A day after the engagement ceremony between the Royal Houses of Cromwell and Ilven, the guests representing all the other kingdoms were preparing to depart from the capital of Abetha.
As their Crown Prince and the eldest son of the Cromwell Family, Arlan was the head of the delegates from Griven. Of course, since he was the one who invited them, he had also personally taken the responsibility of leading the guests from Megaris.
That very morning, he went knocking to the room of his temperamental friend. When he opened the door, he found Drayce cleaning his sword. "After this courtesy call to King Armen, we are leaving. Have your aide informed your men?"
"I would like to stay here for a day more," Drayce replied as if it's the most natural thing in the world.
Arlan was starting to have a headache. He should have seen this coming. "I already told you everything about what you wanted to know. Then what's the need of staying here?"
"King Armen might want our help soon," Drayce replied.
His words startled Arlan. "What do you mean?"
"You will know soon," Drayce replied as he put his sword back in its scabbard strapped around his waist and was ready to leave.
"What are you up to?" Arlan asked, following his friend out of his room.
"For now, I'm in a mood to verify some facts that you told me the previous night," Drayce replied, his red eyes flickering with determination.
"This is why…." Arlan could only sigh and shake his head.
Arlan noticed that smirk and rolled his eyes. "This is why I didn't want to tell you anything. You and your rotten curious brain. Spare the witch, at least."
"But she's an interesting thing," Drayce commented.
By the time the two reached Abetha's royal hall, all the guests from other kingdoms were already present. They were the last to arrive.
As it was merely a courtesy call, the atmosphere was relaxed, and everyone was bidding each other well wishes. When it was Drayce's turn to talk to King Armen, he stood up in front of the throne and spoke. "I would like to enjoy Abetha's hosting for a few more days. This is my first visit to your kingdom, and I am yet to fully enjoy the beauty of your city."
His announcement startled King Armen, but he controlled himself from showing his curiosity on his face. "It is our honor to host the King of Megaris and strengthen the friendship between our kingdoms."
Queen Niobe was surprised too by this twist, but she didn't show how happy she was inside. Keeping the King of Megaris within the capital worked well with the plans she had in mind.
On the other hand, despite King Armen being generous in accepting his request, deep in his heart, he was worried about the situation.
He knew why the devil's son requested to stay.
It was evident that the King of Megaris must have heard about his daughter and her being a witch. With Martha not around, King Armen had to keep a tight watch on this curious young king. He was sure this young man would definitely find ways to go to that tower and pay Seren a visit.
Standing in front of the throne, Drayce could see that King Armen didn't mean what he said. He threw one guilt trap at the King of Abetha to shut him up from being unhappy about his prolonged stay in Abetha.
"The Kingdom of Megaris thanks you for your generosity, King Armen. My soldiers are still injured thanks to the interesting welcome from Abetha, and it won't be good for them to travel far away in such conditions. I am sure these few days of recuperation will indeed be good for their welfare."
With such an excuse, King Armen had nothing more to say.
Arlan could only glare at his friend. 'Trust him not to let go of any chance to make others feel guilty for nothing.'
"We will make sure the Megaris soldiers will get the best treatment so they may recover fast. I will appoint the royal physicians to check on them," King Armen informed.
"Till then, I hope Abetha won't be troubled with our presence," said Drayce calmly, but his eyes told otherwise. Those red eyes were a pair of intimidating and daunting eyes that could never be gentle nor calm.
"Of course not." King Armen maintained the same polite smile. "Please feel at home."
"Thank you so much, King of Abetha. My friend, Prince Arlan, will also be taking advantage of your generosity," Drayce informed, ignoring the glare thrown by his friend that was piercing the back of his head.
King Armen felt relieved upon learning King Drayce wouldn't be staying alone. He trusted that Prince Arlan would surely try his best to stop his friend if he had something mischievous in mind.
The older man looked at Arlan. "I hope Prince Arlan won't mind staying here to help entertain his friend."
The real meaning of those words was clear for Arlan, and he bowed lightly. "I'll do my best, Your Majesty."
Drayce was also aware of what the exchange meant and could only smirk over it.
Once the two friends came out of the royal hall, Drayce instructed Arlan. "I need the map of this palace."
"What for?"
"I should know where I am in case there is any threat."
Arlan chuckled at the excuse. "Who will dare harm you?"
Drayce looked at his friend like he's an idiot. "Didn't they already dare?"
Arlan was reminded of the attack on his friend in the mountain ranges on the border of Abetha. Many questions remained unanswered as the investigation about the incident was still ongoing. The only thing they were sure of was that another party had pretended to be Abethan soldiers.
Drayce knew what his friend was thinking. "You can keep those questions to yourself. For now, do what I said."
"It's not ethical to ask for a map of this palace, especially since it affects the security of the Royal House of Ilven. Even if I do ask, I have to ask it secretly," Arlan said helplessly.
"I am not a devotee of ethical ways, and it's supposed to be secret, that's why I asked you," said Drayce as the two came out to an open place outside the main palace. As it was the central region of the palace grounds, the two had a perfect view of the entire Royal Palace of Abetha.
Drayce looked around, only to stop his sight on the tower where the Third Princess lived. "Except for that secret tower, I can draw the entire palace map in my mind. If I go there, I can save you the trouble of getting a map secretly."
"Don't even think about it. I'll get it for you. I only hope you won't plan anything against Abetha."
"Rest assured. I have more important things to do," Drayce replied, his eyes still fixed on that tower.
Whatever those 'important things' meant, Arlan could only shake his head, aware that his friend would not give up until he got what he wanted. All he could do was wish Abetha good luck.
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