Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

"I... don't understand. How could he have fought...?"

"That was Erebus. King Drayce's darker aspect emerged when he saw you in danger. But later Erebus disappeared as his presence would not let us analyze how gravely the divine side is affected. Erebus wants us to heal King Drayce, that's why he is gone. King Drayce can function as Erebus but it will leave his divine side harmed as it is which won't bode well for him in future.

We need to treat his divine side."

"How are we going to treat him," she mumbled, anxiety covering her mind, then glanced at Yorian, "That...that magic pill. We need to call his mother so she can prepare a magic pill for him."

"Do not panic, Queen Seren. Although King Drayce's injuries are severe, they are not life-threatening. He will recover, but it will take time since he was wounded by darkness from another realm. Our best course is to move him to a secure place where he can rest."

"Duke Maximilian's residence is suitable. It's not far from here," added Slayer, visibly concerned. "We can take Drayce there to recuperate."

"That sounds good," Yorian agreed.

As Azer and the other knights arrived, they quickly attended to their duties, despite their concern for their king. Following their commander's orders, they carefully carried Drayce into the carriage, while Seren followed, striving to maintain her composure.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, he will recover," Slayer reassured her as he escorted her towards the carriage.

She nodded, having her mind filled with the turmoil.

Inside, the knights gently positioned Drayce, and Yorian addressed Seren, "Queen Seren, you must ride in a separate carriage. I need to stay with King Drayce."

Reluctantly, she agreed, understanding the necessity of heeding Yorian's advice over succumbing to her emotions.

Slayer guided her to another carriage where Xena joined her as a comforting presence.

"Azer, dispatch two knights to the Duke's residence to inform them of our arrival and the necessary arrangements," Slayer instructed firmly, adding, "His Majesty being hurt, should remain a secret."

"Yes, Commander."

As the carriages began to move, the tears Seren had been holding back finally spilled over. She covered her face with her hands, her body shaking with silent sobs.

"Your Majesty," Xena murmured, her heart aching for her queen. She sat closer, unsure how best to provide comfort.

"It's all my fault," Seren whispered guiltily.

"No, Your Majesty, please don't think that," Xena replied, gently placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "His Majesty is strong. He will pull through. We all believe in him."

"No, Xena. They targeted me, and he was hurt trying to protect me," Seren sobbed, her voice heavy with guilt. "I couldn't even use my powers to protect him. I felt so helpless while he was out there, fighting for me. Why am I so powerless? I couldn't even assist him.

I feel so useless despite owning the powers."

"Your Majesty, please try to calm down," Xena pleaded, tears also welling in her eyes. "This isn't your fault. The blame lies with those who meant to harm you. We're thankful you're safe, and I'm certain His Majesty will recover soon as well."

"Will he?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Seren's cries continued to echo softly in the confines of the carriage, and Xena sat beside her in compassionate silence, offering her presence as solace.

After a few hours, the carriages rolled into the city of Brixel and approached Duke Maximilian's residence. The Duke, his hair mostly gray, stood ready to greet them with his servants. A guest house had been prepared specifically for the royal entourage, and strict orders were given that no servant was to speak of the king's condition outside these walls.

The local physicians, initially summoned, were dismissed upon realizing that Drayce's ailments were beyond their skill to treat.

Once Drayce was settled in his chamber, still unconscious, while Seren stayed by his side.

Slayer expressed his gratitude to the Duke. "Thank you so much for your understanding and assistance, Duke Maximilian. I'm sure His Majesty will express his gratitude once he awakens."

"It's my pleasure to aid His Majesty," the Duke replied, his smile warm and reassuring. "Let me know if there's anything else you need. The butler of this residence will be at your disposal as long as His Majesty requires."

"Thank you," Slayer responded, relieved to have found such hospitality in a time of crisis.

As the night deepened, Seren remained steadfastly by Drayce's side, her presence unwavering. She watched over him, a silent guardian in the dimly lit chamber.

Yorian, too, stayed close, administering a potion to Drayce and even channeling some of his own divine energy into the ailing king in hopes of accelerating the healing process.

In the quiet of the chamber, Seren's gaze fell on the newly healed wound on Drayce's chest. The skin there had closed, forming a seal over the injury, but it was markedly different from the surrounding flesh. Dark and discolored, the patch was a stark reminder of the trauma beneath.

Her eyes traced the discolored skin, each inch telling a story of struggle and resilience. This mark, though it might fade over time, would always be a reminder of what he had endured for her sake, and the deep, unsettling fear that had gripped her heart when she thought she might lose him.

"When will he wake up?" Seren asked, her voice a whisper of concern.

"Not tonight, at least," Yorian replied, his tone measured yet hopeful. "It will take some time for his core to recover, but it should not be more than two days. Were his injuries caused by powers of this realm, his recovery might have been quicker, but..."

"Two days is acceptable, as long as he wakes," Seren interjected softly, her fingers intertwining with Drayce's. "I wish I could transfer my own power to aid him, but I can't."

Seren was unable to use her powers because if she had used them, the element of fire would act as well and put everything in chaos.

"Don't be disheartened," Yorian counseled gently. "Even if we were to infuse him with more divine energy, the core's healing will still require time. What's needed now is patience. Can you do that?"

Seren nodded solemnly. "I will stay here with him."

"I will check in once in a while," Yorian promised, then quietly exited the chamber, leaving the couple in their solemn vigil. The room was filled with a heavy silence, punctuated only by the soft, rhythmic breathing of Drayce and the quiet resolve in Seren's watchful eyes.