The compartment wasn't large and the bed that was provided wasn't large like they had in the castle but if they adjusted somehow without falling, Demian and Seraphina could sleep without any worry. However, Seraphina had a very interesting way to sleep as her hands and legs occupied almost every space available on the bed.

"Sleep on the floor, you ogre!" Demian hissed beside her almost feeling suffocated by the narrow space he had managed to squeeze himself between the wall and Seraphina.

"Can't help, besides I have grown a pretty good habit after sleeping on the bed in the castle." She said as she stretched her body further.

"Noted. I'll cut the bed by half after I return." 

Seraphina tilted her head and squished him to the wall. 

"If you don't move, I'll push you off the bed." Demian threatened however, Seraphina grinned making Demian's brow twitching in annoyance. She had been in the castle for a quite while that made her forget all of her hobbies however, she found a great hobby; to make him angry.

"Try it," Seraphina grinned in herself as she  closed her eyes and heard Demian was grinding his teeth and then it stopped. Silence. He wasn't even trying to push her away. Had he stopped trying?

She felt Demian moving from beside her and as she opened her eyes, she found him on top of her, their faces just a few inches away.

Seraphina eyes widened as her heart took a speed. "Wha—what the devil are you doing?"

"Trying to get some space," Demian said with a blank face, "I might just sleep on you." Seraphina's cheeks got colours as Demian raised a brow. 

And as if he got the hint of what he just said and he stiffened. 

"I—I'll just move..." Seraphina mumbled as she diverted her gaze from him, hoping Demian wouldn't see her face being flustered.

As she tried to move away, Demian caught her wrists that were pinned against the bed and Seraphina jolted her to him. Demian had a smirk playing on his lips and said, "Why, I thought you had grown a good habit. Well, I honestly don't mind that..."

"Wha—wha—what are you talking about?" Seraphina felt her cheeks blazing and she tried to get her hands out of his grip.

"You know very well what I'm talking about..." Demian had this wicked grin on his face that she wanted to rip it off. "And besides, I suppose, we are husband and wife." 

If anyone hadn't ever seen a woman hopping out of the bed and dashing off to across the room in just a second, they should have watched Seraphina as she went across the room before lightning could touch the ground. Her heart in her hands she looked at him warily and made the single chair her shield.

Demian laughed, his chest heaved with it.

"Why are you laughing?" Seraphina growled from where she stood.

"You should have seen your face." Demian said in between his laughter and added as he looked at her amusingly, "Are you that scared of me?"

"Rubbish! I'm not scared!" 

"Of course, why don't you come here then," he patted the bed.

"I feel like sleeping on the floor."

Demian's lips twitched and it irked Seraphina more. What was wrong with her? 

"Fine, suit yourself." Demian laid down on the bed, "But if you catch a cold, don't think I will aid you. I'm busy."

Seraphina clenched her jaw, "Of course! I don't need you to look after me anyway."

Seraphina found they hadn't provided a mattress or anything that could make a bedding. She had no choice but to go to bed as she cautiously took each steps and hopped on the bed, now maintaining a good distance between them.

*****

As morning came Demian woke up with the sounds of waves and seagulls. He found Seraphina beside him snoring softly and mysteriously she had loosened her hair. She might not like her hair tied and her threads scattered around the pillow. He chuckled as he remembered of the previous night. 

He was about to go out of the room but when her face was all red, he couldn't help but to tease her a little.

The result was amusing as he had never thought she would react like that. As he was nibbling with her hair strands, he heard a knock.

He sat up straight and with a sheet covered Seraphina as she mumbled something. His fingers reached her cheeks and stroked on it.

"Come in..." As he pulled back his hands, Alonzo appeared. 

He bowed, "Do your need something, Your Highness? Shall I come with the breakfast?"

"Yes, send it here and when she wakes up, send her meals here as well." 

Alonzo nodded and Demian noticed somehow Alonzo was very happy. Normally, he would panic or shower him with questions after questions. But now, he wasn't instead his eyes moved between the two and with his moustache swaying in the air in blissfulness, he left.

He got up and wore his vest and coat as the steward came with the breakfast. He ate in silence but occasionally, his eyes went toward Seraphina's sleeping figure. He was angry as she came here but he was also glad that she did. But the problem now was that Casian was still on the ship and from what he felt, he could be dangerous for her.

He went outside after finishing and saw Alonzo waiting for him near the railings. He joined him and looked at the vast sea before him as the waves danced in harmony. Warm winds blew and he could taste the salt in his mouth. It had touched the sky and if he traveled further he might not reach its end. It was as if it had no end. 

