Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

Seren immediately averted her sight from Drayce.  Embarrassment took over her while Drayce acted as if he didn't notice it, pretending nonchalance to not make her feel more embarrassed.

The others in the room were experienced people as well and chose to remain quiet despite witnessing this young queen stare at her husband in a daze.

"Seren, I want to play with you today." Happy to have her attention again, Rayjin asked with a bright smile, "When you're free later, can we play?"

Rayjin's excitement broke the awkward atmosphere inside the dining room. It was a relief for Seren that the little girl was there as her savior.

"Yes," Seren agreed. She was sure she didn't need to take anyone's permission to decide on what to do during her free time. As they said, she was a queen and she could decide everything on her own.

The little girl smiled widely as she got what she wanted. But just as everyone thought that they would be proceeding to have their morning meal,  no one expected Rayjin to say something that would further embarrass the young queen.

"Did you know? I wanted to come to your residence so you could give a tour of your place yesterday, but you left the banquet before I could ask. I've never been to your chamber and I'm sure your bed must be so comfortable and many times bigger than mine! I initially wanted to give you a surprise visit and sleep together with you, but Father said you were already asleep so I should not disturb you."

Rayjin's innocent words triggered Seren's memories of the wedding night. Though she opened her mouth to reply, she didn't know what to say. Under the pressure of the guests' gazes, she even felt that she would soon be buried under a mountain of embarrassment.

Coming to her rescue, Drayce stepped forward and lifted Rayjin in his arms. "You did well listening to Duke Wimark. She was tired after the long wedding ceremony so she retired early to her chamber. If you behave well for the rest of the day, then tonight, you can sleep together with her."

"Really?" Rayjin asked.

"Hmm!"

"Your Majesty, my daughter is a willful kid. You don't need to listen to her every demand," Duke Wimark said.

Drayce looked at him. "It's fine, Duke Wimark. I am sure Seren also wants to spend more with her."

Seren looked at Drayce in shock. 'Did he just say my name in front of others or was it my imagination?'

Drayce looked at her. "Am I right, my Queen?"

'No, he didn't call me by my name. I must have heard him wrong.'  However, she did not voice out her true thoughts, and replied with a "Yes, Your Majesty." As they were in front of other people, Seren didn't feel it right to call him by his name.

Drayce looked at Prince Cian. "I believe Prince Cian is comfortable with our kingdom's hospitality."

"Indeed, Megaris has shown particular care to me and my delegation," Cian replied. "It's a massive improvement from my previous visit a couple of years ago, which shows our kingdom's alliance has truly become stronger." He then gave a knowing glance between the royal couple, paying special attention to the conservative choice of clothing that his sister wore today. "I believe all is well in your end? King Drayce has not forgotten the words you have given  my father, right?"

Drayce smirked a little, his tone proud. "If not, I believe Prince Cian would not be able to see his sister this soon. Perhaps you'll wait for a few more days."

The three delegates from Griven understood what they were talking about. Seren only realized their implied meaning after she saw her husband's smug expression. The others could only helplessly shake their heads, not knowing how to react to the meaningful exchange of words between Drayce and Cian. The princes and the duke from Griven could only pity the young woman caught in the middle of the two.

Seren didn't expect them to discuss her like this in the open, and the embarrassment she had earlier returned. Seeing her husband and her brother talk like this, she regretted coming here. She didn't know what to say or how to behave.

"Good to know that King Drayce values the words he had given," Cian said, having an expression of satisfaction on his face.

Seeing that Drayce was about to reply, Arlan could no longer bear it and decided to join them. "You two royals should know better than anyone where to stop. Especially, you, you rascal of a husband. How can you not see your royal wife's discomfort?"

"She will get used to it," Drayce replied as if he wasn't bothered.

Arlan looked at Cian. "You do not have anything to say against this?"

"My sister is too timid. To live with such a man, she needs to get used to it," Cian replied. He faced Seren, sporting an expression of a stern elder brother. "Sister, you are now Queen. Be bolder, and be more fearless. Do not wear your heart on your sleeve. I can't let my sister be dominated by anyone."

"Poor soul," Arlan sighed as he threw a look of pity on Seren's way. "I've felt it before, but you two have some similarities and of the bad kind. It's lucky that you pair of brothers-in-law live in different kingdoms and won't come across each other too often, or else Her Majesty will have to suffer like this every day."

"Worry about yourself," Drayce countered. "Duke Wimark and Marquise Kayden are searching for your betrothed. From what I last heard, isn't your woman lingering in the southern borders of Megaris?"

Arlan pretended disinterest. "You people don't know when to give up."

Ignoring him, Drayce looked at Duke Rhys Wimark. "Any new update?"

"We are expecting to find them soon," the Duke replied.

Drayce looked at Arlan with a sarcastic smile. "Another joyous occasion to celebrate soon."

"Indeed, that's really great news," Cian added as he gave him a teasing smirk.

"Since he's the first son, I wish my brother would get married before me," Lenard added. "That would be perfect in the eyes of our royal parents as well."

Arlan glared at his younger brother. "If you are dying to get married, then do not drag my name into it. Not like I am stopping you. Who says the second son can't marry first?"

Everyone knew how much Arlan was against getting married and others didn't wish to let go of a chance of teasing him.

"Don't be angry at him. Prince Lenard is simply worried about his elder brother who might end up with no wife," Cian teased again.

Arlan offered him a mocking smirk. "Prince Cian, I heard the search for the crown princess of Abetha came to an end. Should I congratulate you for the strengthening of the relationship between Abetha and Othinia?"

Cian's expression darkened as he scoffed. "That's just speculation. Don't let your sources give you wrong information."

"But what's the issue? I heard the Princess of Othinia is among the most desirable princesses across the continent," Prince Lenard wondered out loud.

"Brother Cian, are you getting married?" Seren asked before Cian could reply. She was surprised but happy to hear it.

"No, Seren," Cian replied. "Don't listen to them."

At this moment, the atmosphere inside the dining room looked like that of a family and not of a host and his foreign delegates.