Elliana started to speak, but Tadel motioned for her to stay quiet.
Why shut off your last chance of escape?
Annan struggled to stay calm. Rather than voice the threat, he said, "This isn't the Prince Aidan I know."
"We haven't known each other long, have we?"
"But I can tell you're not evil..."
Annan was beginning to understand how a Succubus could keep smiling at customers who were fat, filthy, and had bad breath. He was doing much the same now.
"Evil? Of course I'm not..." Prince Aidan's eyes filled with sorrow. "But on the road to success, sacrifices must be made..."
"Even your companions who share your ideals?"
"Even me."
That approach was going nowhere. Prince Aidan saw nothing wrong with what he was doing.
"Then what if I told you the path you've chosen is wrong?"
A faint smile appeared on Prince Aidan's spectral face. "How much older than me are you?"
Annan's age did undermine his argument, but they both knew that wasn't the point. Even if an old man said the same thing, Prince Aidan would dismiss him as hidebound and out of touch.
"Then let's exchange hostages. Give me Irilanze, and I'll give you the 'King.'"
The "King," who had been listening, suddenly widened his eyes. He began struggling violently, trying to kill himself rather than become a burden to Prince Aidan, but all he could produce was a string of mournful whimpers.
Prince Aidan's apparition looked toward the "King." Now it was his turn to face Annan's dilemma.
"All right."
To Annan's surprise, Prince Aidan agreed. "She's at the Treehouse where we stayed before. I'm sure you remember it."
Annan turned to Elliana. "Let him go."
The Legendary Elf Mage complied. Even after he was released, disbelief remained written across the "King's" face.