The Dragon King's Heart

Margaret came up to them with a scroll. Upon opening it, Alum was stunned. It was a certificate of ownership with the declared amount in which Laina personally owned.

"Her Highness... Laina had been renting the space of the Royal Vault to hold her wealth, as stipulated here. Rent was paid as well."

She turned back to see Laina for a moment before continuing, "Since we're leaving, the contract has ended. You may have this for safekeeping, should His Majesty ask about it in the future."

"Nyx," Laina called for her.

"Yes?"

Laina took out a sealed envelope from her pocket and handed it to Nyx. It was addressed to Ethan.

"You want me to hand this to the King?" she asked.

Laina shook her head, "Yes, but not now. When the time comes, and he's at his wits end hand him this letter."

Laina turned back to her packing. Seeing as she was no longer going to be the monarch or a princess, she no longer need all the regal dresses. They had never been comfortable to wear and now Laina was free to do as she pleased.

It almost felt as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

With that, all their packing was complete and they were ready to leave. Laina proceeded to the portal gate within the palace, only to find Ethan waiting for her. He had a change of attire, one that was fit for a king.

At his side, were the ministers of the Royal Court, which included General Tobias and Royal Chancellor Lucinda. Nyx reported the completion of her duties to King Ethan before he stepped forward to speak to Laina.

"I did not wish for things to end like this, cousin," Ethan said solemnly as he held out his hand, "I wish you all the best."

Laina did not shake his hand. She simply curtsied.

"All the best to you, Your Majesty. May the stars guide you. If you ever find yourself in need of assistance... perhaps you'll figure out how to find me."

With that, Laina walked up the steps to the portal gate.

"Where do you think you're going?" Ethan stopped her in her tracks.

"Leaving of course. Or you want me to stay?" Laina asked with a quizzed expression.

She knew what he was suggesting, but she was not about to take that hint outright. She wanted him to say it out loud in front of everyone who have gathered.

"Only royals are allowed to use the portal as they please," Ethan reminded her, "Otherwise, they have to be authorized."

"Is that so?" Laina asked.

Ethan smirked. He was waiting for Laina to grovel before him. He wanted her to ask for permission to use the portal gate. But her actions surprised him.

"Very well, I'll use the main gates instead then," Laina declared with a smile before turning to leave.

She did not wait to hear Ethan's reply. She simply went on her way, leaving everyone in shock. Ethan gritted his teeth in anger. His tactic backfired in his face. Nyx could not help but chuckle a little as she continued to escort Laina.

When they finally made it to the gates of the palace, Laina turned back to take one last look. She let out a sigh as she looked at the place she had spent most of her life in. It was her home, but strangely enough, she had not developed much of an attachment to it.

Laina turned to Nyx, "I leave Kinshearth in your hands, commander."

"I will do as you ask. Stay safe, Your Highness," Nyx replied with a saddened smile.

"You don't have to address me as princess anymore. I don't think His Majesty will let me keep that title," Laina replied.

The common folk had gathered at the gates of the palace. News of a new monarch had traveled far and wide. Some were still confused to see the princess, while others cheered as she took her leave. Laina knew she could not win every battle, but it was still bittersweet to leave.

"Perhaps I will be back soon enough," she muttered to herself.

"Where do you wish to go, Laina?" Margaret asked.

"Margaret, you don't have to stay with me," she turned to Kol and Florin, "The same goes for the two of you too. I'll be fine on my own."

The three of them looked at one another, then back at Laina.

"I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon, what about the two of you?" Margaret asked the vampire and the hybrid.

"I don't have anywhere else to be at the moment," Kol replied as he turned to look at Florin.

"Me neither," the vampire added.

Laina smiled, "Well then, I'll decide where we go then. First stop, Everfree."

At first, Laina considered returning to the mansion she and Dante had stayed in by the sea. But it was too easy for Ethan to find her there. Furthermore, he may come looking for trouble too. Hence, Laina decided on another location instead.

After all, the mansion by the sea was not the only piece of property she owned.

Back in the palace, King Ethan was surrounded by the nobility and members of the royal court. Everyone congratulated him on his coronation. He had waited for this day for the longest time.

As he entered the ballroom in his regal attire, everyone bowed down to him with respect. Kinshearth was finally his. Cordelia, his accomplice, watched from the shadows with a smile of her own. Their combined efforts have reduced Laina to a commoner.

Ethan stripped Laina of her royal title. Since she never had a noble title, to begin with, she was now a commoner. The nobles of the High Court were thrilled by this development.

"Without her around, no one stands in your way anymore," Lady Daphne added.

"Indeed, and I'm sure our King will honor his agreements on the metal trade?"

Ethan nodded, "Of course. A King keeps his word. The exclusive rights to the metal trade are yours, Lord Willheim, as it should be."

The Nobles of High Court cheered for their new King. Since Laina had taken an active role in managing the Kingdom, she had opened up the trade markets in Kinshearth. The nobility had monopolized the markets for a long time and was unhappy with the new competition.

Now with the help of their new King, they could easily climb back up on top. While King Ethan and the nobility enjoyed their ball, they were unaware of what was to come for them.

After all, the Royal Vaults were not about to replenish themselves.

Laina, on the other hand, arrived at her new permanent home as the sun was about to set. It was a house nestled in the forest area of Luzernia Valley. The nearest town, Luzernia, was a short distance away. Everything had been prepared for her arrival.

"It's..." Margaret looked all around the space.

"Small?" Laina asked.

"Well, no but," Margaret struggled to find the right words to describe it, "Smaller than I had expected."

Seeing as she did not have a large entourage, Laina knew she did not need a large amount of space. The house she had purchased was still big enough to fit everyone with space for guests. It was as big as she needed it to be.

Over the next few days, Laina and her friends got settled in. She had informed Dante and Queen Victoria of her whereabouts. However, she had also sworn them to secrecy.

"You have my word," Dante promised, "So, when can I visit?"

"I guess whenever you want," she replied nonchalantly.

They were communicating through the pendant they had. Laina was in the kitchen, arranging some of her porcelain ware when she sensed something amiss.

"I'll be right over."