"She is after the black nightshade," Drayce commented and asked, "Did you find out why?"
Yorian affirmed, "Indeed. She requires it to stabilize her grandfather's health; he's grappling with dementia."
Astonished, Drayce exclaimed, "She'd risk her life, even resorting to smuggling a prohibited herb, all for her grandfather? Are we certain there's no ulterior motive?"
Yorian replied with conviction, "None whatsoever. Trust me, King Drayce. I had a good talk with her after I told her she is a black witch. The witch who is not even aware that she is a witch, what could she plan to do with such a dangerous herb?
She just had a difficulty in making medicine with that herb as her black magic power was interfering with it by neutralizing the poisonous effect of that herb. She now needs to learn how to control her power so it won't affect that herb and she could make the medicine without any difficulty."
Drayce, while grasping the situation, cautioned, "Yet, she remains a black witch. We must remain vigilant. Considering she's a reigning witch queen, you comprehend the implications."
"Absolutely," Yorian affirmed. "I'll maintain a close watch."
"I'm heading to Arlan," Drayce declared. "I'll broach the topic of the herb with her once more and gauge her intentions."
Yorian chuckled softly, "What more could she do beyond acquiring more of the herb? If she intends to continue crafting medicine for her grandfather, her current stash of five stalks won't suffice."
Drayce mused, "By observing her actions, we'll gain insight into her character."
Yorian observed, "King Drayce's concern for his friend runs deep, even prompting tests upon a his potential mate."
Drayce responded firmly, "I cannot stand by if he's with the wrong woman. Though his Dragon may have chosen her, their bond isn't sealed. And we cannot ignore her status as a Black Witch—the very type Arlan detests."
A sly smile crept across Yorian's face. "Proceed as you see fit. I'm quite eager to witness her maneuvers. She's quite the captivating witch."
Drayce shot a pointed look at the elf. "Mind your boundaries."
Amused, Yorian chuckled softly, enjoying Drayce's protective stance regarding his friend's interests.
-----
Drayce went to Griven's guest mansion and appeared inside Arlan's study where Arlan was standing by the window of his study, looking outside. Drayce stood by his side and followed Arlan's line of sight.
The newly arrived delegation from another kingdom moving towards one of the guest mansions in that vast palace complex. The grand royal carriages, the knights in white-maroon uniforms, and their flags with a giant crest of a white tiger indicated which kingdom they belonged to.
The Kingdom of Thevailes.
"Finally, your dearest friend is here, Dray," Arlan said, laughing in sarcasm.
Drayce's eyes narrowed at a particular carriage, the one that belonged to the King of Thevailes, King Samer Vailes.
Arlan continued, "You have to be careful in case he brought that witch with him. You have to look after your wife."
Drayce understood he was talking about the Black Witch, Zarya Lynx.
"I can't sense the presence of any other Black Witch here," Drayce spoke as his eyes continued to follow that carriage leaving their sights.
"Any other Black Witch? Is there anyone already here?" Arlan asked, his tone serious.
Drayce realized what he had said but kept his calm. "I misspoke. I meant, witches in general. You must have already sensed Seren's nanny, Martha, as well as her personal servant, Marie."
Drayce sure could not tell him the other Black Witch he was talking about was Oriana, his chosen mate.
"Oh. I thought there was already a Black Witch in this palace," Arlan said, which almost made Drayce swallow in guilt. Arlan continued, "If there is, we should go capture her and deal with her right away. Even if it's not Zaria herself, we can ask her what their side is scheming. After all, I don't believe they don't have a purpose for moving the summit to Othinia."
Drayce signed inwardly. 'Here he goes again. Hearing Black Witch's presence, all my friend could think about was capturing and tormenting them.'
Drayce simply nodded and watched Arlan turning to look at the door of the study. Someone was coming to the study and their sharp senses had already taken the notice of that person. Arlan's gaze as if he had not seen that person for a long time.
"That look in your eyes gives away your feelings," Drayce spoke, his intention obvious.
Arlan glared at him. "And what about now?"
"You can try but you cannot hurt me. You better save that for your enemies."
The knock on the door interrupted their banter.
"Your Highness, it's Orian. I brought tea for you," the voice announced.
The door opened and the woman disguised as a young man, Oriana, entered the study. Drayce's gaze remained stuck on her as if to observe her. She seemed flustered seeing him there.
Arlan looked at Drayce as if silently saying, 'You should spare that staring for your woman.'
Drayce offered him a mocking smirk, as if replying, 'Did it offend you as if I am staring at your woman?'
'My possession.'
'Whatever.'
These two had developed this skill of silence talk over their years of friendship, the two Dragons could connect really well.
Drayce and Arlan sat in the chair as Oriana served them tea.
Drayce took the tea cup from the tray in her hands, his gaze lingering on her for a white, shifted to Arlan. "Prince Cian met with his mother's relatives and found a new lead about the black nightshade plantation."
Scatter!
The tray in Oriana's hands almost shook, but there were no other changes in her expression. The corner of Drayce's lips curved in hidden smirk as if he got what he was expecting from this Witch.
Arlan accepted his tea cup as well. "Hmm, he sure works fast. I am sure he will return with something useful."
"He set for us to meet tonight to talk about his findings," Drayce added, his sight never leaving Oriana even after she bowed and turned to leave. He had surely touched the topic that interests her and he got the reaction he had expected.
'Let's see what does she plans to do tonight,' Drayce thought.