Chapter 14.

A man from Dragon's guard came as Master Valentine left his study. With a straight face he halted as his eyes fell on Master Valentine and he bowed.

"Yes?" Valentine asked.

The man with tall build and bald head said, "The informer has arrived in the town."

"Will he not come here?" 

"He said he won't step inside the castle ground as usual. But he would give the information with a good price."

Master Valentine hummed. The informer was always like this. Without a good prize, he would not spill any vegetables from his basket. Master Valentine could have sent his men to retrieve information regarding The Flame Queen but if anyone got the inkling about it then the things could get complicated. He hadn't talked anything regarding the bride exchange to the crown prince nor the younger prince, he had sent one of his secret informers. This time, he had to rely on him as it was a special. He also had sent out his informers to the Waternation with the message that Seraphina had given earlier to deliver it to the real human princess. He had allowed it because he wanted to know what condition the human princess was in. Doing all this work without the knowledge of the Princes was risky and if they got to hear about it, it might also raise questions on his loyalty but he has to do all that he could for the wellbeing of his country.

For years, Master Valentine had served the Dragons with valuable information mostly secrets and weaknesses about outside countries even the inside political affairs had reached his ears because of his secret informers. In his forty years of service, he had gathered valuable assets from the shadows. 

"Where is he staying this time?" 

"In the town of Rockmond."

The town is busy with its Market and the informer had always preferred crowdy or shady places to do negotiations.

He must have chose Rockmond so that he could vanish into the crowd and no one would notice him talking with anyone. The person wasn't the usual social type and mostly hid in the shadows. Master Valentine found him a very reliable source as his information never turns out to be wrong. But it sure came with a hefty price every time. 

"Alright." Valentine said and the guard bowed again before departing.

He had to meet him before anything happens or the imposter wizard do something to the Prince, he had to rely on the informer.

As he took a turn he saw Princess Seraphina approaching.

"Ah! Master Valentine," she greeted him and her grin said she had something up her sleeves.

"Yes, princess Seraphina, did you want something?" He asked politely.

"Well, I was thinking of going to visit the town."

"For what purpose?"

"Err... Nothing particularly."

"Well, if you want something, I can ask someone to fetch it for you."

"No. I want to visit it myself."

Master Valentine resisted the urge to arch his brow as he wondered the reason for her suddenly deciding to visit the town. Had she been planning something? 

Her face said she had something more to say. 

"And, can I...can I take the young Prince with me?"

Colour drained from Master Valentine's face as various notions ran through his mind but he had mastered not to show anything. Even though the wizard had saved his prince the other day, it could have been a plan to get close to him. 

But she hadn't done anything to the prince while he was weak in his chamber, the voice inside of his head said. Maybe she knew it wasn't going to be easy to run away from the castle. 

He was confused as he could not gather something that could hint she was doubtful but at the same time, she was a wizard which defeated every positive things he was coming up with.

"Why?" He asked as politely as possible, hoping his doubts didn't show on his voice.

"Well, he always stays in his room. So, it would be great to change the air sometimes."

"Did he say he'll go with you?" 

"I didn't ask him yet. I meant to take the first Prince's permission first." 

Master Valentine shook his head as Seraphina raised a brow.

"Prince Billard won't allow it," he said.

"But why?" Her face fell. Valentine knew Young Prince would refuse to go as he despised the pitiful looks on him and besides, he had always stayed behind close doors, he didn't like to interact with people. 

"Two reasons: one, his life is in danger, two, he hasn't been out in the town before."

"That's more reason he should go. And besides, I would be there to protect him. Nobody will know about the secret bodyguard."

He observed her face carefully trying to find some ulterior motives but couldn't. 

"I will ask His Highness."

The grin which had vanished a seconds ago returned and she spun on her heels and left as if her body was swaying in the air. Was she that happy?

Master Valentine went to the crown Prince's study chamber. He would always find him there as Prince Billard liked to bury himself in work. Sometimes, he worried as Billard tended to overwork himself saying he can't leave a work without completing. Poor Zenith must be very lonely.

As he entered, Billard asked without looking at him, "Yes, Master Valentine?"

He bowed.

"Princess Seraphina had asked for your permission to take the young Prince to the town."

Billard didn't say anything then his pen stopped as he tilted his head at him. It took a few moments to grasp Master Valentine's words and he asked, "Am I hearing right? What did Demian say?"

"He hasn't been informed, your Highness. Princess Seraphina asked your permission first."

"You know, Master Valentine, I would likely to suggest against it. It's too dangerous for Prince Demian to go outside of the castle. If the word about his curse spread across the country, it would be difficult to save him."

Master Valentine nodded. He had already known Prince Billard would be saying these exact words.

"If Princess Seraphina wants to tour the town, she may go. But I won't allow Demian." He took his pen and begin his work, "Not until the curse is lifted."

"Indeed, Your Highness."

Master Valentine left and saw Princess Seraphina was already there, her eyes filled with hope and happiness, staring at him. It was almost difficult to break it to her but it was for the best.

