Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

Meanwhile, Slayer had cleared the ropes from the floor. "Please watch your steps, Your Majesty. The floorboards are slippery."

"Thank you, Sir Calhoun."

Seren thought that Slayer would leave after that, but to her surprise, the knight remained kneeling on one knee by her feet.

With his head lowered in front of the Queen, Slayer spoke quietly, "Your Majesty...?"

"Yes, Sir Calhoun?"

"I wish to apologize for not being able to protect you when you were staying at the Crystal Palace," Slayer answered.

That incident was still affecting Slayer. To think that in his presence, the Queen was abducted when Drayce had clearly trusted him to look after his wife's security, it greatly wounded his conscience. Though the enemies were supernatural beings, he could not stop blaming himself for not being able to do anything.

Worse, he didn't even know she was abducted until she returned. So careless and clueless!

Seren looked at the apologetic man. To her, Calhoun Sanders had always looked so strong and proud, but now, he looked so fragile with his head lowered to seek an apology from her. The knight's pride must have truly hurt at his failure to keep his promise to his liege.

"Sir Calhoun, you don't need to apologize," Seren started, her voice soft. "I don't doubt your sincerity, ability and will to protect me. The means the enemies used were beyond expectations, so it was not your fault. They weren't even humans to begin with. If they were ordinary humans, I believed they would have faced your sword even before reaching me."

"Your Majesty, it does not ease my guilt. I failed to protect you. Blame me for failing my responsibility..."

"Sir, if there is anyone to blame, it should be me. It is I who left the safety of the Crystal Palace. I fell for their trick and followed the illusion thinking it was Dray. If I weren't so stupid, I should have doubted about how my husband could suddenly appear in the middle of the night and why would he lead me to a dark and dangerous forest."

"Your Majesty..."

Seren continued to speak, "But I do not choose to wallow in self criticism. It was a good lesson for me, and I won't repeat the same mistake again."

"Your Majesty, you are my saviour. You saved me when I was going to die. This knight gives you his words that if you ever face danger in the future, I will protect you even at the cost of my life. Just like I stand for the King, I will be loyal to you and protect you like you are my own liege."

Seren didn't know why he said she saved his life but responded in kind, "I believe you will, Sir Calhoun. Dray always says what belongs to him belongs to me as well--that includes this kingdom and its subjects. So his loyal knight is my person as well and I will gladly let you protect me. Just like my husband trusts you, I trust you the same."

Slayer was overwhelmed by her words. "Thank you for giving me another chance, Your Majesty."

Seren offered him a light nod, her soft smile hidden behind her veil, as she watched him stand up with a more confident look.

"Please enjoy the view. I will leave you alone then."

Seren permitted him and she continued her way to stand near the edge of the ship, her hands resting on the railing. Slayer bowed and left without a word, not willing to disturb her peaceful time.

Slayer went towards the starboard side of the ship before moving towards where Drayce and Captain Bennett were. He did not climb the steps towards the helm but rather, grabbed one of the ropes connected to the first mast supporting the sail of the ship, and used that to swing his body like that of an experienced sailor. His actions were smooth as if it was nothing much for him. He landed on the base of the mast by Drayce's side while still holding onto the rope in one hand.

Slayer said nothing as he continued to look ahead, seemingly content to stand beside his liege. Drayce pulled the binocular away and put his hand on his knight's shoulder.

"Feeling better now?" Drayce asked.

Slayer had expected Drayce's sharp senses to clearly capture the entire conversation between him and Seren despite the noise of the wind and waves.

The knight took in a deep breath. "But still, I won't be completely fine unless I get their blood on my sword."

"Won't be too long," Drayce replied. He knew Slayer would not forget his failure to protect the Queen even though there was nothing he could do.

"By noon, the waves would be rougher. The journey won't be as smooth as now," Drayce informed him.

"Her Majesty looks fine so far, but it is possible she will get seasick once the sea becomes rough. Unfortunately, we cannot even confirm until it happens since this is her first time travelling by sea."

Drayce was aware of it as well. "Let her be for now. Once she feels sick, I will have her stay in the cabin on the lowest deck."

The best cabin location for those worried about motion and seasickness was the one midship on a low deck, and those rooms were precisely the lodging prepared for the royal couple.

"Where is the elf Yorian?" Slayer asked as he couldn't see him around.

Draven gestured for him towards a certain direction. There was a growing dot in the distance,  an island far though still somewhat visible from the ship.

Slayer understood but he was a little shocked. "He went to that island? Your kind sure are crazies."

Drayce chuckled, "Want to be one?"

"With my King adamant on being human, then I should be happy with what I am already--a human," Slayer said, putting pressure on the last word as he offered a mocking smile to Drayce.

Drayce sighed. "Good for you."