After the meeting in the hall was concluded everyone was free to leave except for Lord Heartstone whom Prince Demian said he wanted to have a word with. Seraphina left in good spirits after knowing that her demands would be satisfied and the poor will get the justice. Lord Accoridin left early because of some event happening in his town, leaving Casian who said he would go to see his sister as he hasn't met her in a while.
Demian, Billard, Master Valentine gathered in Billard's the study chamber with Lord Heartstone again being in front of them.
"I think, until this matter is settled, I would like to visit your territory."
At Demian's announcement, both Billard and Heartstone looked at him with wide eyes. Demian's eyes didn't miss the way how Lord Heartstone stiffened and sweat formed on his forehead.
"My territory? But... I can handle it well, Your Highness," Lord Heartstone said with a shaky voice and tried to hide it with a nervous smile.
"I know that well, Lord Heartstone. But I believe, it would be wise for me to go now as people will get the message that their King is trying to help them."
Heartstone nodded stiffly and said, "Well, you are right but why now, your Highness? You can visit after I settle—"
"Why? Is there anything that you might not want me to know?" Demian's eyes narrowed as Heartstone gulped and Billard noticed the rigidness on the nobleman's posture.
"Wh—" he chuckled nervously and added, "Why would there be anything that I wouldn't want you to know, Your Highness?"
Demian hummed and nodded. "Like some illegal business?"
If Heartstone was shocked before now it was replaced with a horrified face and he went more stiff. It wasn't easy to pass a Hawkeye.
"Illegal business?" Billard snapped his head to Heartstone and asked, "I have no recollection of it."
"Well, if your Highness permits me to speak..." Master Valentine said from behind both of the brothers.
Billard tilted his head and said, "You may, Master Valentine."
The advisor came before and stood beside Demian as he spoke, "Well, I got information just a few days ago that at their port, there had been some activities going on. As I had sent my men to investigate, we found there is some unreported trading that has taken place in Lord Heartstone's territory."
Billard moved his eyes to the Lord who became quiet, "How come you haven't reported it, Lord Heartstone?"
"I—I don't have any knowledge on that, Your Highness..." he said as his voice was breaking with the intense gazes of the Salamander brothers.
"But that port is under your supervision, how come its Lord has no knowledge?" Billard asked the question that Demian had in his mind.
"And I thought you could handle your affairs quite well," Demian mocked and added, "So it is settled, I will be going to see it myself besides, I heard you had hired the country's best architects to decorate it. I, myself, want to see the architecture."
Mischief danced in Demian's smile as Lord Heartstone had no choice but to agree.
"I believe we can discuss that later, Prince Demian..." Billard's voice was stiff and it was certain he didn't want Demian to go anywhere outside of the castle. But seeing Demian so serious, he decided they needed to talk.
"Well, you may go now," Billard said to Lord Heartstone and the fat noble stood up and bowed before them before rushing out of the hall.
As soon as the door was closed Billard turned toward Demian, his eyes blazing fire, "Demian, I would not allow you to go anywhere outside of this castle. Not when your transformation will take place in just three weeks." Billard grew worried as he said, "and there's also the enemy attacking every time you go out. Even in the castle! I am forbidding you—"
"But you are forgetting about your people, Billard." Demian said, "I still have time but the people might not."
"What do you mean?"
"When Master Valentine informed me of the unusual activities, I told him to keep a close watch on them."
"And I found this morning that they were taking children and women into a ship." Master valentine said, making Billard shocked.
"Slaves?" He asked.
Demian leaned back to his chair as he said, "It might be and by the way Lord Heartstone reacted, I am certain that he knows something."
Billard looked at his fists as it was an unfortunate situation. His forehead throbbed with pain. He had to make sure Demian was safe until his birthday and the war the commoners would wage and now, the illegal trading. He thought every other problem was landing on his head.
He tried to think if he could send someone in Demian's place. Master valentine and Alonzo would be better options but with the growing affairs in Dragon city, he needed him. Alonzo looked after his other states and would occasionally go out to collect the taxes so he would be busy. He couldn't possibly let Lord Accoridin to go there as he was just like Heartstone but a bit cunning.
Only option would be Casian. He could rely on Casian.
"I think Casian would be suited for this job." Billard said and Demian's head snapped at him.
"What? Why?"
"He might seem like a playful irresponsible person but he is the future Duke and knows how to handle everything." Billard had been watching him after his marriage and knew he was smart and quite capable. He got reports on how he tackled his state affairs quite efficiently.
"If he is going then I will be going as well."
"Bu—"
"It would be like killing two birds with one stone. The people will get moral support that their future King is reliable and even when he is busy, he will keep his eyes there when they are in need." Demian said.
Master Valentine nodded, "Prince Demian is right, your Highness. It would help their rage to go down and our decision will be followed immediately."
Billard knew it was a wise decision but it would also put his dear brother in grave danger. He took a deep breath and said, "But I will still send Casian with you."
