The next day, following the royal banquet, the guest mansion in Megaris bustled with activity as everyone packed for their impending departure from Othinia. Drayce was preoccupied with wrapping up official matters post-summit, deeply engrossed in discussions with his ministers. Meanwhile, Seren visited the Queen of Othinia, where she also encountered Princess Ayira.
Upon seeing Ayira, Seren felt a twinge of regret for her brother; the princess showed no interest in marrying him. Seren could only hope her brother would find someone else capable of capturing his heart again.
In the afternoon, once Drayce was finally free, he joined his wife. Seren sat quietly, watching her servant meticulously pack her belongings, particularly the numerous items she had purchased in Othinia. Besides a penchant for gossip, Seren had a deep-seated love for shopping.
Opportunities for such leisure were rare, usually limited to sneaky outings with Martha from the palace, during which she had to disguise herself to avoid public recognition.
With Drayce, she indulged in the freedom to roam and purchase anything that caught her eye.
Observing his wife's acquisitions, Drayce inquired, "My queen, are you certain this is enough? Do you not wish to shop more?"
Seren surveyed her purchases, slightly perplexed. "Umm, I think this is sufficient for now. We can always shop more on our way to Megaris and explore some additional places."
Drayce simply nodded in agreement, while the servants exchanged knowing smiles. They wondered what the queen would do with all these items and if she'd even remember them. Ultimately, it meant more carriages for transport and added weight to the ship. But their king sure loved to spoil their Queen. Not like they minded it as their queen was a lovely woman who deserved to be spoiled.
The servants departed, granting Drayce and Seren some privacy. Seren brought up a recent interaction. "You called for Oriana before she left our guest mansion?"
He affirmed with a nod. "Yes, I gave her the Black Nightshade she requested. Yorian also taught her how to send magical messages using her powers, enabling her to stay in contact with us even after our paths diverge."
"That was wise of you. Hopefully, Oriana will stop taking risks and find happiness with Prince Arlan."
Drayce nodded and settled beside her, suggesting, "Perhaps you'd prefer to visit your brother?"
His suggestion took her aback. "What's happened?"
He quickly reassured her, "Nothing's wrong, calm down. We're departing tomorrow and will be parting ways with him, so I thought you might want to spend some time with him."
"You're right, Dray," she agreed, standing up. "I'll go visit him."
As she stood, Drayce playfully pulled her back, causing her to sit on his lap "You always forget your husband, don't you?"
Quickly, she gave him a peck on the lips. "Not at all. I'll be back soon."
Drayce let her go, offering, "Let me escort you."
Upon reaching the foyer, they encountered Oriana rushing in.
"Your Majesty," Oriana bowed, panting slightly.
"Is everything alright, Oriana?" Seren inquired with concern.
Oriana hesitated, aware of Drayce's presence, but relayed her message nonetheless. "Your Majesty, Prince Arlan requests another meeting with Lady Ria."
Drayce smirked at his friend's attempt of trying to trouble his mate while Seren inquired, "Do you want Xena to help you get ready again?"
Oriana quickly declined, "N-No, Your Majesty. I'll inform Prince Arlan that Lady Ria is too tired and busy assisting with your packing, hence unavailable for another meeting. Please reply with the same if you are asked about it again by Prince Arlan."
"Understood," Seren nodded in agreement.
"It's nothing serious. Don't worry about it." His acted calm, tried to ease her worry.
A silence fell, filled with unvoiced sympathy.
Eventually, Seren stood and approached the other side of the desk. Cian met her gaze with a questioning look, only to see her extend her hand toward him.
He raised an eyebrow, and she responded by nudging her hand a bit more, silently urging him to take it.
With a soft sigh, Cian accepted her hand and stood up. Before he could question her intentions, Seren's arms gently wrapped around his waist in a comforting embrace, her small figure hugging him warmly.
Cian was initially startled by Seren's sudden gesture of comfort, but then he reciprocated, wrapping his arms around her. "Are you doing this because we're about to part ways again?" he asked.
Shaking her head against his chest, Seren replied, "No, I wanted to comfort you."
Cian found himself speechless for a moment, taken aback by his younger sister's mature and caring gesture. "I'm fine, Seren," he tried to reassure her, "But if your husband sees us like this, I might not be."
Seren looked up at him. "Dray isn't like that? He is the one to ask me to visit you."
Rather than challenge his sister's unwavering faith in her husband, Cian simply agreed, "Alright, as you say." But it was indeed surprising that he was the one to send Seren here.
Cian recalled the initial tension with Drayce when Seren and Drayce were newlyweds. He had sensed Drayce's jealousy, especially when Seren showed happiness around her brother. Over time, thankfully, Drayce had warmed up to him, allowing Seren to spend time with him.
Not knowing why her brother was silent all of a sudden, Seren spoke, "Brother, you'll find the right person, even if it isn't Princess Ayira. You're the most handsome and capable man; any woman would be lucky to have you."
Cian smiled at her efforts to console him. Sisters often see their brothers in the best light, and he was touched by her words. Gently pecking her forehead, he expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for trying to comfort me."
"Did it really help?" Seren asked, noticing his smile.
"It did," he caressed her head gently, "Thank you, Seren."
Seren, finally releasing him, suggested, "How about we have dinner together this evening? We'll be parting ways tomorrow."
Cian agreed warmly, "I'll be there."
After Seren's departure, Cian continued to work in his study. After a while, Eliot re-entered the room, the wooden box still in his possession. Cian eyed the box, listening to his knight's update. "Your Highness, Princess Ayira isn't in the palace, and her close servants are also absent. It seemed unwise to hand it to just anyone; it might spark unfounded rumors about you two..."
Cian responded with a calm resolve, "It's alright. Just keep it for now."
Eliot obeyed his command. "Any other orders, Your Highness?"
Cian's expression turned serious. "Find out if she's gotten herself into more trouble," he instructed.
With his orders received, Eliot departed. Cian picked up the box from the table and peered at the jewelry inside. "Seems like returning to her isn't in your destiny." He closed the box thoughtfully and summoned his personal aide.
"Your Highness," the aide greeted, bowing.
Cian handed him the box. "Pack this with my personal belongings."
The aide took the box and left with a bow, leaving Cian to his thoughts as preparations for departure continued around them.