The midday sun streamed through the tall arched windows of the City Hall, gilding the marble floor with a golden hue.
Jaina sat regally in the head seat, her staff leaning against the armrest. She listened to the arguments of the department heads, her fingers rhythmically tapping her staff, the sound of her nails striking the metal crisply.
"Madam, the Fertilizer plant's output has dropped another fifteen percent!" The Gnome engineer, his face covered in soot and grime, brandished a wrench, his work clothes smeared with a suspicious green slime. "Since the orc laborers all quit, we'll need to transfer at least three hundred more workers! Otherwise, we won't be able to meet our quota next month—"
The agricultural supervisor—a tanned human woman—immediately retorted, slamming her rough hands on the table. "We don't even have enough people to harvest in the fields, where will we get extra labor? If this continues, our winter food reserves will be affected!" Her voice carried the straightforwardness typical of farmers, "Yesterday I saw three goblin bastards stealing pumpkins!"
Jaina tapped her staff lightly, the crystal emitting a clear hum, and the argument immediately ceased. She surveyed the crowd, her gaze lingering on each face for a moment, as if reading their thoughts.
"Maintaining current production is sufficient. Theramore needs now is stability, not blind expansion." Her voice was like a calm sea, concealing the undercurrents beneath. "Thanks for the hardship caused by the orcs during this period. But as long as we persevere through this difficult time, everything will be alright in the future."
The treasurer—a tall, thin human wearing gold-rimmed glasses—spoke with concern, his fingers nervously flipping through the ledgers. "But madam, if this continues, our financial reserves..."
"Don't worry about money; we have ample reserves," Jaina interrupted him, her voice gentle but firm. "But until the situation becomes clearer, a conservative strategy is more prudent." She turned to the city guard commander, "However, the repair of the fortifications needs to be accelerated. I hope to see substantial progress soon."
The meeting continued until the sun began to set, during which Jaina addressed dozens of issues, ranging from tax policy to port management. When she finally adjourned the meeting, the last rays of the setting sun had gilded her hair, making her look like Queen from an ancient legend. Officials left one by one, their boots echoing crisply on the marble floor.
Aegwynn emerged from the shadows and handed Jaina a steaming cup of Herbal Tea. "You're exhausted." Her gaze swept over Jaina's slightly pale face. "You didn't get a proper rest again last night, a whole night of passion!"
Jaina took the teacup, the bitter aroma of the tea filling her nostrils. "It's alright." She took a sip, letting the warm liquid soothe her tense nerves. " Deren was very good to me last night, and he'll continue today." Her voice trailed off, her ears turning red again.
Aegwynn smiled knowingly, "It seems your 'diplomatic efforts' will continue for quite some time."
As dusk deepened, Jaina stood before the French windows of her bedroom, a rare hint of hesitation on her face. Three gowns of different styles lay out on the bed, gleaming softly in the candlelight. Finally, her fingers stopped on a deep blue velvet dress—dignified yet graceful, with delicate silver runes embroidered on the neckline and cuffs, shimmering faintly in the candlelight.
"For a diplomatic meeting," she whispered to her reflection in the mirror, her fingertips gently smoothing out non-existent wrinkles on her sleeve. The woman in the mirror had a slight blush on her cheeks, her eyes sparkling with an expectation unrelated to politics.
The Teleportation Spell spell illuminated the Deren family's dining room, precise yet elegant. Jaina appeared in the center of the circle of light, just as Jaina and Anveena were serving the main course, with Windrunner smilingly helping out.
Sylvanas was discussing something with Deren, while Onyxia leaned against the window, absentmindedly toying with a dagger. The blade danced between her fingers like a butterfly, seemingly trying to soothe her restless heart.
"I hope I haven't disturbed your dinner." Jaina's voice made everyone turn their heads. Her posture was impeccable—back straight, chin slightly raised, perfectly befitting a ruler, but the deep V-neckline revealing her collarbone hinted at a hint of private anticipation.
Deren stood up abruptly, his movements so hurried he almost knocked over the wine glass beside him. The red wine swirled violently in the glass, mirroring the pounding of his heart. " Jaina, welcome." His voice was a octave higher than usual, but his eyes remained fixed on her. He had worn a new shirt today, but the collar was buttoned too tightly, making it difficult for him to breathe.
Onyxia gave a soft snort, deliberately sticking her dagger into the table in front of Deren, making a crisp "clink" sound, the hilt still trembling slightly. "Looks like our ' Tactical Advisor ' is quite popular," she drawled, her golden vertical pupils flashing with amusement as they swept over Jaina's carefully chosen attire. "I guess this isn't about discussing food prices?"
Jaina gracefully walked to the empty seat, her skirt rustling softly, each step like a meticulously calculated dance. "I'm just here to discuss the latest intelligence in Orgrimmar," she said calmly, but as she sat down next to Deren, their arms brushed lightly and then quickly separated, like two tentative birds.
Sylvanas raised an eyebrow sharply, her piercing gaze sweeping back and forth between the two women; Vereesa pretended to focus on the roast meat on her plate, but a slight smile played on her lips; Jaina coughed lightly, trying to change the subject. " Jaina, bring Lady Jaina another set of cutlery."
Dinner proceeded in a slightly awkward atmosphere. Jaina maintained her proper manners, occasionally discussing the Horde's movements with the Windrunner Sisters, but her gaze kept drifting unconsciously towards Deren.
When the dessert was served last—a plate of apple pie drizzled with honey—her fingertips "accidentally" touched the back of Deren's hand, then she quickly withdrew them as if burned, but then gently touched Deren's calf with her toes under the tablecloth.
Onyxia suddenly stood up, the chair scraping against the floor with a harsh sound. "I suddenly remembered I have some things to take care of." She gave Deren a meaningful look, her gaze carrying a warning mixed with a strange indulgence. "You two take your time. Discuss the intelligence."
Her black leather armor gleamed dangerously in the candlelight, and as she left, her tail deliberately brushed against the back of Jaina's chair.
After the Black Dragon disappeared at the end of the corridor, the atmosphere in the restaurant subtly relaxed. Everyone left one after another, and soon only Jaina and Deren remained in the restaurant.
Jaina gently set down her napkin, her blue eyes shimmering softly in the candlelight, like the surface of the sea under the moonlight. "Regarding the information about Orgrimmar, perhaps we should find a more private place to discuss it in detail?" Her voice was lower than usual, with a hint of hoarseness.
Deren's ears turned red at a visible speed.
First update