Chapter 19.

Demian sat on his seat as Master Valentine approached his desk. Master Valentine could not understand what the young prince wanted to inquire about Seraphina. He had an hunch. Maybe he finally found out about the deal that he made with Seraphina, but that would also mean that the Prince would have an idea of everything. It could worsen the situation but he had to do what he needed. While his men were all over the place, he had another secret guard that no one could even guess.

Demian's chin rested on his hand for a moment then he tilted his gaze towards Master Valentine. His cold eyes stayed for a moment on him as if he was reading whatever possiblities that ran in Master Valentine's mind. Master Valentine pondered over all that he had done and also wondered whatever might have reached Prince Demian's ears. The young Prince despite his appearance of being a harmless looking thirteen year old child was an extremely sharp person and it was impossible to know what went in his mind because of his passive face.

"Your Highness, we shall go to the dining hall for our morning meal, Prince Billard must be waiting for you."

Demian didn't answer instead he stared at him and Master Valentine could see he was gathering his thoughts.

Finally he asked, "Did you find it suspicious?"

"Suspicious?" He asked, "pardon me for asking but, what is this 'it' to be suspicious for your highness?"

"Everything... " The young prince muttered, "If the guard hadn't approached at the right time, we'd been long dead."

Master Valentine pursed his lips as Demian began, "Has my brother appointed guards to spy on me?"

"Shouldn't it be safe to appoint a few guards-"

"That's not the point!" He fumed, "if the guards were already following us, why didn't they arrive before?"

What the old advisor had gathered there was a wizard who seemed to have some unique ability to conceal their scent. Maybe two wizards. He had no solid proof but his notions led him to believe that.

"The ground was trying to swallow us, I am certain, no one in the dragon territory could do such thing, if the caster wasn't a wizard," Demian said, his eyes sharp as the daggers.

"Well... That maybe true and currently, we are gathering information behind it."

"Then find it. I'm sure the attack this time wasn't only for me... "

Master Valentine frowned. "What are you implying, Your Highness?"

"Those attackers probably were connected to the imposter guards who attacked me and Seraphina in Lotus Garden. They have their eyes on my and her activities, no one from the palace knew that I and Seraphina had gone out but they did and they attacked us. They even risked the attack in the public place which says that they were desperate to kill us. And by the way they attacked it was clearly with the intention of killing us. Not only me but even her, this time I believe that the attack was intended for her." Prince Demian's words made Master Valentine shiver internally.

"They had a wizard in their troop, which is a dangerous thing on its own. But the queer thing is that he had a clean target of me when I was behind Seraphina when she was fighting the two guards, but that that time he didn't kill me, he simply immobilised by making a sandpit around me. It was also probably to distract Seraphina to drop her guard so that they could kill her off quickly." Master Valentine couldn't breathe for a moment, he didn't give this perspective any attention. The attack meant for Seraphina, that meant that these people whoever they were, they were probably intending to rupture the bond between human and dragon nation.

"This attack might be to harm the alliance between dragons and humans and if that happens it would bring chaos and I don't want that. We don't know who these people are and there might be more wizards with them and they would certainly attack again. These guys might be sent from some nation so, we might even be dealing with something of very large scale." Prince Demian though looked young but his brain was so far ahead of his age, "So, I want you to use your network and get as much information on these attackers as possible. I don't want this danger to be coming for anyone from my family."

Prince Demian's eyes held worry and firmness which impressed Master Valentine, the child whom he'd seen all his life had grown so much that he now shouldered the responsibility of protecting his family. The pride swelled in Master Valentine's chest watching his young Prince.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"There is another thing that I'd like to talk to you about." Prince Demian said before Master Valentine could depart.

"Yes, Your Highness?"

"It is about Seraphina." Master Valentine felt the touch of worry.

"According to what I had known and learned of the human nation, the women were not trained in the combat skills yet, Seraphina displays the skill of great swordsmanship and also combat. Somehow, that unsettles me." Prince Demian said.

Master Valentine couldn't find any words to put an excuse or anything that could sound like a logical reason for Seraphina to be able to fight. As he pondered, the Prince went on,

"Even her scent seems different, unlike her maid, she gives off an aura which seems brighter. She can touch me when I'm having my curse fevers without flinching, she can spend the nights sleeping right beside me and have no burn marks on her skin. It seems as though there is something about her that I don't know and it is unsettling, frustrating." Master Valentine could sense the unease that the Prince gave off as his lips twitched.

"She jumped in between everytime they tried to attack me, not even thinking of her own life." Prince Demian's distant eyes at once focused on Master Valentine as he asked, "Can a woman be that strong and brave?"

