The next day, it was finally time for the Megaris delegation to leave. After meeting the King and Queen of Othinia, the Megaris delegation was ready to departed. The Crown Prince of Megaris, Prince Reuben, came to see them off. Cian also arrived to bid his sister farewell.
"Take care on the way," Cian said.
"I will," Seren replied, then asked, "Are you going to stay here longer?"
He shook his head. "I will leave at noon after spending some time with my cousins."
Seren knew he was referring to his cousins who had secretly helped him under orders from Queen Niobe.
"Take care as well," she said and sat inside the carriage after Drayce helped her in.
Cian offered a light bow to Drayce. "Have a safe journey."
Drayce replied with a nod, "You as well," and then sat in the carriage.
The Megaris royal troop left the Othinian royal palace. From the window of the Thevailes guest mansion, a pair of eyes watched them intently as two figures stood there.
"Are you sure your plan won't fail this time?" Samer asked, looking at the Megaris entourage.
"I am certain," Zaria replied, her gaze following Samer's. "Once they cross the border of Nefer and enter the deepest part of the forest, our people are ready to welcome them. Once we capture her, you can take her back to Thevailes with you."
"Sounds like a good idea," he said, his gaze narrowing on the particular carriage in which the concerned person was sitting.
Inside the carriage, Seren suddenly felt a shiver across her body and shrank herself into Drayce's comforting embrace.
"What's wrong, Seren? Are you feeling unwell?" Drayce asked as he held her closer.
"Not sure. Suddenly, my body reacted as if it sensed danger," she replied.
Drayce comforted her while gently caressing her. "Once we cross Nefer, I will teleport you directly to Megaris. If not for a meeting in another city, we could have left right away."
"Who are you meeting?" she inquired.
"In the next city, I am going to meet Duke Maxillious. He is a friend of my father and helped us by sending grains and other necessities during the times when Megaris was dealing with the aftereffects of the Devil's curse—above and beyond what the Othinian royalty and other kingdoms provided," he explained. "Grandmother instructed me to meet him before we return to Megaris."
"You should definitely do that," she commented, allowing her tense body to relax in his arms.
As planned, the Megaris entourage left the capital city, Nefer, and entered the deep forest outside the city after an hour-long journey. The Othinian forests, as majestic as they are, could hide dangers within. After crossing this perilous forest and a few villages, they were set to reach the next city where Drayce intended to go.
"I am not sure what makes her so confident that she is being bold in her intentions," Yorian commented, "we have to keep Queen Seren close by."
Drayce glanced towards the tent where Seren was busy with her servants. "I can always sense if she is in danger, and she is always in my sight. Today I am taking this risk as I want to know the extent of that witch's power and what she can do, so I can always be prepared to face her. If we avoid them this time, they will keep attacking when we least expect it."
"I agree with this as well. If she attacks this time, I am sure she will use everything she has since she needs to deal with you," Yorian replied. "But it can also put the lives of your servants in danger who can't fight the supernaturals."
"Slayer and Azer have been instructed on what to do. If we are attacked, all the servants and knights will separate from us," Drayce informed.
"That's a good approach as they would only lose their lives if they tried to fight," Yorian added.
Slayer approached Drayce. "Your Majesty, everything is being followed as you instructed. All the servants and knights have already been told what to do if there is any attack...but..."
"But your knights are stubborn," Drayce continued, "They would rather die than leave."
Slayer added, "That is what knights are supposed to do."
"Not when the enemy is someone you can't fight," Drayce countered. "I expect my orders to be followed promptly, without mistake." Drayce's gaze followed Azer, who was standing at a distance with another knight. "Especially your vice commander; tell him not to be stubborn and to do as he is told."
"I will," Slayer said. He knew he had to be firm with them to ensure they followed his and the King's orders.
"You really have earned loyal people, King Drayce," Yorian said with a smile, to which Drayce nodded lightly. "I find myself fortunate."
Just then, Yorian's pointed ears twitched as he heard and sensed something. He turned to Drayce, who offered him a nod, and then looked at Slayer. "It's time."
Slayer hurried towards his knights to instruct them to leave the area with the servants. There might be a battle between the supernaturals, and it was not safe for those humans to witness it and put their lives at risk.
On the other hand, Drayce hurried towards the tent and told her servants, "Follow Vice commander Azer."
Though confused, the three servants Xena, Marie and Eva hurried out to follow the king's instructions while Martha stayed with Seren.
"You should leave as well," Drayce talked to Martha.
"Her Eminence had provided me with some useful spells," Martha replied which offered a clear meaning to Drayce that she was ready to fight.
"What's going on, Dray?" Seren asked, feeling confused that why all the servants and knights were made to leave.
"We are going to face the enemy," he replied and held her hand to make her stand, "stay by my side, alright?"
Though scared, she nodded and held his hand. She knew it must be Zaria who was here to abduct her again. 'Whatever it takes, I won't go with her. Dray won't let her take me away.'