the marriage Lady Ashvane arranged for you to be with Prince Arthas?"
Marshal Windsor couldn't think of anything Jaina disliked about Prince Arthas. From any perspective, it was a perfect marriage, a match made in heaven. Lordaeron, at the time the most powerful human nation, marrying a princess of Kul Tiras —could there be a more suitable political marriage?
When Arthas was mentioned, Jaina gave a strange look and said with a hint of sarcasm:
"If it were Prince Arthas, I would have no complaints, though I feel absolutely nothing for him. He's like a child, easily manipulated. In fact, I hate him. He abandoned me when I needed help the most. I remember it was Hallow's End night; I realized that perhaps having some kind of relationship with Arthas would offer a chance to escape my unhappy marriage. But I was afraid he would think me frivolous, so I sent my most beautiful maidservant. After that, I had no further dealings with Arthas."
"In Dalaran, I met Prince Kael'thas of Silvermoon City, who pursued me passionately. When I learned that he was merely a Prince without real power, and that his claim to the Quel'Thalas throne was a distant dream, and that he was unwilling to get involved in a major trouble for me, I left him immediately after getting what I wanted. At that time, I had no time; I had to seize every opportunity to become stronger and escape that tragic Destiny."
Marshal Windsor had a vague idea of the answer. His mouth dropped open in astonishment, and it took him a long time to utter, "Your marriage partner isn't a Troll Prince, is he?"
Flames shot from Jaina's eyes, and she showed signs of losing control of her magic again, but fortunately, she managed to control her emotions well this time.
"You don't understand those who live at sea, just as pirates look down on mountain bandits. We, the nations of the sea, actually despise land-based kingdoms, considering them cowardly and spineless. To fight the raging sea—that is true bravery. Only the Zandalari Empire's navy can rival the fleet of the Kingdom of Kul Tiras. King Rastakhan of the Zandalari Trolls Empire 'King consort has been dead for a long time, and I will become his queen. The marriage between Kul Tiras and the Rastakhan Zandalari Trolls Empire, the union of two of the most powerful naval fleets—it's easy to see what this signifies."
"My God, how is this possible?" Marshal Windsor found it utterly unbelievable.
Jaina waved her hand sharply and said coldly:
"There's nothing strange about it. The union of humans and Trolls sounds incredible, and the Zandalari Empire understands this perfectly well. But they need a queen. Trolls have a deep faith in some strange gods, and King Rastakhan once made a rash promise to a god, requiring the sacrifice of his queen. Therefore, he cannot marry a female Troll, and I am just an insignificant human noblewoman, perfectly suited to be the sacrifice."
"A tragic sacrifice." Windsor finally understood the root of Jaina's resentment.
Jaina slowly walked to the bow of the ship. The Sea's Sovereignty was gently descending, and under Jaina's powerful magical control, it floated lightly onto the sea like a feather, stirring up towering waves and spraying spray. Looking at the dumbfounded marshal, Jaina said with a boastful tone:
"See that? That's the power of magic. It can change the world and even people's Destinies. I've made many wrong decisions in my life, but the wisest one was going to Dalaran to study. Lady Ashvane wanted to send me to Dalaran for a year or two to increase my status and marry into the Troll Empire as a mage. But she never imagined that I, with no mage aptitude whatsoever, would be able to become a mage so smoothly. After I became the disciple of High Archmage Antonidas, no one ever mentioned that ridiculous marriage again."
"But I know I must seize every opportunity to become stronger, only then can I gain people's respect. My father and mother will deeply regret neglecting me. When my father arrived in Theramore with his fleet, I realized it was an opportunity to destroy the Horde, but I couldn't do that. I wanted to make my father regret it, to let him know that despising the Daughter of the Sea comes at a heavy price, even death. Now, all of Kul Tiras fears me, trembling at the mention of my name. This is exactly what I desired; I rejoice in seeing mortals fear me."
The Sea's Sovereignty sailed the high seas, shrouded in an eerie dark power. Jaina, standing at the bow, her robes billowing, appeared ethereal and otherworldly, like a dark goddess.
"Windsor, this world has many extraordinary powers that can make ordinary people extraordinary. Do you want to be a mortal for the rest of your life, a dog of the House Wrynn, or like me, become an Archmage who can control his own Destiny? Are you willing to seize this opportunity?"
Windsor trembled with excitement. Having survived Karazhan, he thought he would have such an opportunity, but Medivh had not taken notice of him. Although Medivh secretly helped him rise through the ranks to become the Marshal of Kingdom of Stormwind, a great regret remained in his heart.
"I do." Windsor knelt down on the deck with a thud, bursting into tears of joy.
Jaina was overjoyed; she had finally succeeded in persuading Windsor.
"You are still the Marshal of Kingdom of Stormwind. You can return to Stormwind City openly. As long as you have guards by your side at all times, Benedictus will only dare to act furtively and won't dare to do anything to you openly. After this matter is over, you can apply for a transfer away from Stormwind City to hide for a while. Hmph, Benedictus, I won't let him be so smug for long."
"I will obey your command, Queen Jaina," Windsor quickly pledged his loyalty.
"Next, you just need to tell me King Varian's whereabouts as we agreed. The situation has changed, and we must be extra careful to avoid making a big fuss. I need to know when King Varian has the fewest guards around him."
Windsor thought carefully for a moment, then quickly said:
"King Varian has a mistress who is a Tauren woman, kept in his villa in the countryside of Elwynn Forest. This is a very shameful thing, so King Varian only brings one guard with him whenever he meets the cow."
"Yes, this is a good opportunity. We must act quickly without delay." Jaina clenched her fist, the Heart of the Kul Tiras Fleet ring around her neck gleaming brightly.
"The Land of Gentle Cows."
Robbie nodded; the name of the villa was indeed fitting.
Having learned of Jaina and Windsor's plan to kidnap King Varian, the next step is to track Marshal Windsor back to Stormwind City and then follow the trail to Jaina's hiding place.
To avoid any unforeseen complications, Jaina had no choice but to act quickly. Through her observation of the two's secret arrangements, the Black Dragon Princess soon located the secluded country villa.
Experiment 335, disguised as King Varian, posed in front of the mirror, trying to make himself look more heroic. When he saw Robbie, dressed in full steel armor, looking like he was encased in a tin can, he couldn't help but laugh.
"I am the great King Varian, and you are merely my guard." Experiment 335 spoke in a deep voice, trying to make his voice sound authoritative.
Robbie replied, "Be careful, or I'll dump you alone with Jaina and let her torture you to death."
"You think I'm scared?" Experiment 335 rolled her eyes. "Robbie, are you sure there really is a Daughter of the Sea?"
Robbie thought for a moment and said, "I think it's just an exaggeration, like Prince Arthas, who was destined to be crowned king, but ended up being crowned the Lich King."
Experiment 335 stretched out his Evil right hand and grinned evilly, "Tonight, I must personally verify whether the Daughter of the Sea truly lives up to her name. I want to see her with her surging waves."