His question almost seemed like a question of some innocent thirteen year old and Master Valentine couldn't help but smile at his question.

"Women are extremely strong creatures I say, Your Highness. A man once broken may never find a way to rebuild himself but a woman she can build herself up and even the entire world around her including the people."

Prince Demian's caught the light of fascination which somehow warmed Master Valentine's chest with fatherly relief. Master Valentine knew that women though never fought in actual battles yet, the everyday chores that they did weren't any less.

Besides, that he needed to warn Seraphina about her behavior, if she continued being her usual self then Prince Demian wouldn't take long to unfold her secret and then everything will be out and Master Valentine dreaded the outcome.

****

As Seraphina and Celia reached the table, they found, Prince Billard, his wife, Princess Zenith and Prince Demian already waiting for them at the table. Prince Billard greeted Seraphina with a soft smile and Princess Zenith with a smile that made Seraphina want to recoil from her. Prince Demian seemed distant.

"Good morning, Princess Seraphina. " The crown prince said as Seraphina curtsied before taking her seat and her eyes found Demian who hadn't given a single glance at her. His eyes seemed to be staring at a faraway landscape which clearly was more alluring.

There was an eerie silence that dominated them until Prince Billard began, "I would begin with how praiseworthy thing you have done, Princess Seraphina. You have put your life before my brother but I don't want any of you have harmed by our enemies thus, I have increased the security around you. I expect both of you to be careful in the future. So, henceforth, please refrain from leaving the palace grounds without any personnel attending you."

Seraphina nodded but it was bad since if she was to do any wrong movement, the guards would suspect her and inform the crown prince. She glanced at Demian and he still wasn't looking at her. Seraphina found it was hard to contain her anger because of his aloofness but a nudge from Celia broke her trance.

She tilted her head above her shoulder and found Celia was glaring at her. It was amusing how the servant could glare at her while maintaining a straight face.

The servants approached taking big bowls and plates. Each one had different dishes. Seraphina found her hunger coming back with the alluring aroma of the food. Was there an occasion that they had prepared a feast?

Slowly and steadily the servants placed the foods on the table and served everyone as Seraphina started to devour it. She looked at Demian however he was still in his thoughts and his foods untouched. What was he thinking? She found it hard to read his face especially when Zenith was giving occasional glances at her.

She was certain she did good at the table manners that Celia had taught her. When she looked up Princess Zenith was eyeing her with amusement and interest in her eyes, Seraphina suddenly felt as if she was trapped under the gaze of a serpent.

"Say, Princess, I really am curious about something, will you answer me?" She asked and Seraphina nearly felt her throat refusing to respond yet she managed to force out a reply.

"Yes."

"I have learned that human nation never educated their women for the combat and swordsmanship yet, how come you are so skilled in it?" Her question was clearly to trip her.

"To protect the people around me." Seraphina replied making Princess Zenith's eyebrows quirk up a little, Prince Billard turned his head as if taking interest in the conversation as well.

"To protect people around you? So, you were expecting some sort of attack here in the deagonsland, Princess?"

"I never said I expected any of this." Seraphina spoke, Celia's eyes tightened and she resisted the urge to nudge Seraphina since both Prince Billard and Princess Zenith were watching Seraphina.

"Still you managed to fend off a life threatening attack on our dear Prince Demian. You really are quite brave, Princess." There was a hint of underlying meaning behind her words which Seraphina didn't catch, but she averted her eyes to see Prince Demian who still seemed to be in his own world.

"It's not about being brave or coward. If His Highness's life would be in danger and I'm around I will do all I can to protect him."

Demian snapped his head at her suddenly out of his trance as if he was roughly slapped out of a beautiful dream. The cold eyes glanced at Seraphina and she blushed but he diverted his eyes as if he had done a mistake by looking at her. What was wrong with him?

"That's so lovely! You are willing to sacrifice yourself for our dear Prince." Princess Zenith's smile made Seraphina feel cold sweat coating her skin.

"My dear, can you stop about this topic now?" Prince Billard intervened before Princess Zenith could speak something else and Seraphina had an urge to hug him for that, "But, Princess Seraphina. I really do deeply am grateful that you risked your own life for my brother. I won't ever forget this." His words were sincere.

Seraphina smiled and said nothing and as one of the servants placed a sweet dessert in front of her, her worries vanished and the sweet dessert occupied her attention.

When Seraphina was almost done Prince Billard spoke up, "Since after marriage both of you could not go anywhere I would like to suggest you to go to the sacred place of Dragons."

Demian reacted to this verbally this time, which made Seraphina wonder if he was still mad at her because she was in his bed this morning. Not knowing what was going in his head made her uneasy.

