Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

She signaled her people to continue their work and finish it, while she departed with a few of her companions following closely behind. She didn\'t even offer a word of gratitude for him saving her life once more.

Cian could sense drastic shift in her demenaour and her clear displeasure at having her face revealed to him. It seemed as though she was trying to distance herself as much as possible.

She must be someone whose identity could not be revealed at any cost.

Cian signaled to his own people and departed as well, his mind still grappling with the mystery of the woman\'s identity.

----

Drayce returned to Seren after his visit with Arlan, where he and Oriana had ventured into the guest mansion of Thevailes to confirm the presence of Zaria.

Seren was anxiously awaiting his return, and as soon as he entered the chamber, she hurried towards him. "Dray, what happened? Did Prince Arlan and Oriana manage to confirm if that witch Zaria is here?"

Drayce hugged her gently, trying to soothe her nerves. "Calm down, Seren. There\'s no need to be so anxious and afraid of that witch."

"First, tell me if it\'s her or not," she urged.

"She is here," Drayce finally answered, noticing Seren\'s body stiffen in response.

"Arlan and Oriana confirmed it. It\'s Zaris, who has disguised herself as Lady Rosetta and is currently by King Samer\'s side," Drayce confirmed, gently caressing her cheek as he looked into her eyes. "But you don\'t have to worry when I\'m with you. And remember, Arlan and Yorian are there as well, not to mention Slayer. We can all protect you, even if she brings an army of wizards."

Seren hugged him tightly. "I trust you. I just don\'t want you to be harmed because of me."

"Seems like I failed to showcase my full potential to my wife if she\'s worrying about me," he chuckled. "Dragons are the most powerful supernatural beings in the human realm. They can\'t harm me, and there\'s no way someone from another realm would aid these insignificant practitioners of black magic."

She looked back at him, her concern evident. "As long as you remain unharmed."

"I will. Now, let me tell you something funny," he offered, hoping to divert her attention.

"What is it?" she inquired.

"Today, Arlan had to draw Zaria\'s portrait to show it to Yorian for identification, as Yorian had seen her before. Arlan is a skilled artist, and he drew everything in detail, capturing even the smallest features like any other artist would."

"Is she beautiful? I heard witches are known for their beauty as well," Seren asked curiously.

"She might be, but that\'s not what I meant," he clarified. "What I found amusing was Oriana\'s reaction. She was burning with jealousy. It was evident that she couldn\'t handle him drawing Zaria in such detail."

"What details?" Seren inquired.

"Feminine details," he replied, lowering his gaze below Seren\'s neck and below.

Seren cleared her throat awkwardly. "Well, Prince Arlan is at fault then. Any woman would feel jealous."

"Then she should be mindful of not making my friend jealous by being too close to your brother," Drayce said in defense of Arlan.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Isn\'t it you who asked my brother to be closer to Oriana to make Prince Arlan feel jealous?"

Drayce chuckled lightly. "Well, I wonder where your brother is."

"I feel like he\'s been quite busy lately. I\'ll check on him," she said, concern evident in her voice. "I hope he won\'t put himself in danger."

"The King of Othinia has invited him for a meal with his family, but your brother has yet to accept," Drayce explained.

"Isn\'t it bad to keep a certain king waiting?" Seren asked, her worry deepening.

"Prince Cian knows what he\'s doing," Drayce assured her.

"He\'s just trying to avoid meeting the Princess of Othinia," Seren frowned. "He should at least meet her and not draw the wrath of royalty upon himself."

"My Queen has started to think like a Queen now. Good to know," Drayce teased.

"I am thinking as a sister," she retorted.

"Sense of responsibility always stems from caring for your loved ones," he commented.

"That\'s a nice statement," she smiled. "I accept it, Your Majesty."

----

In the evening, Seren had invited Cian to share a meal with her. Despite his busy schedule, the Prince couldn\'t refuse and arrived punctually at the guest mansion of Megaris.

As they gathered around the table, Seren initiated the conversation. "Where have you been occupied these days?"

"Attending to important matters that demand my attention," he replied casually.

"When do you plan to accept the King of Othinia\'s invitation for a meal?" she inquired further.

"Soon," he assured her.

"How\'s your investigation progressing? Have you made any progress with the mysterious group?" Drayce asked, showing interest.

Cian nodded. "Today, I encountered them and even had a meeting with their leader."

"The woman you mentioned," Drayce queried, "Did you discover her identity?"

"Not yet."

"A woman?" Seren was intrigued.

Drayce elaborated on the subject, prompting Seren to express her admiration. "Wow, quite an impressive woman."

"Indeed," Cian concurred, inadvertently catching Seren and Drayce\'s attention with his simple remark.

Seren chuckled. "Looks like someone is quite fascinated by that woman," she remarked, glancing at Drayce. "Wouldn\'t you agree?"

"Hmm," Drayce nodded in agreement.

Cian sensed the teasing undertone from the husband and wife but chose not to refute it. It was true—he was indeed fascinated by that woman.

"Tomorrow, I\'ll pay a visit to the King of Othinia," Cian declared finally.

"That\'s a wise decision," Seren commended. "Afterward, let me know what kind of person the Princess of Othinia is."

Cian didn\'t want to disappoint his expectant sister and simply nodded in agreement.

"She should be better than the woman who\'s already charmed you," Seren teased again. "If not, we\'ll have to find that mysterious woman for you."

"You\'re quite talkative today, Seren," Cian remarked like a strict older brother.

She giggled at her brother\'s serious demeanor. "Why shouldn\'t I be?"

"Who can silence my wife?" Drayce chimed in, looking fondly at Seren. "Feel free to speak your mind."

Cian sighed at the loving banter between the couple and returned to his meal.

"Brother, do you at least know the name of that woman?" Seren asked curiously.

Cian shook his head in response.

"That\'s a shame. But I do know the name of Othinia\'s princess. Would you like to know?" she offered.

"No need," Cian declined, then turned to Seren. "You\'re still recovering. You should eat more."

"I always thought brother would prefer some delicate, pampered, beautiful princess raised with a care and not the woman who is skilled with sword and seems wild...."

Cian raised a brow, warning her to continue.

"Ahem, I better eat more," Seren immediately lowered her head and started eating, not daring to say more.

Drayce patted her back, "Eat slowly or you will choke," and passed a displeased glare to Cian as if asking him how dare he threaten his wife.

Cian ignored him and focussed on meal, as if saying she was his sister and he could always discipline her.