Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

After returning to the guest mansion once the sky had darkened, Cian changed into a new set of clothes. He had been invited to the guest mansion of Megaris for a banquet dinner arranged by his sister, and only close ones were invited, including Prince Arlan and his retinue.

Cian had to ensure the herb remained safely concealed, as it was a banned substance and couldn't be discovered. Accompanied by Eliot, he made his way to the Megaris guest mansion, which was adjacent to his own. They were directed to the rear garden of the mansion, where the arrangements had been made.

The garden was adorned with numerous lamps, illuminating the area and highlighting the lovely blossoms growing within, creating a pathway leading to the banquet area.

Upon arriving, Cian found Arlan and his knights already present, along with Arlan's personal aide, Oriana. Seren, who had been engaged in conversation with other guests, hurried over to him upon spotting him.

"Brother, I heard you went to see an opera today," Seren immediately asked Cian.

"Yes, I did."

"Was it good?" she inquired, sounding like an excited child.

"I suppose so, but you can also ask Prince Arlan. He was there too," Cian replied, glancing at Arlan. "How did you find the play? Did you enjoy the ending?"

"I'm not sure," came the reply from the Crown Prince of Griven.

"My apologies, I understand your attention might be elsewhere," Cian chuckled, his gaze briefly shifting towards Oriana, conveying his meaning.

It made Drayce smile. His brother-in-law was being bold these days to take liberties with Arlan. In the past, their roles were reversed, with the serious Cian being the target of Arlan's antics. Drayce could not deny that he enjoyed this kind of Cian as well.

Cian had visited the opera house but his purpose was different and not entertainment. The person who provided him with the leads of smugglers, visited him in the Opera house in secret. That was how he could raid the smugglers and get hands on the herbs. It happened that Arlan was there as well along with Oriana.

Arlan raised a brow in challenge. "I wonder if Prince Cian went there to watch a play or spy on me?"

"Latter one seemed more interesting to do." Cian replied with a smirk. He then placed his attention back to his younger sister. "You can ask Orian as well. Prince Arlan brought him along to the opera house."

Arlan frowned the moment Cian mentioned Oriana. He clearly disliked Cian's interest in his aide.

"Orian, how was the play in the opera house?" Seren asked her.

Oriana was first startled, but then her expression brightened as she gushed, "It was really good, Your Majesty! We watched a play called Kairos. The song performances raised goosebumps on my skin. They're that good. You should watch it as well."

"Really?" The Queen then turned to look at her brother, her pout hidden by her veil. "You didn't take me with you, Brother."

"You have a husband. It's his responsibility to take you to the Teatro Nefer, one of the finest opera houses we have in the continent," Cian replied as he smirked at Drayce.

Seren's displeased and accusing gaze targeted the red-eyed man standing next to her.

"My Queen, those are for kids. Once we return Megaris, I will take you again to the opera house in Blackhelm."

Hearing those words, Seren's face immediately flushed. She hoped that others didn't know what her husband meant, but her brother sure was aware of it.

As the evening progressed, the playful banter between them continued, each one teasing the other in turn.

By the end of the banquet, Cian had already informed Drayce that he had obtained the herb. Arlan departed early due to an important summit scheduled for the next day, while Cian remained at his sister's behest.

Seated around a table adorned with glasses of wine, Cian inquired, "King Drayce, how do you intend to transfer those herbs to Oriana? It's not safe for her to carry such a quantity."

"She already has a few stalks of the herb with her, and no one has ever detected them. Even Arlan is unaware," Drayce replied calmly, taking a sip of wine.

"That's impressive, but with so much of it…I worry it might implicate Prince Arlan if she's caught. After all, she works for him," Cian remarked.

Drayce nodded. "She can conceal it well; she is one of us."

Cian understood the implication. "A supernatural?"

Drayce affirmed, "Indeed."

With that assurance, Cian felt relieved. These supernaturals had their own methods.

"Brother, today I met Princess Ayira," Seren interjected, catching his attention. However, he remained composed.

"No reaction, brother?" Seren queried. "Don't tell me you didn't like her. She seems like the perfect match for you…"

"She has no intentions of marriage, especially not with someone who isn't Othinian. She wishes to remain in this kingdom," Cian clarified, addressing his sister's assumptions.

Surprised, Seren asked, "Did she confide this to you personally?"

Cian nodded, and as expected, his sister's expression turned somber. "Brother, it's alright…"

"Seren, calm down. There's no need to console me. It's not like I knew her or we had anything going on. She and I are just strangers," he explained, trying to reassure his sister.

Seeing her brother so composed and unaffected, Seren felt relieved. "Then, brother, you can focus on that mysterious woman, and we will find her for you."

Cian struggled to make his sister understand without revealing Ayira's secret to anyone. "Let's not talk about finding a woman for me," he said gently. "I will marry once I see a little niece or nephew playing in the palace of Megaris."

Seren's face, hidden behind her veil, flushed with embarrassment, while Cian looked at Drayce, who responded, "Whenever your sister is ready." This only served to deepen Seren's embarrassment.

Cian successfully diverted his sister's attention and stood up. "I shall take my leave. It's late, and you should get some rest," he advised, then left.

Once Cian departed, Seren turned to Drayce. "Why do I feel like Brother Cian was trying to avoid the topic of his marriage?"

"He might not be interested at the moment," Drayce replied casually, not inclined to delve further into the matter.

Cian returned to the guest mansion and headed straight to his study instead of going to bed. He had some work to finish before he would set out to burn the plantations the next day. After a while, when he completed his tasks and was about to stow the scroll away in a drawer, a piece of jewelry once again caught his eye.

He pulled it out and examined it, his gaze serene, his thoughts inscrutable. After pondering it for a moment, he returned it to its place. 'I shall return it to her when we meet again,' he stood up and exited the study.

----

Deep in the night, while Drayce and Seren slept peacefully, wrapped in each other's embrace, a sudden knock jolted them awake.

Drayce, a light sleeper, opened his eyes, sensing a familiar energy outside the door. Gently placing Seren aside, he rose and opened the door. Yorian stood before him, his presence indicating something serious.

"Who is it, Dray?" Seren asked, joining him at the door. "Mister Yorian?"

"Apologies for disturbing your sleep, Your Majesty," the elf said, his tone composed but his expression grave.

"What's the matter?" Drayce inquired.

"There appears to be an issue with Prince Arlan. I urge you to come and see for yourself," Yorian replied.

Drayce nodded and turned to Seren. "My Queen…"

"I will accompany you," she declared, concern etched on her face.

Drayce didn't object, and the three of them vanished from the room, reappearing in Arlan's chamber.