Azshara had no intention of executing Rhodes just yet. She had not yet gleaned enough knowledge of the cosmos or the mysteries of his world, and more importantly, Rhodes was a powerhouse of formidable strength.
She could sense that his mastery of the Holy Light was not far behind her own magical prowess. In fact, Azshara had a nagging feeling that if they truly came to blows, she might not come out on top—she might even lose her life. She suspected this man named Rhodes held more trump cards than just the Light; he clearly wielded different energy systems and hidden secrets. Azshara intended to coax every one of those secrets out of him, confident that no male could resist her. Even if he wasn't a Night Elf, his physique was similar, and she assumed their aesthetic and physiological structures were the same. After all, she had caught a very clear glimpse of him while he was changing.
Rhodes, however, responded with a cold mental smirk. He might not be the "strongest" individual in existence, but he was at the absolute peak of Azeroth's power scale. Furthermore, his greatest strength lay in his infinite army from Heroes of Might and Magic.
If you're so confident, he thought, I could let you try your luck against my Titans, Phoenixes, Archangels, Magic Elementals, or my Gold and Diamond Golems.
"My apologies, Your Majesty. I must decline your request," Rhodes replied bluntly. He admitted she was stunning, but he couldn't stand her personality. Who do you think you are?
"What did you say? You dare refuse me? How dare you?" Azshara's expression shifted to one of pure disbelief. This was followed quickly by a flash of humiliated rage. No one refused her. How could anyone possibly turn down the "Light of Lights"—especially when his life wasn't even the price?
"Your Majesty, weren't you more curious about the knowledge of other worlds? I have fulfilled my part of the promise. Is it not time you gave me the water from the Well of Eternity? Or do you intend to go back on your word?" Rhodes asked.
In his mind, he opened his system interface, ready to summon high-tier units at a moment's notice. If this woman made a move against him, he wouldn't hesitate to strike.
Azshara's smile froze. For the first time since her birth, she had been rejected. The handmaidens, whom Rhodes had recently released from his hold, turned pale with terror. They bowed their heads deeply, holding their breath, terrified of the Queen's brewing storm.
"You... refuse me? And then demand payment? Rhodes, have you forgotten whose land you stand upon, and who you are facing?"
She rose slowly from the water, the wet silk of her robe clinging to her body, tracing breathtaking curves. But beneath the beauty was a tidal wave of fury and Arcane energy ready to detonate. The magical runes surrounding the bath began to glow, humming in resonance with her anger.
Rhodes stood firm as a mountain against the pressure that would have shattered a lesser hero's heart. His Holy Light flowed naturally, but he also tapped into a power he hadn't used in a long time: Life energy. Having studied under Cenarius during his weaker days, he was well-acquainted with the life-force of the Wild Gods. He projected a shimmering barrier of gold and emerald light, and the Queen's magical weight failed to make him move even half a step back.
"I have not forgotten, Your Majesty. I stand at the heart of the Night Elf Empire, facing Queen Azshara, the Light of Lights," Rhodes replied with dignified composure. I'm your guest, not your subject. I'll be your consultant, but if you want anything else, forget it.
"Precisely because I remember who you are, I know that a fair exchange reflects your wisdom and stature far better than a fleeting... whim of 'favor'."
"I can give you the waters of the Well. I can let you study it up close. But you must agree to my demands," Azshara huffed.
Before his transmigration, Rhodes had been handsome. Two years of being bathed in Holy Light and Life energy in Azeroth had refined his appearance into something divine yet grounded. His looks and aura were top-tier; otherwise, he wouldn't have attracted the likes of Queen Calia Menethil, Jaina Proudmoore, the Blue Dragon Tyrygosa, the Blood Elf Capernian, or even Anveena, the avatar of the Sunwell.
If Rhodes had been ugly when he fell from the sky, Azshara would have vaporized him instantly. But seeing his eloquence and strength, she had felt a "love at first sight"—which, in her case, was purely carnal interest. She expected him to jump at the chance to please her; his refusal was a slap in the face.