Alonzo said, "Your Highness, we will reach tomorrow, if the weather is still clear like this."

Demian nodded, "Have you taken all of the papers and important details along?"

"Yes, your Highness." 

"Send those in my chamber. I shall check them one last time."

Alonzo nodded as he left for the task Demian had given him. And as if his day could not get any worse, Casian stood beside him.

"A very good view, if you ask me." Casian stated, "but it's rather boring to stay idle in the sea." 

"What did you expect? Having balls here?"

Casian chuckled, "Well, I would prefer that." 

Demian didn't say anything and he thought he could have his own personal time however, Casian must haven't heard of it.

"I heard that Princess Seraphina came along." 

Demian stiffened as Casian added, "Quite an interesting princess you've got there. She defies every orders and yet still manages to turn the tide."

Demian didn't say anything.

"I thought you know how to handle your wife, dear cousin."

Demian gritted his teeth. "I don't need you to tell me how to handle my wife."

"Well, as I have more experience than you, I thought it would be wise to give you some." 

Demian scoffed. Now it would be wise to go to his room since Casian wouldn't let go of him easily. "Keep your expertise to yourself. I shall just go back to my work."

As he turned, he saw Seraphina was making an appearance. She saw his way and grinned but as soon as her eyes fell on the person beside him, her smile evaporated.

"My, my, look who is here. If it isn't princess Seraphina." Casian said, his lips formed a devilish grin and Demian didn't like the way he was scrutinizing Seraphina. She had the warrior attire from previous night and the sword hung from her waist. 

As Seraphina crossed the distance, her face bore a scowl on it. 

"Good morning, Princess." Casian put a pressure on the last word as if mocking her and Demian found himself furious.

"Morning," seraphina curtsied and stood beside Demian.

"I am surprised to see you here. I thought you would be staying at the castle, Your Highness."

"Ah... Well, the plan changed last minute."

Casian nodded but his eyes told he didn't believe a word of her. "But wearing an attire that only a warrior can don."

Seraphina stood straight as she crossed her hands above her chest, "Yes, I got it from your sages. They gave it to me as they thought I would make a good warrior."

"Ho! That's quite big words for a frail lady like you, Princess." His tone seemed mocking and it irked both Seraphina and Demian.

"I am capable of proving my capabilities, Your Lordship." Seraphina challenged.

Casian smirked as his eyes fell on the sword hanging from her waist, "You've even got a sword to make an effect, hm. I don't understand why you would want to pretend to be something that you are not, My princess." 

The glint in his eyes was not unnoticed by the couple as Casian slowly leaned ahead stretching his arm at Seraphina, "Princess, you may hold a sword but being a swordsman is something else. It requires power, strength and skills that only a man can possess." He said and Seraphina glared at him.

"Strength, power and skills are something that even a woman can possess." 

"Is that so?" 

"Yes!"

"Well, then tell me who was your master at the human nation? I had never heard of any remarkable swordsman who is a human." Casian asked and Seraphina blinked.

She remained quiet for a moment before speaking with firm eyes, "The one who taught me wouldn't be a famous swordsman but he did give me the knowledge and education with which I can protect myself when time comes." 

"Excellent!" Casian grinned seeming more like a vioer ready to strike.

"Then, you wouldn't mind showing us your skills?" He asked making Demian frown.

"I wouldn't." Seraphina answered before Demian could say something.

The way Casian's eyes glinted at her answer made Demian feel as if the storm was on its way, "Then, you wouldn't mind having a duel with me, princess Seraphina. Here and now." Casian said.

Demian was about to shout a refusal but Seraphina again beat him to that, "Fine." 

"What are you talking about?" Demian demanded, "You will not have a duel here." 

"My Prince," Casian drawled sweetly, "Are you perhaps scared that I will put a scratch on your little doll?"

His words were like the deep gashes on Demian's mind but he resisted the urge to rip his throat out.

"No," He spoke through his teeth.

"Then, what might be the problem?" Casian asked and his eyes drifted over to Seraphina, "Oh! Are you perhaps worried that her delusion will be broken? Well, wouldn't it be good then, my Prince. Once the illusion is broken you would be able to see the reality." 

Casian's play of words made Demian feel uneasy about everything, Casian was a cunning and sly individual and he knew how to manipulate things and people for his benefits. It was just that Demian didn't want Seraphina to become a victim of Casian's vile design, who knew what might be in his mind?

"Now then, shall we commence the duel... My Princess?"