"I apologise for His Highness hasn't given his permission. But he said, you may take a tour. I will assign a few trusted attendant—"

"No need." 

Seraphina spun on her heels and Master Valentine sighed. It must be boring for the wizard to stay in the castle all day long. 

***

Demian sat in his study room and revising a paper regarding the matters of the dispute among the Northern nations when he heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." 

Soft footsteps entered through the door and he was well aware of who it would be.

He tilted his head as his eyes found Seraphina in a green gown matching her eyes. Her hair had already tied down in a braid however her unruly curls strands left it and fell on her face. She had a grin plastered on her face and he knew, she was up to something.

"What do you want?"

"Um... would you like to go for a stroll?" 

"I am busy." He bagan his work.

"Hey, I just wanted to go to the town."

"Fine. Go then." 

He could feel the princess shaking in her place as anger radiated from her skin.

"But I wanted to take you too." 

Demian placed the papers on the table and finally gave his attention to her. "Well, I am not allowed to go outside if it's not for any urgent need and I would suggest the same thing for you too. It would be dangerous for you as well."

Seraphina's face twisted as if she was pouting and he could not understand what happened to her all of a sudden? Until a few hours ago, anger was something that came first from her mouth before a word could and now she was acting differently. What was in the town that she wanted to go so desperately?

Demian's lips pursed in a thin line, "I will have to ask my brother—

"I have already asked him. So, let's get going." 

He raised a brow. That was something unexpected. "He said yes?"

"What do you think he said?" She asked and added, "Will you hurry up and come? Otherwise, we will return really late."

"You're lying." He said eyeing her and she blinked before raising her eyebrows.

"Why would you think I'm lying?" 

"Because His Highness would never allow me to leave the castle, besides," He leaned back, "I myself have no intention of going out. I am working so you could go all by yourself."

He turned his attention back to the stack of papers, "Fine, I'll go alone. And if something happens to me like, if someone kidnaps me or kills me then who do you think will be responsible?" 

"It doesn't concern me, it is your decision to go to the town so you'll be receiving the result of your decision." He knew if he gave any attention to her demands then she wouldn't take long to try and dominate him. And he would never let that happen.

"Fine, then. If any of that happens then, your prestige as a Dragon Prince will be gone too." His eyes paused on a line, "If a Dragon Prince cannot protect his human wife then, how would he be able to protect his subjects?" 

This sly little witch! 

Demian knew she was trying to provoke him by using these words purposely, but whatever she said was true. With his brother's coronation being close if this human princess was abducted or worse killed then it would create a blotch on their name. He gritted his teeth and stood up.

"I can't go in the town, the people will recognise me quickly and that would create problems. It would attract the attackers." He said and she smiled, somehow that smile didn't feel like a good thing. 

"I have a solution for that."

***

Demian coughed and asked in gritted teeth, "Why am I wearing a peasant's clothes?"

"It's just a cloak."

"Peasant's cloak."

"No, a shop keeper's cloak to protect him from sun rays."

"That's not the point!" He lashed out as they walked towards many houses that were set in a large opening, there was a well in the center and people were walking around some carrying loads on their shoulders or backs.

Being in a familiar looking environment made Seraphina nostalgic and she saw many children playing about. She grinned as she walked towards them.

"Where are you going?" Demian asked.

"To make friends, want to come along?" She asked and he scoffed, she shrugged her shoulders and walked up to the children.

"Hey there, folks!" She said in her casual tone which she missed so much. The kids stopped and looked at her.

"Ay, who are you?" The snotty looking boy asked.

"Yeah, never seen you around." The one who seemed shorter than other asked.

"Are you a traveller?" The girl with two pigtails asked.

"Well, you can say I stay here but I live a little far from here." Seraphina said hiding that fact that she was from the Royal family. She didn't want to scare away the kids.

"Then why'd you come here?" The snotty kid asked.

"Well, I was so bored at my place as it is only me and," She turned to look at Demian who stood leaning against a tree at a distance watching them, "De- Danny. We don't have any friends so, I decided that today I will make some new friends." 

"That's pretty easy!"

"Yeah."

"Hey, do you know how to use a sword?" The snooty kid asked.

"Yes, a little." Seraphina said.

"That's good, if you want to learn some tricks I'll teach you. My father is a dragon soldier." He proudly announced.

"And Thea's mother makes the best apple pie in the world!" The slightly round kid said. Seraphina smiled and the pigtailed girl jumped up at down.

"So, will you be my friends?" Seraphina asked and the kids grinned.

"Sure!" They cheered and Seraphina smiled.

"I'm Sera. What are your names?" She asked.

"I'm Gerth." The snotty boy said.

"I'm Thea." The pigtailed girl said.

"I'm Bert." The small boy said.

"I'm Aoro." The round one said and the other kids told their names, Seraphina smiled wholeheartedly and then looked back at Demian who seemed so lonely standing there alone and then she looked at the kids.

"Hey guys, as your friend, can I ask for a favour?"

The kids listened attentively, "Danny there is actually quite shy and nobody ever talks to him so, will you help him out? He will try to threaten and well, he is a little rude but he's a really good person. He's just lonely so, can you make him play with you guys?" 

