Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

"Prince Cian, I believe you enjoyed the authentic Othinian wine to your heart\'s content," remarked the king.

Cian, understanding the implication, responded politely, "I did enjoy it."

"It\'s quite obvious when the view in front is quite enjoyable," Drayce smirked lightly, his words loaded with meaning. He was referring to the moment Cian watched Ayira dance with another man, her display of affection like that of a delicate, proper lady.

Cian frowned inwardly. "King Drayce, I thought your attention was solely on my sisters, but it seems I was wrong."

"Just like you, Prince Cian, I am accustomed to keeping an eye on my surroundings. Sometimes it is for guard, and sometimes…" Drayce\'s smirk widened, "...it is to enjoy someone\'s misery."

Before Cian could respond, Seren intervened, sensing the tension between the two. "Alright, the meal is ready. We should head to the dining hall before it gets cold."

Both men agreed, while Seren let out a helpless sigh. These two men, both important to her, never missed a chance to irritate each other.

Just then, someone arrived in the foyer, instantly drawing everyone\'s attention. The newcomer, breathless and appearing rushed, caught their eyes.

"Oriana, are you alright?" Seren inquired with concern.

Oriana nodded, panting slightly. "Apologies, Your Majesty. But I once again seek your help."

Seren nodded in understanding. "Xena will assist you with everything. You may go upstairs."

Oriana bowed and hurried upstairs as if her life depended on it.

"Is your friend causing trouble again, King Drayce?" Cian asked, eyeing Oriana\'s hurried ascent.

"They seem to trouble each other often. Nothing new there," Drayce responded nonchalantly, only to be met with a frown from Seren. "Dray, can\'t you tell Prince Arlan to be a bit more considerate of her? She complies with his demands while he merely plays games with her."

"Don\'t worry, he\'ll soon face the consequences of his actions and once again, stay away from her," Drayce assured.

"What do you mean?" Seren questioned.

"Just some beastly matter," Drayce dismissed casually, "Let\'s not keep your brother waiting."

They all proceeded to the dining hall. As they savored the delicious meal, Seren asked, "Brother, what are your plans now?"

Cian replied casually, "I\'ll return to Abetha and resume my duties as Crown Prince."

"No, I meant regarding Princess Ayira."

"That\'s an irrelevant question, Seren. I have no involvement with her," Cian stated firmly, "You can rest assured."

"Umm, how about I find you a more suitable woman?" Seren suggested tentatively.

"You should focus on King Drayce and your future," Cian replied calmly, the voice of a responsible brother. "I\'m preoccupied with significant matters and have no immediate plans to marry. When the time comes, I\'ll let you know."

She glanced at Drayce, who offered her a reassuring gaze. "Alright. I will wait for you to tell me then," she agreed.

Cian nodded, and then Seren brought up another topic. "That Duke Edward, is he a suitable match for the princess?"

Cian\'s response carried a hint of coldness. "Othinian royalty is none of our concern. Whether he is suitable for her or not isn\'t our business. She is an adult and capable of making her own decisions."

Seren looked at Drayce again. Clearly, her brother was not pleased with the situation.

"Seren, he\'s a good man. Princess Ayira chose him for a reason," Drayce interjected, "As your brother said, we shouldn\'t concern ourselves with the affairs of the Othinian royal family. You can let go of your worries."

Seren pressed her lips in a thin line and stopped talking about it. Whatever she tried, the worry for her brother would not leave her mind. How painful it must be to not be able to have a person who you truly liked but instead was forced to see them with someone else. Especially the person like her brother who never felt like this before and when he did, it was not meant to be.

They finished their meal in peace and left the dining room. Upon reaching the foyer, they found Oriana already there, poised to depart. She was dressed elegantly like a noblewoman, her lower face veiled, projecting the image of refined grace.

"So, Lady Ria, are you prepared?" Seren teased Oriana.

Oriana, though slightly awkward, bowed to Seren. "Thank you for your help, Your Majesty."

"Don\'t mention it," Seren replied, and Oriana left after respectfully bowing to them.

"Brother, what do you think about Oriana? She may not be noble, but she\'s a good woman," Seren asked.

Drayce looked at his wife, a hint of disbelief in his gaze, but remained silent.

"She\'s suitable for Prince Arlan. I only regard her as my physician," Cian replied, then turned to Seren, "You can stop worrying about me. I mean it," his tone was reassuring, "I\'m alright and will soon be busy with my duties. There are more pressing matters at hand, and our father needs my assistance."

"I understand, brother," Seren responded softly.

"I\'ll see you tomorrow before I leave," Cian assured her, and embraced her in a gentle hug. Turning to Drayce, he said, "You don\'t mind, do you?"

Drayce raised an eyebrow. "If I say I do, would you stop?"

"Of course not. She is my sister before she became your wife," Cian stated.

"I pray you find yourself in a similar situation, then we\'ll see how you handle it. I wish your future wife has multiple brothers," Drayce said with a smirk.

"Then let\'s hope it\'s Princess Ayira. She has many brothers," Seren chimed in teasingly.

Cian patted her head, "Get over it, Seren. I must take my leave now."

After Cian left, Seren turned to Drayce, "He doesn\'t show it, but he\'s still holding onto feelings for Princess Ayira."

"Leave it to destiny. If they\'re meant to be, they\'ll find their way together," Drayce remarked.

"What do you mean by Prince Arlan would be in trouble?" Seren asked.

"She will be in her fertile days and just like how he had gone crazy when she was bleeding, he will face the same."

Seren giggled, "It will be amusing to witness."

"It seems King Drayce takes pleasure in his friend\'s misery," Yorian interjected as he appeared. "Prince Arlan won\'t be pleased to know it."

"Lord Yorian, isn\'t it fitting she has an upper hand when our stubborn Prince Arlan is forced to retreat?" Seren commented.

"Well, I can\'t deny I enjoy seeing Prince Arlan troubled as well," Yorian added, "Only Oriana can bring that stubborn and arrogant prince to his knees."

"I was wondering, I read Witches can control their monthly cycle and can have it as per their will. Why don\'t Martha teach her how to do it so Prince Arlan won\'t be troubled by it and they won\'t face what happened a few days before?" Seren proposed.

"No need," Drayce and Yorian said simultaneously, surprising even themselves. They exchanged knowing smirks.

"Why not?" Seren pressed.

"Let him suffer a bit more and get accustomed to it," Drayce suggested with a grin.

"He deserves to suffer for tormenting an innocent witch and for his lack of honesty," Yorian added.

"But she isn\'t completely honest with him either," Drayce pointed out.

"Then let them both learn the hard way," Yorian concluded with a playful chuckle.

Seren shook her head in disbelief. "You two are cunning schemers."

"You\'ve yet to see the true schemer, Arlan Cromwell, in action," Drayce said. "For once, he\'s the one in distress, so let\'s just enjoy the spectacle."