Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

In the night, Drayce returned to her. Seren wanted to ask him straight away, but instead, she held back, walked to him, and clung to his arm.

"You seem tired. Have you gone somewhere?"

"I was looking into some territory matters, the territories that were merged into our kingdom by the previous king. They are mostly small fallen kingdoms that are now our territories, and rebels are rising there."

"That must be too much work."

"Every king has to handle such situations; it\'s nothing."

"Sit here," she guided him to the bed, "I can give you a head massage."

Drayce chuckled, "Why are you being so attentive today?"

"Am I not attentive to you always?" She dragged him to the bed, made him sit at the edge, and then got on her knees to stand behind him.

"I am a Dragon. I don\'t get headaches or fatigue due to human manual work," he commented.

"Can\'t you act like a human and let me be a responsible and attentive wife?" she retorted and started to massage his shoulders first, applying gentle pressure with her delicate hands.

"Alright. I am tired. Make sure to give me a nice massage," his lips curving into a light smile.

Seren smiled as well and continued, feeling the strong muscles of his shoulders under her touch. \'He is so strong. No wonder he can\'t be tired. His body is truly amazing.\' Her heart almost skipped a beat at her own thoughts, especially when she remembered his naked form, flaunting his perfect body in front of her.

Unknown to her, her hands stopped massaging and instead moved down his shoulder, ready to explore his chest.

"My queen, would you prefer if I remove my clothes and then you can take advantage of my body in better way?"

His words brought her back to her senses. She cleared her throat awkwardly, "No need," and quickly changed the subject, "I wanted to talk to you about something really important."

"Go ahead."

She resumed her work of massaging his shoulders. "Slayer must have told you about today\'s incident."

"He did."

"Were you aware of it already?"

"I was. After we returned, Jasper even told me his wife is in the capital now, but I was not aware they are expecting a baby."

"We are going to be an uncle and aunt. Grandma would have her great-grandchild. How happy she would be if…"

"I know," he said helplessly.

"Aren\'t you happy that you would be having a niece or nephew?"

"I am, but it\'s his decision to keep us all out of it."

"Why would he do that? Is it because you became a king and he is angry?"

Drayce shook his head, "He is not angry."

"Then?"

"I am not sure."

"Shouldn\'t you ask him?"

"He won\'t answer. Other than reporting to me as one of my subjects, he never says anything else. There is never a personal talk between us. If I try, he prefers to dodge it and leave." Drayce sounded helpless and sad. "I never pressured him because I already felt guilty about being a king in his place. I did not wish to meddle in his matters, let alone force him to do anything he doesn\'t wish to."

"Maybe try once and don\'t let him go unless he answers you. He is your brother, and you should know what is on his mind. If he is not angry at you, then there is a chance you two can still talk like brothers," she insisted. "Grandma told me that in the past, he used to protect you and he was always a good older brother. I believe this has not changed even now."

"I was thinking about it as well. Maybe soon, I will talk to him." He held her hand and pulled her forward, her body pressed against his back, her face close to his. He pecked her on the cheek and looked into her eyes. "Thank you for saying this and encouraging me to do what I was just thinking about until now."

She balanced herself well and smiled. "You do not have to thank me. I believe you would have done it anyway. I know how much you care for the family, even though you never show it."

Drayce turned and made her fall forward.

"Ah, Dray..."

But his hands held her small body in firm hold, making her lie comfortably on bed and his lap. "How much more do you understand me?"

Calming herself, she held onto him and looked up at him. "Maybe just enough."

He pulled her up closer, her body pressed against his, his face just an inch apart from hers, his gaze meaningful. "And what do you understand about me right now?"

She looked into those red eyes while answering, "That you want to kiss me."

"That\'s it?"

"Maybe something more."

"And what is that?"

"Drayce, don\'t be naughty at this hour."

"At this hour? It\'s almost midnight, and a perfect time to be naughty with my wife," he held her tighter and flipped her under him, "Now I wonder what naughty thing I shall start with."

She lifted her head and pecked his lips, "Maybe from here."

He smirked at her boldness and moved his hand to her chest, squeezing her soft mounds under his large palm, "Maybe from here."

Seren suppressed her moan, "I do not mind."

Just as he was about to pull her dress down her shoulders, he felt something, his entire being shaken.

Seren felt the subtle change in him, "What happened?"

Drayce moved back after he fixed her dress and sat on the bed, seemingly confused. "I need to leave."

"Where?" Seren asked, sitting back as well, her expression both confused and worried.

"I am being summoned," his puzzled gaze fixed on hers as if he understood. "The Queen of witches is awakening. I need to go."

"Where?"

"I am not sure," he stepped out of the bed and picked up his long coat from the stand. "It\'s Oriana we know. The summoning will guide me wherever she is." He wrapped the coat around him while Seren stepped out of the bed, worried, "Shall I come with you?"

"You are not a witch. You should stay here," he hugged her gently and pecked her forehead, "I will return soon. Do not worry."

Seren nodded and watched him disappear. "I hope Oriana and Prince Arlan are alright."

After a few hours that felt like an eternity to Seren, Drayce returned. Drayce\'s appearance was not as prompt as when he left. Something surely had happened.

Drayce explained everything to Seren. "…our mothers are there as well with Arlan and Oriana. I returned to inform you of the situation so you won\'t worry." (Note: To know what happened, kindly read chapter 469 onwards from the 3rd book, The Devil\'s Betrothed)

"Is Oriana and Prince Arlan alright?"

"They are hurt, but they will be fine," he assured. "I have to return to be by Arlan\'s side."

"You can. Do not worry about me."

"I will take you there as it\'s Arlan\'s wedding in a few days, and the royal entourage has already left the capital."

"Wedding? Do you think it will happen now?"

"They have not canceled, so as invited guests it\'s our duty to go there. The rest, leave it to them."

"Alright, you can leave."

"Thank you."

"Dray?"

"Hmm?"

"Meanwhile, will it be alright for me to visit Prince Keiren\'s residence?"

"What do you feel?"

"I promised her that I would visit her. And I have also made my intentions clear to Prince Keiren that I would keep my word. I guess I want to go visit her."

"Do whatever you feel is right. If something goes wrong, I will take care of it," he assured.

"Thank you."

"As mother is there, I will talk to her about going to Agartha to mark my mate."

Seren\'s eyes lit up at what he mentioned. Though nervous to know how marking process is happened, she was looking forward to being his mate.

"I will take a leave." Drayce disappeared once more while Seren lay back in bed. "I have not seen Erebus yet. I feel like I miss him and I am neglecting him. Once Drayce is back, I will try to call him out. I need to check if he is alright."

With the determination she closed her eyes to fall asleep, another thought coming to her mind. "I will visit Edith tomorrow. What excuse shall I make?"