Demian was about to retort but stopped when he found Billard's worried face. The dark bags under his eyes and all of the things were creating pressure on him. He didn't like Casian but if he would not poke his nose into his business Demian had no problems with him. However, the way he was eyeing Seraphina tickled his skin. He had something in his mind and it could be dangerous for Seraphina.
"Well, Casian is also a good swordsman and if anything happens he might save you."
Demian cringed his nose. Casian saving him! He might as well choose death before it happens.
"Then shall I inform Princess Seraphina?" Master valentine asked.
"She is a good fighter I get it wo—"
"No!" Demian said.
"Pardon, your Highness... Why wouldn't you want to take Princess Seraphina with you?" Master Valentine asked if it would be better if Seraphina went with him as well, that's the reason she was a secret guard.
"Because it would be dangerous for her and she should stay here." Demian recalled how badly injured she was and he was one step closer to losing her. He felt a pang in his heart at the flashes of his memories. He didn't want that anymore. He knew she would always embrace trouble before her life so it would be better if she stayed here. And besides, his curse marks and the occasional pain of it were increasing. He didn't want to entangle her. What if he went berserk?
Seeing Demian's serious face, Billard nodded as he knew no man would want to see his woman injured. "Then it's settled, Demian and Casian will go. Inform Casian and prepare everything they need. They'll be leaving tomorrow."
*****
Both Alonzo and Celia went to their works. Alonzo had to go as there was a problem in one of the lands of King's territory which needed immediate attention. Seraphina felt a bit lonely and paced before the closed door of Demian's chamber thinking if she should go in now and see Demian. Cold sweat formed on her skin thinking what would be Demian's reaction after she barged into the conference.
She looked at the door and gulped. He might be very angry. He might have supported her in the conference but it didn't ignore the fact that she didn't obey his orders.
What am I scared of? I'm a Fireborn! She said to herself to gather her courage however, it didn't help at all.
As she was telling herself all sorts of encouraging words a voice startled her.
"What are you doing here?" Demian's voice resonated with coldness from behind her and Sera stiffened at her place.
Seraphina slowly tilted her head and found Demian standing there and two guards behind him. All of them had serious faces.
"I... I was just passing by..." she mumbled weakly.
"Hmm... Then move, I shall take my rest now." He didn't shout at her?
"But, didn't you say you will come see me once your talk with Prince Billard and Lord Heartstone is done?" She asked and Demian looked at her before slowly nodding and gesturing her to follow.
Demian crossed her and entered his room as she followed him. "I also came to see your wounds."
Demian got rid of his coat and said, "My wounds are fine."
"The ointment must have been great..." Seraphina nodded.
Silence. Demian didn't say anything. It was a painful quietness that screamed at Seraphina and she found herself more scared at his cold behaviour. He must be very angry...
"I..."
"Seraphina..." Demian said as he was still back facing her and opening his vest, "Go to your room for now, we'll talk later. I'm tired."
Seraphina could not understand why he was treating her like that. She had done what was best for the people but just because she wasn't allowed in the conference room with the nobles that didn't mean she could not tell her views. Was that the reason for his coldness toward her?
"Why?" She asked.
Demian turned around and his eyes darkened, "Can't you see I'm tired?"
"I can see that, but..."
"Seraphina, what should I say so you can listen to me for once?" He hissed making Seraphina flinched at his hoarse voice.
"So, because I didn't obey your orders from going into the conference, you are treating me like this?" She asked as her anger irked in her belly.
He didn't say anything but glared at her amd she returned the glare tenfold. "I did what I was supposed to do and I am not ashamed if I had barged into the conference room. I'd do that over and over if I have to." She growled and left as her feet took the speed.
Demian stood there with his closed fists clenching and as soon as the door was closed behind Seraphina, he released a sigh and sat on the bed as he threw his shirt.
He was impressed when she fought for the commoners and made the Lords choke on their own words. He wanted to stay angry with her for not obeying him and more than that he wanted to praise her but it wasn't the right time.
The mirror before him reflected the scales glowing as a fresh pain jolted through his body. The marks almost reached his chest and there was no time.
He knew if Seraphina had seen it, she wouldn't leave him and if he hadn't acted cold she would have just tagged along with him to Lord Heartstone's territory. It was painful to give her that kind of treatment but it was what was best for her to save her from his cursed fate.
****
The red cape flowed behind him like a bloody shadow, the sunlight bounced off his red hair making him look like an angel of someone's beautiful dream but regardless of his enchanting appearance his eyes spoke of his true nature. He walked across the Dragon palace's corridors and watched as the dragon maids curtsied before him with slight redness on their cheeks. He knew the power of his charm and also of his brain, he wasn't the successor of Vermence family just for name after all.
Casian Vermence stopped once he reached before his desired doors and the guards announced his presence. He smiled as he entered the room and found the sharp green gaze of his dear sister on him.
"Casian?!"
"Hello, dear sister. How have you been?" He smiled devilishly as he faced Zenith Salamander.