It was the first day of the kingdom alliance summit. Representatives of every kingdom had arrived at the royal throne halls of Othinan royalty. The throne hall was the mark of their imposing cultural architecture, large and ornate facades, with intricate detailing and decorative elements that reflect the cultural and artistic influences of the time.
The focal point of the conference hall was the long, elevated dais at the far end of hall, especially the ten people seated on the ornate, high-back thrones. The dais was reserved for the highest-ranking leaders of the continent, and the people occupying this elevated platform commanded attention and respect with their mere presence.
Behind these figures stood their most trusted officials, performing the role as aides, advisors and scribes to the contents of their meeting.
When Drayce and Arlan arrived at the throne hall, they came across another young king wearing a pristine white royal attire glanced at him, that pair of light gray eyes seemingly smiling.
It was a devilishly handsome man with short silvery blond hair and pale white skin common among Northerners. He was wearing a black ear stud, his long fur-lined cloak clasped by a jewel-embedded clasp resembling a fierce white tiger.
Samer Vailes, the newly crowned King of Thevailes.
Though enemies, at this moment they had to act with respect to the situation. They offered each other greetings and walked forward to take their own places.
The King of Othinia sat on the throne and started his welcoming speech for the guests. Meanwhile, Drayce and Arlan exchanged knowing gazes as they waited for the main part of the conference to start. Presence of Samer Vailes somehow gave them a sense of crisis as if something was not right.
Drayce had been following his wife's presence wherever she moved in the capital city. Till now he found nothing unusual and could even see her enjoying her trip in the city.
Along with words said by the people in the conference hall, his ears were focussed on the sweet voice of his wife.
"This city seems more crowded than Karlin." It was Oriana's voice.
"It's because in Griven, its political capital and its economic capital are different. While for Othinia, Nefer is both its political as well as economic capital. All the businesses and big merchants of the kingdom are here and thus, the more people there are."
"Thank you for answering, Your Ma—I mean, my lady."
"It's alright."
Hearing his wife's response of explanation to Oriana, Drayce smiled. His wife, though locked in a tower for all her life, had studied well about this continent and the politics. She was smart.
Seeing him smiling, Arlan offered him a questioning gaze as if saying, 'Are you that happy to see your enemy here that you are smitten by him now?'
Drayce chuckled inwardly as he replied through his gaze, 'I have you to be smitten with. Samer Vailes doesn't stand a chance in front of you.'
Arlan narrowed his gaze, 'You are giving me chill. I shall ask Seren to pay more attention to you.'
Drayce smiled back and focussed on what his wife was doing.
"Are you alright?"
Seren, recognizing that he had picked up on something amiss, reassured him, "I am alright, Dray. You can relax."
Relinquishing his embrace, he peered down at her. "What happened?"
"King Drayce, we should make haste and depart from here," Yorian interjected, "I'll explain everything later."
Drayce glanced at Seren, silently signaling for her to prepare. "We are teleporting."
She nodded, fortifying herself with her powers, and in an instant, both of them vanished from the scene.
Upon arriving at the guest mansion, Drayce gently placed Seren on the bed, his concerned gaze scrutinizing her body to ensure she had not sustained any injuries.
She chuckled, "I told you I am fine. You worry too much."
He returned his gaze to her, his expression serious, "When it's about you, I can't let my guard down." Now assured of her well-being, he inquired, "What happened?"
Seren began recounting the incident, "Upon entering the ancient temple, group of wizards suddenly appeared and attacked us. Mister Yorian and Slayer protected us, along with Oriana, who wielded her power."
"Oriana?" Drayce questioned, "Is she able to use her power now?"
Seren shook her head, "It seemed instinctual, and surprisingly, she tapped into divine power rather than the power of darkness."
This revelation stunned Drayce. 'She's a black witch; how can she possess divine power?'
"Are you certain?" he asked.
"Yes. You can confirm it with Mister Yorian when he returns. It appears she has the divine attribute of an air element."
Drayce felt perplexed. The enigma surrounding this Young Black Witch was deepening with each revelation. Apart from him, only Arlan, a fellow supernatural being, possessed both powers—the Power of Darkness and divine power. They were both Dragons connected to the Devil. But Oriana? How did she come to wield both these powers?
"I need to speak with Arlan. He must be concerned about Oriana," Drayce declared.
"Don't worry about me. We need to attend to Oriana. She has unleashed her powers," Seren reassured.
Drayce gently kissed her forehead and departed, leaving her attended to by her servants. and departed, leaving her attended to by her servants.