The Warlock (BxB)

Chapter 45

Logain wasn't in the mood for company, but he wouldn't turn his friends away after they came from the castle to visit him. If it weren't for Casimir, he would have returned to his secluded home where no one would bother him so often. He didn't mind having his friends over, but he would have liked some peace and quiet after his interaction with Amaris. The clergyman left him in a sour mood.

The princess could tell from his face that something was wrong. "Is this a bad time?"

He shook his head. "No, I just had a run-in with Casimir's ex. It was my fault. He was acting suspiciously, so I trailed him, and now I got myself caught up in something."

"I hope he didn't give you a hard time. Were others from the church involved?" From her worried expression, many things were running through the princess's head.

Logain quickly said to ease her worries, "No, at least, I don't think the other man is from the church." He looked around, unwilling to say too much as they stood outside. "Perhaps we should continue this conversation inside. I don't want the wrong people to hear."

The warlock didn't know who was part of the church, and he didn't want to take any risks. He was already worried he was in deep shit for dealing with Amaris today. If the clergyman wanted to, he could have Logain locked up the next time they met. While Ambria protected witches and warlocks, that didn't mean the church would play by the rules. According to them, magic users were an abomination that should be eradicated. They could attempt to get rid of him without the crown knowing.

Once they were safely inside the walls of his house, Logain explained everything to Selene and Sebastian. They listened intently with concerned faces. He knew what they were thinking. Since Logain didn't know the details, he could be walking into a trap. It was obvious that Amaris disliked Logain because of his relationship with the prince. Not only could he have the church turn against him because he was a warlock, but they could attack him for his relationship with Casimir. The High Priestess especially wouldn't be happy if she learned Casimir was dating a warlock. The princess was already ridiculed by the church for being married to Sebastian. It would be worse if Casimir did the same.

After he was done telling them the few details he knew, Sebastian was the first to say, "I don't think this is a good idea. You have no clue what their plan is, and working with Amaris is bad news. Plus, you don't even know this Tristan guy and if he's trustworthy. You don't know his connection to the church or why he wants to take down the High Priestess."

"His curse also sounds very dangerous . . ." Selene added. Learning that Tristan's curse required him to kill people, Selene felt afraid. "It's not safe to get involved with him. What if his plan costs lives?"

"I didn't get that impression. He said the curse was beginning to drain his lifeforce, so he's been holding off from hurting anyone, even if the curse makes it difficult for him. I'm not saying that I trust Tristan, but I don't think he has any ill intentions." Logain also remembered him mentioning he was trying to save someone else's life. He mentioned it briefly, but the warlock caught the small piece of information. From his short conversation with the man, he didn't think he was a bad guy. Looks can be deceiving, though. He would be on his guard the next time he met them.

He understood his friend's concerns, but Logain made up his mind. If things started to get dangerous, then Logain could back out easily. He still had his teleportation magic, after all, even if he still wasn't good at casting the spell. He was getting better at it after practicing with Casimir. Perhaps next time he tried, he wouldn't need the prince's assistance.

Finally, Logain's eyes landed on the box that Sebastian was holding. It was a large box wrapped neatly in red paper with a pink ribbon. Curiously, he asked, "What's in the box?"

Obviously, whatever was inside was meant for him, or else his friends wouldn't have paid him a visit. He only just gave Casimir his measurements the other night, so he was surprised that Selene could have finished his outfit this quickly. The princess had been testing her skills in sewing, and the warlock could tell by the look on her face that she was excited for Logain to see what was inside. Her face lit up when he questioned the box, but Sebastian, on the other hand, looked nervous. The other warlock shifted awkwardly back and forth on his feet as he held the box out for Logain to take.

Logain took the object from his hand and placed it on the table. Selene couldn't contain her excitement as she stood close and waited for Logain to open his present. Carefully, he undid the ribbon and paper, then took the lid off. After removing some tissue paper, Logain was confused by the fabric he saw beneath.

The warlock touched the silky pink fabric, then nervously took the contents out of the box. The outfit felt heavy in his hands, and he blushed when he unraveled the rest of the outfit.

"S-Selene! I-I can't possibly wear this to the ball!" Logain was in disbelief as he held the dress in his hands. For a moment, he thought this was a joke or that the princess had gotten the outfit mixed up.

However, the princess wore a devious smile. "Casimir is supposed to find a bride during the ball, so I'm providing him the opportunity to make you his while fooling our parents. If you dress up as a woman, the king and queen won't say no. They'll just be happy that my dear brother finally found himself a wife."

Logain couldn't believe his ears. Now he knew what the princess was up to when she asked for his measurements. He looked at Sebastian for some assistance, but his friend awkwardly glanced away, unwilling to speak up against his wife. Logain didn't know how he would get out of his one.

When she saw his reluctance, Selene pouted at him. "Please, Logain. I know this is a lot to ask, but it's for Casimir's happiness. He's been miserable ever since Mom and Dad told him he needs to find a bride. This will be the only time I ask you to wear a dress. After this, we'll figure out how to handle my parents."

"D-does Casimir know about this?" Logain's face was on fire. Perhaps the prince was on board with this ridiculous idea.

Selene chuckled. "He has no clue. It's going to be a surprise."

If it was to help Casimir, Logain was willing to do this. He wondered how the prince would react seeing Logain dressed up like this, but it was embarrassing to think about. With a deep breath, Logain agreed. "Fine, but you owe me so much for this."

Hearing him agree made the princess smile once more. She was back to her happy self as she hugged him tightly. "Thank you! Casimir is going to be shocked, but this will make him so happy. He won't be forced to marry someone he doesn't love now. I will visit the day of the ball to help you prepare. You're going to look so pretty once I'm done with you."

Thinking about the ball made him nervous, and wearing a dress only made the situation more embarrassing. However, if this was the way to earn Casimir's happily ever after, then he would go through with this. He would suck it up and wear the dress to the ball.

Before he knew it, the day of the ball had arrived.