264: What The Future Holds

What The Future Holds

1"Orian, how was the play in the opera house?" Seren asked her.

Oriana was first startled, but then her expression brightened as she gushed, "It was really good, Your Majesty! We watched a play called Kairos. The song performances raised goosebumps on my skin. They're that good. You should watch it as well."

"Really?" The Queen then turned to look at her brother, her pout hidden by her veil. "You didn't take me with you,  Brother."

"You have a husband. It's his responsibility to take you to the Teatro Nefer, one of the finest opera houses we have in the continent," Cian replied as he smirked at Drayce. 

Seren's displeased and accusing gaze targeted the red-eyed man standing next to her.

"My Queen, those are for kids. Once we return Megaris, I will take you again to the opera house in Blackhelm."

Hearing those words, Seren's face immediately flushed. She hoped that others didn't know what her husband meant, but her brother sure was aware of it. 

"I…" Seren happened to glance at Oriana and found something to divert attention from her. "Orian, why did you change your headwrap style to cover your neck as well? Isn't it too hot to do that?"

Unintentionally, Seren had shifted the ball of embarrassment to the unsuspecting young woman.

Oriana was caught off guard once again. Was it that big of a deal? Why were they nitpicking at her? When she thought this topic was already buried, someone would always point it out and she would grow flustered all over again.

Arlan observed her flushed face while she tried her best to not look at him. 

"Y-Your Majesty, I sprained my neck. I have applied ointment and wrapped cloth for better effect," she gave the same excuse. After all, consistency was key.

"Does it hurt badly? Though you are a physician yourself, you can let Martha check it. She is good at treating as well…"

"N-No, Your Majesty. I am fine," Oriana subconsciously touched the fabric around her neck, as if making sure it was fine. 

"Alright, I won't pester you. But take care of yourself."

"I will, Your Majesty."

Meanwhile, Drayce offered a questioning look, to Arlan to which he gave him a flat stare, as if asking, 'What?'

Drayce shook his head and resumed watching Seren and Oriana.

Arlan also resumed watching Oriana. 

The topic of the women's conversation returned to the play Oriana had seen. As it was the first time she experienced such luxury, she was visibly excited to share what happened to a friend. 

'How adorably innocent.'

Arlan had seen her act bold and rude and stubborn, but as she chatted idly with another woman, Oriana looked young and innocent, nothing like her usual self. In fact, she was truly a girl at heart, was an innocent girl forced to be tough due to what she had to face in life. 

Cian noticed their exchange, shook his head, and walked towards the table where refreshments were placed. Yorian standing right beside it and he went to him. This friendly elf had helped him understand various things which he as a human would not be able to accept so easily.

With them left on their own, Drayce and Arlan took this as a chance to talk about important matters. 

"I can sense the stench of black magic on you, not to mention rotten blood," Drayce said. 

"What? Should I return to my chamber and change into a new set of clothes?"

Drayce ignored his jab. "Who did you kill?" 

"A wizard was following us, precisely Oriana. I happened to catch him and then you know…"

"What did he tell before dying?"

"Nothing useful. He was just sent by his leader and he didn't know who his leader worked for or what the purpose was."

"But we can guess," Drayce spoke. 

Arlan paused for a moment and offered a doubtful gaze to Drayce. "Previously, I didn't put much thought into it, thinking they are targeting me through my subordinates, but it seems like I was wrong."

Drayce kept quiet and heard Arlan continue, "To send a wizard only to keep eye on Oriana, what's the matter? Why are they so interested in her?"

"That is what you need to find out. Oriana is your mate and you should know everything related to her," Drayce spoke. 

"Do you know something?"

"Instead of asking me, why don't you talk to her? Resolve your differences and confess that you know she is a woman. You might get to discover a thing or two," Drayce replied. 

It could not be helped. Drayce was put in a hard spot, and he had his reservations about telling Arlan about Oriana's secrets.

One was his friend, while the other party was his wife's benefactor.

That night, when Oriana came to him to ask for her reward, Drayce had seen her resolve and desperation. He had given her his words that he would give her time, that she should be the one to tell Arlan her own secrets and Drayce wished to keep those words.

It had nothing to do with her identity as  a dragon's mate or the new Queen of Witches. It was simply respect, pure respect for her as a person.

'She promised me she would tell him.'

Not to mention, Drayce also didn't want to come between these two mates. It was unfair to them if he were to unnecessarily meddle in their affairs, robbing them the chance to properly get to know each other. 

Trust was something Arlan and Oriana needed to develop on their own and Drayce didn't wish to stir trouble between them by revealing things when neither of them were ready. 

However, the smart Arlan caught Drayce's vague choice of words. "Does that mean you know something but you won't tell me?"

Drayce simply looked at him. "First tell me, are you ready to accept your own reality? Are you ready to tell her who you are?"

Arlan hesitated for a moment. "Telling her who I am, won't that scare her away from me?"

"Come ask me again when you can show her your reality without worrying about the consequences."

"I need time," was all Arlan said. 

Drayce nodded. If Arlan needed time then so did Oriana. Only, he was not sure if there was ample time for them. 

'Time waits for no one, and who knows what the future holds…'

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