Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

Observing her confusion, Drayce raised an eyebrow. "Even in my presence, you seem lost. What's on your mind?"

Shaking her head, Seren shifted the conversation. "Why are you out here in the cold? You should be resting."

"I'm tired of resting," he admitted. "And I wanted to inform you that we need to return to the palace. The royal troop that departed from Othinia has arrived in the capital."

Seren frowned, concern etched on her features. "Returning to the palace means you'll be engulfed in work and won't rest at all."

Drayce gently took her hand, his touch reassuring. "I am perfectly fine, My Queen," he assured, placing her hand over his heart. "Feel my heartbeat—it's steady and healthy now. I've been away for too long, and I can't neglect my duties to our Kingdom. You understand, don't you?"

Seren nodded reluctantly. "But you must promise to heed my pleas to rest."

"I will, I promise," Drayce affirmed.

As evening descended, Drayce, Seren, and Slayer departed from the Crystal Palace, leaving Yorian's accommodation arranged within its walls.

"I don't see Mister Yorian?" Seren inquired as they prepared to leave.

"He's gone to visit Oriana. He'll return soon," Drayce assured her.

Arriving at the King and Queen's palace, they were greeted warmly by the servants, who seemed relieved at their masters' return.

In the days that followed, Drayce immersed himself in his duties, catching up on the matters that required his personal attention after his prolonged absence. Many misters and high nobles had important matters to discuss with him which kept him occupied most of the times. Not to forget the matters related to Thevailes border where the troubles were brewing recently.

Seren, meanwhile, found herself lost in her own thoughts, spending her days in the company of her servants. She only saw Drayce in passing—briefly in the mornings, occasionally during the afternoon meal, and late at night when they retired to bed together.

"My Queen, I apologize for being preoccupied these days. I'll make it up to you soon," Drayce murmured softly as they snuggled in bed.

"I understand," Seren replied calmly.

Drayce learned from the servants that Seren had been unusually quiet since their return to the palace.

"My Queen, if you have any concerns, please share them with me," he encouraged.

"There's nothing," she assured him, her voice steady.

After a moment of silence, Drayce broached a sensitive topic. "Are you still haunted by that incident? Does it still trouble you?"

Seren shook her head as she nestled against his chest, but then her voice, weak and muffled, broke the silence. "I'm scared of losing you."

Drayce held her close, his embrace comforting. "It's natural to feel that way," he understood her instead of asking her not to worry, "It's okay to be afraid and to worry. In the end we are not invincible and heartless people but the ones with various emotions and vulnerabilities."

Seren lifted her head to meet his gaze. "Do you feel scared as well?"

"I do," Drayce affirmed, meeting her gaze with sincerity. "Losing you is my greatest fear. It's my worst nightmare. That moment when I was defeated by them and they almost manages to take you away, it filled me with regret. I felt scared and helpless, blaming myself for failing to protect you. I despised myself more than ever before.

I was willing to do anything to keep you safe. Even now, whenever I'm alone, I find myself haunted by those memories, consumed by regret, feeling utterly worthless for letting it happen."

Seren silenced him by gently covering his mouth with her palm. "You are not worthless. If anything, I blame myself for not being able to utilize my powers."

Drayce removed her hand, his expression tender. "You have no reason to blame yourself. You're my most precious treasure, and it's my duty to protect you always. We both know why you can't access your powers. There's no need for regret. I'm here to safeguard us both." He planted a kiss on her forehead.

"My Schatzi."

"Hmm? What does that mean?" Seren questioned, unfamiliar with the term.

"It means Treasure." Drayce explained. "I learned it during my travels to another continent on the west."

It surprised Seren, "Have you visited other continents? I have only heard there are other continents beyond vast sea, but never thought one could reach there."

"Just a bit of casual traveling, using my powers."

Seren's curiosity piqued. "Could you teach me some words from those places?"

Drayce agreed, sharing a few random words with her, sparking her interest.

-----

The following day, after Drayce had departed once more, Seren slipped back into her familiar routine of solitude.

Observing her melancholy, the servants decided to lift her spirits.

"It seems Her Majesty is already missing His Majesty," Eva remarked with a knowing smile.

"You're becoming quite perceptive, Eva," Marie chimed in. "Who else would Her Majesty miss if not His Majesty?"

"I wish I had someone to miss me, or someone to miss," Eva lamented wistfully.

"It takes time to fall in love and yearn for someone's presence," Xena interjected. "You're still on the journey to finding that special someone, Eva."

Seren glanced at Xena, intrigued by her words. "What did you say?"

"I was just remarking on how deeply Her Majesty loves and misses His Majesty, suggesting that Eva might experience the same someday," Xena clarified.

"Do you believe I'm in love with His Majesty?" Seren inquired, her curiosity piqued.

The other servants exchanged glances before bursting into laughter. "Your Majesty, are you teasing us?" Marie teased.

"I'm being serious," Seren insisted.

In the past few days, Seren had been grappling with her emotions, striving to understand her feelings and reach a decision for both herself and Drayce. Despite growing confidence in her heart, hearing affirmations from others solidified her resolve—first from the Great Lady Theodora, and now from her loyal servants.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. We all recognize the depth of love between you two," Xena affirmed. "I've never witnessed a couple so deeply connected, loving, caring, and respectful toward each other. You are truly blessed, Your Majesty, as is His Majesty."

Seren turned her attention to Marie and Eva, who spoke in unison. "Our sentiments exactly, Your Majesty. You and His Majesty are a match made in heaven."

A moment of silence fell upon the room as Seren gazed pensively out the window, catching her servants off guard with her sudden quietude. They exchanged uncertain glances, unsure if they had inadvertently said something amiss.

Breaking the silence, Seren addressed Xena. "Xena?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Xena responded, attentive.

"Tonight, I want you to prepare my chamber the same way it was on my wedding night," Seren declared, her gaze still fixed on the scenery outside.

The three servants couldn't hide their delight at her request. "Rest assured, Your Majesty," they chimed in unison, eager to fulfill her wishes.