189: Drayce Has Not Seen His Wife's Face

Drayce Has Not Seen His Wife's Face

"I, uhm, I am not sure what to say, my lord?" It felt funny, the reality of the elf's words not fully sinking in.  "I don't know if I mentioned it before, but I came to ask for Miss Martha's help precisely because I do not understand magic. I do not have an idea about my parents nor my family lineage. This is even the first time I am hearing of divine power. Even the term 'black magic', I only heard it from my master a month ago. Maybe there is some mistake…?"  0

Though she was putting on a calm facade, it was apparent to everyone in the room that the young witch was getting overwhelmed.

"There is no mistake. What you used is indeed divine power."

"So does that mean I am not a real witch?"

"You are a witch, Oriana," the elf confirmed. "A special case at that. But don't worry. You are not alone. There are others who possess divine powers as well." 

"Is there anyone else like me?"

Yorian nodded. "Queen Seren possesses divine power as well."of earth element while yours is of air element. That shows how you could create a storm inside the temple."

Oriana looked at Seren in surprise.

The Queen nodded, confirming the elf's words. "Do not be afraid. We just want to help you."

Yorian didn't mention Drayce and Arlan, being divine beasts themselves, having divine power as well. It would be too much for the poor girl to digest at the same time. Having her relate to Seren would also be more comfortable for her to accept.

"So Her Majesty is a witch with divine power as well? But I cannot feel that pull which I feel from Miss Martha."

"Queen Seren is not a witch," Yorian corrected. 

"Then?"

"She is a special case, like I said. This is Her Majesty's secret, and I respect her privacy. Maybe in the future, she will personally tell you." Yorian couldn't tell a person they had barely met that Seren was born a demigod, and currently a deity of Earth. "For now, we need to understand the things about you." 

Oriana understood and no longer insisted. "Uhm, I see that knowing my background is important, but I apologize because I cannot help you. Perhaps, my grandfather knows something, but I am not sure as well. I believe Grandpa is only human…"

"Are you willing to trust me?" Yorian asked. "I have this ability called scrying, which is a form of divination that will allow me to find clues through the magic inside you. Back when I confirmed your identity as a witch, I did a rather cursory check. If you will allow me to properly scry you, I can get more insight about  your energy core."

"Alright," Oriana agreed. "What do I need to do, Lord Yorian?"

The young woman's expression appeared to be that of a soldier determined to stand in the frontlines of a battlefield, which caused the elf to correct her obvious misconception. 

"I don't know exactly what you are imagining, child, but it is no strange ritual. Only, my spiritual senses are at their peak during the night as I have the blood of a Moon Elf  running through my veins. Fortunately, it will be the night of the full moon tonight."

"That mean I have to come back here tonight?"

"Yes."

"I have to be by His Highness' side every night," Oriana said but then cleared her throat awkwardly as what she said sounded inappropriate. 

"Do not worry about that," Drayce said. "Come when you are called."

His words were direct, his order with no allowance for disobedience. She found herself nodding to what the King of Megaris said. 

Deciding to meet once more that night, Oriana returned to Arlan's guest mansion. 

When she entered the study in order to resume her duties, she was surprised to find Arlan looking at her.  His expression was grave, his gaze clearly showing he was displeased with something. Or someone. 

'What did I do now? I merely went to see the Queen.'

"Did you treat Her Majesty?" she heard him ask. 

"Yes, Your Highness." Lying was not a big deal for her. 

"I will ask Othinia to send their best royal physician for the Queen so you won't have to go there again and again."

'Huh? What's with him now? What excuse will I use to go to them if he does that?' 

Oriana let out her brightest smile, the kind of innocent smile she often used when dealing with tough shopkeepers in the past. 

"Your Highness, I am honored to be trusted with treating Her Majesty. Trust me, it's not a problem for me at all. Moreover, did you not want me to be useful for the Palace of Thistle? Would it not be more in your favor to have your own person be trusted by the royalty of another kingdom? 

"Not to mention, it is only natural that you, the closest friend of King Drayce,  offer your help to your friend by lending a person you trust to treat his wife. Please punish me if my next words overstep my boundaries, but from what I understand, isn't the royal family of Othinia not on good terms with Megaris? Would King Drayce allow a suspicious physician near his wife?"

Arlan was simply glaring at her attempts to make him change his decision. She was sure getting good with words.

Oriana continued, "Queen is a delicate woman who needs proper care. No wonder King Drayce treats her like a treasure. And why won't he? She is the kindest and most good- hearted person I have seen. Not only is her heart made of gold, even her appearance is outstanding! Peerless! She is so beautiful no one can ever take their eyes off of her, not even King Drayce himself. I am sure there must not be a single day he starts without seeing her beautiful appearance...."

"Dray has not seen her face," Arlan interrupted her, only to see her respond with a silly, "Huh?"

Oriana blinked dumbly, as if she misheard his words and asked him to repeat what he said.

"You heard it right. He had never seen her face."

"But the Queen is his wife…?"

"Do not ask more questions. You can stop talking and get me another bottle of ink."

Oriana could only nod and resume her work of attending him. But her mind was still in disbelief over what Arlan said.

'King Drayce had never seen his wife's face. She wears veil all the time that means no one has seen her face?' realisation stuck to her, 'that day...I saw her face...' she remembered how hurriedly Seren covered her face with a veil. 'I am sure they didn't recognise me or I would have been punished.' She felt relived but again her thoughts drifted to the pair of husband and wife.

'How could a husband not know his wife's face? In fact, how could anyone be with someone without ever seeing their appearance?'

'What could the reason be?'

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