"But, I thought we weren't allowed to leave the castle." Demian said.

"Certainly, but it had been a ritual for all of the Salamander family to visit them after their marriage, " The crown Prince said.

Demian didn't say anything instead he remained silent but annoyance was visible on his face. She could not get why Demian would always be annoyed by everything. It was just another ritual. Although the rituals did annoy her as well, but if Demian would be there, she found it would be interesting to go along with it.

****

Seraphina and Celia came back to her chamber after a good meal. She felt as if she hadn't had a good meal in like, forever. Seraphina had almost plopped on her bed when she noticed the sharp glare from Celia.

"What's wrong?"

"As if you don't know?" Celia asked crossing her arms at her chest, "Who asked you to say all that before the Prince and the Princess? You can't just speak your mind before the royals, the rules are different and you have to be considerate enough to know what to say at what time." Another lecture.

"But, my mind stops working when Princess Zenith starts talking to me." Seraphina answered honestly.

Celia's face showed apprehension, "But still, you need to be a little more careful, especially around Princess Zenith. I have a feeling she suspects you and if she finds out anything it will be dangerous."

"She seems like a snake to me." Seraphina commented and Celia nodded, subconsciously agreeing to that. After a moment of realisation Celia gave her a stern look.

"What have I told you about badmouthing the dragons?" She asked sounding like a strict mother while Seraphina pouted.

"Never badmouth them and while mentioning them always use honorifics." She recited like a good girl and Celia nodded in satisfaction.

Celia started heading off towards the small chest where the ointments and the bandages for Seraphina were placed. It was time, Celia would dress her wounds again.

Celia said, "Now, let me take change the cloth otherwise you would end up getting an infection."

Seraphina groaned. It was irritating as the wound was deep and needed the weird scented ointment to recover fast.

"Can't we do that later? I feel tired." Seraphina complained.

"Don't make a face! You need to recover fast as you would be going to the old sages in a week."

"Who is the old sage?"

"They are the ancient Dragons and have been living for more than a thousand years. The hold terrifying powers but are peaceful creatures." She informed.

"Thou- is that even possible?" Seraphina could never imagine anyone to live that longer.

"I don't know. I have heard about them from rumours." Celia opened her dress and unwrapped the cloth before discarding it.

"Do dragons live that long?" Seraphina asked as her mind wandered to Demian. Would he live that long? If he did, would he remember her? She was just a wizard and like humans wizards didn't have quite a long life, so she would die much sooner than Demian.

Seraphine halted at the thought. What was she thinking? Why would he remember her? After Demian reach his age, she would be long gone. Her heart thumped and she could understand why? The thought somehow left an empty feeling inside of her and she didn't decipher it.

"Not all dragons. But some of them do live that long."

"But I don't think our your Prince Demian would live that long." A voice spoke with the hint of malice and coldness.

Both of them looked at the source and found Princess Zenith standing by the door frame, her eyes stared at the open wound on Seraphina's arm.

She slowly approached, each step of her screamed dominance, it somehow irked Seraphina.

"Your Highness!" Celia bowed as Seraphina stood up to bow as well but she motioned her hands toward her to stop.

She stopped before Seraphina her face had a mask of sympathy and a smile, "It must be painful, right?" She asked.

"Uh, no, it doesn't hurt much now-"

"I'm not talking about the wound." Princess Zenith said, the evident softness in her voice felt soothing, "I am talking about your situation in general."

Seraphina stole a glance at Celia who seemed just as confused as herself as Princess Zenith continued, "You were born into the race of humans and a princess at that but you had to make a sacrifice and come here. Be the bride of a dragon Prince. I have seen how Prince Demian behaves with everyone in the palace so," She suddenly reached out and held Seraphina's hand in her.

"I can understand that he must not treat you well as well. The princess who would have been living happily as a beautiful flower is now forced to be a warrior for someone who is destined to become a monster." Her words hit the level of confusion where Seraphina finally opened her mouth.

"Destined to be a monster? Who?"

"Why? Prince Demian!" She cried out and Seraphina's eyes widened and body went rigid.

"De- Prince Demian... a monster?"

"You must have known about the curse now." Princess Zenith said in a remorseful voice looking down at their hands.

"Yes." Seraphina's throat was dry.

"Prince Demian was born with it, at his birth we lost our dear queen and His Majesty was taken by illness. The sages predicted that it was because of Prince Demian's curse and when he reaches his age of maturity he will turn into a monster." Her words sent Seraphina hurling into the space where no gravity existed.

Prince Demian would turn into a monster? But didn't Master Valentine say that Prince Demian would be cured of his curse when he reaches the age of maturity. Then, what was this new thing she was learning from Princess Zenith?