Seraphina saw as the kids went and started dragging Demian towards her, he shouted and thrashed and threatened yet, the kids didn't budge. It was about time the caged prince would know that he was free to open his wings. She saw as they all included him in playing and how slowly he opened up and started playing along. Seraphina raised her eyebrows as she caught Demian smiling and even laughing as he chased after the kids and fell on the ground but then got back up and resumed playing. He seemed like any ordinary kid like this. Why? Why would his life be cursed?

After playing a lot Seraphina started feeling hungry, so, she decided that they would go to the market to eat their lunch. She called Demian and the kids over and told them that they were leaving. The kids seemed crestfallen at that announcement and tried to hold them back but somehow on a promise that they would return, (a word coming even from Demian) they left that place and walked towards the market.

The Rockmond market had a series of open headed shops in every lane. The noise around was as if bees buzzed around flowers and Seraphina felt somehow relaxed however, beside her the small entity in a large cloak grumbled.

"Tell me why do we not have any attendants with us?" He asked although Seraphina was certain he had already found out why. Because they snuck out of the castle.

"Ah! The food!" Seraphina avoided his question and took his hand in hers as she guided him to a small diner. She could hear him grinding his teeth.

"Yes, young miss, what would you like to have?" A middle aged woman asked as they took their seats. Seraphina inhaled deeply feeling the bliss travelling down from her nostrils till her stomach. She was glad she hasn't wore any of the princess's dress or corset it was a simple dress which would allow her to eat as much as she could.

"Ah, what do we have here?" Her eyes fell on something which made her almost cry out, "Spicy chicken, pork belly, hamburger, smoked duck and also shrimp noodle salad, black bean noodles, fish curry and Rice, for two, please." She felt as if she hadn't eaten for a long time.

"I'm not eating anything." Demian said and she looked at him.

"Staying hungry isn't good. You can eat as much as you want." She grinned and he scowled at her.

"I don't eat like a famish ogre if you want you can eat everything you want. I will not eat anything."

"Fine, your loss." Seraphina shrugged, "Excuse me, please make my order only for one."

"Right away."

"Why have you brought me out here?" He asked looking at the crowd and she followed his gaze.

"Well, have you ever been out like this without your attendants or guards?" She asked and he looked at her.

"No, I am a Prince and I require the assistance when I am out in the open." He said and she smiled.

"For now, let us assume that you are not a Prince but you are only a simple boy of thirteen."

"That's impossible!" He thundered and she placed her hand on his shoulder pushing him down as he almost stood up.

"I asked you to only assume it. Just forget about all those political affairs and disputes and the work and for one day live as your age." She said and he huffed.

"You're delusional."

"Well, if being delusional makes me happy then I am delusional." She said.

The woman returned back with tray full of food and started placing it on the table before Seraphina and Demian. Seraphina eyed the food with stars in her eyes and as soon as the lady left she dug in. Demian eyed her as she was literally eating like a grizzly out of hibernation. She felt his eyes on her and looked up with a piece of meat in her hand, he made a face and she smiled and moaned with pleasure as she chewed and swallowed each bite. She knew he would eat now or later but he would have to be quick before she finished everything.

"Are you really not going to eat any of this?" She asked and he crossed his arms over his chest.

"I don't eat the commoner's food." His stomach grumbled and Seraphina smiled as she grabbed the fork and wrapped the noodles around it and shoved it in Demian mouth.

"What the–" He almost shouted but closed his mouth and the flavor settled on his tongue. For a moment he felt he'd lost in the world of spices.

"It's-It's good." He said, Seraphina knew getting an appraisal out of his mouth was like pulling teeth but the stars in his eyes gave her his answer.

"Isn't it? Here taste this." She stabbed a small piece of the spicy chicken and held it before his mouth. He eyed her warily before he ate it and his eyes widened as the piquancy coated his tongue.

"Holy Dragons! It's so spicy!" He cried out blowing his tongue and Seraphina laughed.

"It's called Spicy chicken for a reason." 

"I'll eat myself. I don't want you to feed me." He said and picked up the spoon and fork and started eating.

Seraphina ordered seconds and Demian ate heartily. The more Demian ate, the more he became shocked. Seraphina could not help but find it adorable.

As they left the diner after filling their stomachs, she led the Prince to another stall. It had various sculptures in small shapes. 

"What is this?" Demien asked, his brows furrowed in confusion but the glint in his eyes never faded. He was curious.

"Clay pots and figures. They are adorable, aren't they?" She asked and Demian turned his face. Probably he was shy or embarrassed. 

They wandered around the whole market and suddenly a movement caught Seraphina's eyes. She felt as if someone was watching them. And she went to the young prince, shielding his back. Somehow, she had been feeling this after they left the diner.

Was someone following them? 

"What is that?" Demian suddenly asked and took her hand to lead her through the crowd. But before they could reach their destination Seraphina sensed something rushing through the air.

She pushed the prince away and looked back but, it was too late as an arrow had already made its way to her skin.