"Your Majesty, if you insist, I personally don't mind—it's not like I'm the one losing out. But didn't you say you wanted to marry Sargeras?" Rhodes countered coldly. "Are you sure this Titan would tolerate you having other men around? From what I know, Titans are strictly monogamous."
In reality, the only couple among the Titans was Aman'Thul and Eonar. The rest were single—mostly because there was only one female Titan (unless Azeroth turned out to be female, but she wasn't born yet).
Azshara froze. If she wanted to be Sargeras's divine consort, her conduct couldn't be as scandalous as it had been in the past. Yet, the failure to conquer this visitor felt like a profound insult. If she couldn't master a mere mortal, how could she hope to bring Sargeras to his knees?
"I am not married yet. What happens before the wedding is no one's business but mine," Azshara said, looking for a graceful exit. "But you are right. We have only just met; perhaps it is a bit early for such talk."
Rhodes hid a smile. I never said that, but nice try saving face.
"Your Majesty is truly wise. Your beauty is limitless; I am simply worried about Sargeras causing me trouble later. I have no desire to be the rival of a Titan," Rhodes added, giving her the bridge to cross back to civility.
"...You are far too clever with your tongue," Azshara sighed, suppressing her anger. "Vashj! Take Mr. Rhodes to his quarters. Grant him the highest 'Guest' clearance. Whatever he requires, see to it. Tomorrow, we shall discuss the stars and the path of the Light further."
She noted his strong life-aura; perhaps he would get along well with the Wild Gods.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Vashj replied respectfully. Surprise flickered in her eyes. Having served Azshara for years, she knew the Queen's temper; for her to back down in a rage meant this "Rhodes" was anything but ordinary.
Rhodes didn't push his luck. He bowed slightly. "I thank Your Majesty for your understanding and generosity. I look forward to tomorrow."
Azshara snorted, threw on her white dress, and swept out of the bath hall. Following Vashj through the ornate corridors, Rhodes was soon led to a guest suite that looked like a five-star luxury hotel.
"Lord Rhodes, your room is here," Vashj said, opening the door to reveal an interior of peak extravagance.
"Thank you, Lady Vashj," Rhodes nodded.
At this point, Vashj was not yet a six-armed Naga. She was an exceptionally beautiful Night Elf. While she lacked Azshara's overwhelming regal aura, her features were on par with Tyrande. Rhodes was surprised to see her; he had assumed she wasn't present earlier.
Vashj gave him a subtle smile and prepared to leave.
"Lady Vashj, a moment."
"Yes, my lord? Do you have further instructions?"
Rhodes offered a casual smile. "I'd like to know more about... Archmage Xavius?"
He needed to confirm the timeline. If Azshara was already talking to Sargeras, the Legion could arrive any day. He needed to find Malfurion, Tyrande, and Illidan to ensure history stayed on track.
Vashj looked startled. She hadn't expected him to be so direct. Xavius was the Queen's most trusted advisor and the one handling the "divine" communications. "Archmage Xavius is the Queen's Chief Advisor. He oversees most Arcane research and holds immense power. He is usually found in the Royal Mage Tower."
"A small token of my appreciation, Lady. Thank you for the guidance. This diamond has excellent magic resistance; I hope you find it useful." Rhodes handed her an Anti-Magic Diamond.
"My thanks, Lord Rhodes," she smiled, her eyes twinkling as she took the gem. "If you need anything at all... just call for me. Anything." She gave him a suggestive wink.
Rhodes, still a bit fired up from the Queen's earlier advances, decided to play along. "Lady Vashj, I'm actually a bit afraid of the dark when I sleep alone."
"Pfft," Vashj leaned in close, her breath warm against his ear. "My skin glows with a violet light under the moon. You won't have to be afraid."
"I'd love to see that violet skin glow in the moonlight for myself."
"My skin is very smooth, you know..."
Rhodes smiled, pulling Vashj into the room and closing the door. Let's see just how smooth you are.