"You want to know why they rushed the wedding?" She asked and Seraphina's eyes suddenly focused on her again.

"Because the sages said that there is a chance that Prince Demian after turned to the monster if eats a human he might return back to his human form and get his conscience back."

A strangled gasp left Celia's lips and Seraphina turned to look at her, the color had drained from her face and her eyes and lips were tight, her fingers were clutched and knuckles turned whiter than bone. Seraphina herself felt the cold shiver embracing her spine as she slowly turned back to Princess Zenith who eyed both women.

"Prince Billard had no idea about this solution that the sages provided, it was discussed with the King and Master Valentine. Master Valentine told Prince Billard that the power of curse would be reduced if a bride gives her love and affection to Prince Demian so, they decided that they would marry Prince Demian to you. Prince Billard loves his brother a lot and watching him suffer makes him suffer a lot too." Her eyes showed pain and Seraphina couldn't help but just listen.

"So, they married you. I didn't know about this but one day I happened to heard Master Valentine talking with someone about the real solution that the sages gave and I was stunned. Had I known it before your marriage then I'd have stopped it at any cost. I couldn't just see an innocent being slaughtered." She squeezed Seraphina's hand in both of her as she leaned in with her face holding pain.

"Princess Seraphina, I see you as my younger sister that's why I am terribly worried about you. I can't even tell Prince Billard because he wouldn't believe me. Master Valentine's word hold authority here, you may not know it but he is like the king who works from the shadows. And, my poor Billard!" Tears welled up in her eyes and Seraphina felt her heart racing.

"My poor Billard doesn't even know what goes on behind him." The tears drops slid down her cheeks and Seraphina couldn't understand what to do to stop her from crying.

"P-Please stop cry-"

"But I've decided!" Her sudden outburst made Seraphina jump.

"I've decided that I'll stop this after hearing your words at the dining table I felt like I could protect you." She said, "I will help you escape the palace grounds before Prince Demian turns into a monster, I'll also make sure that you are transported safely back to your father."

Seraphina looked once again at Celia who seemed perplexed as she stared back at Seraphina.

"But, what if my escape make Prince Billard angry and then he might declare a war on the human nation?" Seraphina asked and Princess Zenith shook her head, her beautiful ringlets bounced at her shoulders.

"He won't. I will take care of everything here, I will make sure that Prince Demian is eliminated when he turns into a monster so that he wouldn't destroy everything and I'll also convince Prince Billard to not take any hostile steps regarding our relations with the human nation." She promised. It seemed too good to be true. A chance to escape safely and with the conviction that the human nation would be safe too. But one thing irked Seraphina.

"Is killing him necessary?" She asked in a neek voice and Princess Zenith's eyes turned sharp.

"Why yes! If he turns into a monster he'll kill everyone, he'll wreck havoc everywhere, destroy villages, kill innocents and not even care if his brother is in front of him or someone else. A dragon once turned berserk isn't tamed." She said and Seraphina felt as if her life was hanging by a loose thread, she slowly looked up at Celia who gasped again. Celia's eyes seemed as if they were experiencing some horrifying scene, her fingers shook badly as if she was going through a nightmare.

"Celia?" Seraphina called her and when she didn't respond, Seraphina reached out and nudged the maid who broke out of her stupid and hastily apologised.

"Are you a survivor from one of the dragon's attack?" Princess Zenith suddenly asked and Celia's eyes widened, Seraphina's jaw hung.

"Y-Yes." Celia responded breathlessly.

"Oh, you poor child! You must have seen the horror of a dragon going berserk, haven't you?" Princess Zenith asked and Celia's hand reached up to brush the scared flesh of her face and she nodded.

"Ask her of the terrifying scene that a dragon can make of Princess Seraphina. Prince Demian needs to die before he turns into that monster and turn everything into a graveyard." Princess Zenith pressed and Seraphina was caught in between Princess Zenith's words and Celia's pained expression.

It was hard to put her thoughts in a place they were running all over, Demian was just a thirteen year old child suffering from a curse but he would turn into a berserk dragon on his fourteenth birthday and destroy everything? It was hard to grasp. He was just a child.

"I know it's difficult to make a decision just yet and with Master Valentine around it would be dangerous too, so, I'll wait till you retrun from your visit to the dragon sages. Then, you can tell me what you have decided." Princess Zenith's eyes reflected affection and sincerity which Seraphina couldn't brush away. If there was a way she could safely escape then it was good but killing Demian still didn't sit right.

"Alright, Princess Zenith. I will think about it and let you know." She said with a shaky smile and Princess Zenith after giving her hand one last squeeze and a warm smile left the chamber.