Drayce and Seren freshened up, had a meal, and rested for a while so Seren could recover from the tiresome journey.
"I didn't see my mother," Seren mentioned to Drayce.
"I'm sure she's around, just hesitant to face you," he comforted her.
"It's not like I'm going to question anything. I was just hoping to see her," she said, resting her head against his shoulder. "I sometimes feel envious when I see you with your mother. Both of our mothers left us, so why can't mine be like yours and be with me?"
"My mother left me when I was five, but I have good memories of her. Somehow, those memories kept us connected even when we were apart. But it's not the same for you two. Things might take time, but I believe everything will work out between you two. This afternoon, we're going to the witch clan. Maybe you'll meet her there."
Seren hummed softly and closed her eyes.
—-
Meanwhile, the entire kingdom was abuzz with excitement over the arrival of another powerful divine beast—a Red Dragon. Aside from Draven, it was the first time they would witness another dragon, whose existence had been unknown to them. The council members had already begun visiting the King, eager to set a council meeting for the official introduction of the Red Dragon and his mate. Experience tales at m v|l e'm,p| y- r
"I understand your excitement," Draven addressed them in his study. "But they are tired from their long journey, and his mate especially needs rest. Once they're ready, we'll hold a council meeting for their introduction, and later, we'll have a marking ceremony where all the council members and clan elders will be invited to offer their blessings."
"Witnessing a marking ceremony is indeed a fortunate event for us all," Halifax spoke on behalf of everyone. "When His Majesty marked his mate, we couldn't have a proper ceremony, but this time we will."
Draven agreed and asked them to be patient. The conversation reminded him of how he had marked Ember—a moment that had come as a shock to everyone, including Ember, who hadn't known she was destined to be a dragon's mate. But he had no regrets. Whether there was a ceremony or not didn't matter to him—only she did.
—--
In the afternoon, Seren and Drayce visited the Witch clan, where clan members were eagerly awaiting their arrival. As a warlock, Drayce had duties to his own clan, especially since his mother had been the queen until Oriana officially took over her role, making his mother the former queen.
At the clan hall, all the important Witch clan members were introduced to him. Everyone was delighted to see the young, handsome, and powerful warlock. Whispers echoed throughout the hall.
"We didn't know such a powerful warlock truly existed—and we weren't even aware of it!"
"He will make our clan more powerful, alongside Her Eminence and Sister Cornelia."
"He would produce children even stronger than himself."
"It would be better if he chose a powerful witch from our own clan and married her."
"He already has a partner. Can't you see the purple-eyed woman next to him?"
"She's not a witch but a human."
"His Majesty's mate is human as well, but Lady Ember is more powerful than any of us. Who knows what power this human holds?"
"She looks timid, and I don't think she has any special power. Look at her—her aura is weak, or as good as non-existent."
"Be careful what you say. He's a dragon as well. Once they choose a mate, there's no going back. If any of you have some funny ideas, drop them already, or you'll face the wrath of a dragon."
"True. Look how protective and possessive he seems, even when he's just walking by her side."
"And she's beautiful as well. Dragons sure have a liking for beautiful women. Look at Lady Ember—when she first came to our kingdom, we thought she was plain, but His Majesty had already seen her true beauty, and now she's no less stunning than Her Eminence."
"His eyes—they're just as intense and terrifying as King Draven's."
"That being said, is there a possibility that he's His Majesty's son? We haven't heard of any other dragons."
"Don't talk nonsense. Dragons only have children with their mates. Given they can only have one child in their lifetime and Lady Ember is his mate, there's no way His Majesty had a child with another woman."
"True. Then who could be his mother? To birth a powerful son like him, she must be a powerful witch herself."
"Powerful witch? That reminds me, Her Eminence was the one who brought him to Agartha, and she was away for a long time."
"Do you mean…"
"Everyone, thank you for your presence here once more," Cornelia interrupted the whispers. "As you all know, we have King Drayce and Queen Seren with us. Though they are rulers of a human kingdom, I won't call them our guests. Instead, this witch clan is their home."
Everyone agreed, eager to see if their speculations would be confirmed.
"Welcome to the Witch Clan," they said in unison.
As Seren faced the witch clan members, her gaze was searching for her mother, who was still nowhere to be seen.
Since Cornelia didn't reveal who Drayce's mother was, no one dared to ask if he was Evanthe's son. Drayce had heard all their whispers but remained nonchalant, leaving it to his mother to decide whether to declare his identity or not.
ust then, Evanthe spoke, "I am glad to bring my son to my own clan, my home, and I thank you all for welcoming not just him, but my lovely daughter-in-law, Seren."
Whispers erupted once more, as no one had known she had a partner, let alone that he was a dragon.
"Your Eminence, does this mean there's another dragon, who is King Drayce's father?"
"Yes, there is," Evanthe replied. "And he is the most powerful dragon in existence. However, matters related to him don't concern our clan, so I will refrain from discussing him. All you need to know is that Drayce is my son and a member of this clan."
No one dared ask more, quietly accepting the queen's words.
Once the clan members had dispersed, Seren finally asked Evanthe, "Mother, I don't see Lady Sierra."
"Oh, her? She's been a little busy, but she's looking forward to meeting both Drayce and you. I'll take you to her while I show you around the clan territory."
As they toured the area, they eventually reached the healing chambers, and Evanthe explained what this place was: a magical sanctuary where supernatural beings could heal from injuries caused by superior powers, especially when the wounds were too severe for them to heal quickly on their own. Staying in this place nourishes both body and soul.
"But why is Lady Sierra here?" Seren asked, worried. "Was she hurt?"
"There's nothing to worry about. She was hurt while protecting you from those angels on the night of your eighteenth birthday. The remnants of that injury are still present, and she's working on healing them here."
"I… I want to meet her."
Evanthe led them inside the circular healing chamber, which had many doors. She pointed to one particular door. "She's in there. You can go meet her."
Seren hurried ahead, not even waiting for the others.
Evanthe turned to Drayce. "Let's head out and give her time to talk to her mother."
Drayce nodded, and the two left.