Percy caught Leiland by the wrist, pulling him to face him and leaning into his space. The shadows twisted around him but he let himself be visible again for the moment. "I'll always ask nicely," he said, quiet but intense. "It is no less than you deserve." He let go of Leiland, lingering only a moment before passing through the portal, the shadows once more returning to their place. He'd meant what he said. Nobody else would see him without that mask.
It was possible he'd planned it. Not entirely, of course. He wasn't so manipulative as that. But he knew how Zaul'Nazh could be. Honestly, the Dark Lord was rather disgusting. And if they happened to come back when he was once again saying things about Leiland that made Percival want to tear his throat out, then that was purely coincidence.
But it might do Leiland some good to hear the Dark Lord was actually a piece of shit.
Zaul'Nazh noticed his arrival, but he'd kept Leiland to the shadows. No need for him to have to deal with this. He could make his exit gracefully with no one the wiser. He could see the Lord's eyes widen slightly. He had, after all, spoken to him about this more than once.
"You can leave," he said, to whatever retainer Zaul'Nazh had been speaking with, watching as they made a hasty retreat. "I have told you time and again," he said, tone low and menacing. "There is much that I will abide from you. But keep his name out of your mouth if you cannot keep a respectful tone. Otherwise I might decide I no longer find your conquest amusing. He is the king of your Vinguri and he deserves your respect."
"Yes, yes," Zaul'Nazh said. "But he's so entertaining when he's desperate for my approval. Why do you think I constantly put him down. He's just so need-" The word was cut off as Percival strode over, legitimately forgetting Leiland was still around, and wrapping a shadowy hand around his throat, slamming Zaul'Nazh back against his throne with his grip.
"That is quite enough of your depravity," he hissed. "Be respectful or I will be very angry. And you do not want that. Think on what I've said. And try to use some sense for once in your pathetic existence."