The Dragon's Consortium 2

67 - King versus Grand Duke

Cain Dragvern - POV;

"I would humbly like to extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you gathered here on this day. Oakhevia welcomes all with open arms and I do truly hope that everyone can settle comfortably during each of your stays, no matter how short they may be," the Oakhevian King terminated his official greeting to the other high members of the Tridom Alliance. He shook his head in approval and took his seat slowly.

"Princess, if I may be so bold, could I ask for what reason you stand here in the place of the Queen, your mother?" the Dropavean King inquired.

"Mother is not in the best of health at the moment. On top of this, she is expecting her second child and so we deemed it impossible for her to endure the stress of attending today. Please accept her apologies," Amelia bowed slightly.

"Ah, I see. Then if you would extend our heartiest congratulations from Dropavell, I would appreciate that," he said.

"Of course. I will deliver your message to her upon our return," Amelia assured.

"Grand Duke Cain, you seem rather tense. Is something the matter?" the Oakhevian King interrogated me with a sly grin.

"That's rich coming from the one who is actively trying to frame Draedian's recent incidents on us," I scoffed.

"Cain!" Amelia nudged me in the stomach as she whispered.

"I don't know what you speak of," the Oakhevian King feigned ignorance.

"Of course you don't. Is that why you hid the 'evidence' from us coward!" I growled.

His expression changed immediately into something more sinister.

"Of course I had to conceal it! We can't trust a blood thirsty beast like yourself! Especially after that no good, traitorous dog, Soterios Dragvern, attacked us without reason!" the Oakhevian King stood up and shouted.

"Don't you talk about him like that!" I bellowed.

"And here we go. The little fool of a brother stands up for his fuck-up of an older sibling!" he spat.

"You piece of shit!" I barked rushing at him. I grabbed the King by the collar and slammed him against the wall.

"Cain!" Amelia screamed.

The King's guards drew their swords as they stood by while Sana prepared her incantations to strike at a moment's notice.

"What are you going to do now Draconic scum? Kill me? Go ahead! Send our people to war!" the Oakhevian King snickered.

"I just might!" I grit my teeth together.

"Gentlemen, stop this nonsense!" the Dropavean King intervened, "We have convened here in order to discuss the future of an entire Kingdom reclaimed from the enemy as well as the aftermath of one of the most important wars in all of Uradoran history! We cannot sfford for this level of immaturity, especially being displayed by the leaders of these two great nations!"

"Cain! Stand down this moment! Leave the room this instant!" Amelia commanded.

"That's funny. The last time I checked the Grand Duke held greater power than a petty princess!" The words escaped my mouth automatically.

Amelia and Sana both gasped loudly at my response. Amelia clenched her fist and glared at me angrily before storming out of the room angrily. Sana spun around and hurried behind her but not before sternly signalling me to not follow.

I let go of the King's apparel and took a step back, staring at my reflection in a nearby mirror. My eyes had become draconic without my realisation and I knew that something was seriously wrong. This meant that the innate hate within me was merging into my own personality. Perhaps the Wyrm and I were even becoming one.

"As things have played out currently it is probably best that we stop for today. Let us disband for now in order to collect our thoughts. With everything that has occurred in the last few years as well as current incidences of accusations and mass treason, there in a powerful tension choking the very air around us. It is understandable that circumstances have resulted in a number of parties being stressed and this can lead to often hasty and rash decisions. Let us go and clear up our heads for now and fix any loose links so that we may successfully reconvene at a future date to determine the outcome of the matter at hand," The Dropavean King suggested. We agreed unanimously.

* * * *

I had taken a long time to return to our temporary abode while we were stationed in Oakhevia. Even after I had reached the doors, I proceeded to loiter outside for well over thirty minutes. Eventually, I worked up the courage and stepped forward to knock on the wooden structure.

"I wouldn't do that if I was you," a soft, high-pitched voice warned.

I jumped back and looked in the direction to see Cecil fluttering about.

"Sana had told me to stop you before you tried to come into the room again. It's a mess inside there with the mashup of anger and sadness being thrown around. You probably shouldn't even let Princess Amelia see your face for a while," Cecil added.

"Heh, I guess not. Perhaps I will take a stroll through the area. Even during my time living in Oakhevia, we never did visit the capital that often. I've only been here about three times then and those visits were business centred. It's a shame really. The Heart is a beautiful place!"

"Then I'll join you in that case! You need a friend to accompany you right?" Cecil seemed excited.

We wandered the plaza aimlessly as we engaged in casual talk in order to pass the time.

"You know, I never had time to say it before so let me now. Thank you for defending me when Sana found out that I had stowed away. I know you all are looking out for me but I couldn't be left out of this trip! I had to see the wonders of the other kingdoms which I have heard so much of with my own eyes!" Cecil showed her gratitude shyly.

"It's alright," I laughed, "Sana can be pretty harsh with disobedience. That said, her heart lies in the right place. She has made mistakes that nearly cost my brother's relationships etcétera, but she is just a kind soul."

"We have breaking news coming out of Yanukar regarding the recent war that has broken out near the southern edge of the continent." A news story began to play on the nearby M.P.B. (Magic Powered Broadcaster).

"Prince Cecil Valerio of the Zuinia Empire, an unbeatable force of that kingdom that has struck fear into all enemies, has gone missing following the recent conflict between the Vajra Dynasty and their own Kingdom. This has sparked  mass debate across the world with many theorising the powerful prince to have fallen in the crossfire. The Regalbane are apparently leading the search for the missing prince but with the health of the current King Valerio still deteriorating rapidly worry has overcome the nation as to the future of their kingdom. According to an inside source, should the Prince fail to reappear soon, then his younger brother, Prince Judas Valerio, shall take the place as heir to the throne. We will bring further updates as they surface."

I found myself lost in the announcement. Yanukar was certainly in a bad place as Pegasus had stated. Perhaps it would be beneficial if we were to approach and befriend one of the kingdoms on that neighbouring continent.

"Hey! Hey, listen to me!" Cecil was angrily tugging at my shirt.

"Hmm. What is it?" I asked the pouting fairy.

"Well i was mentioning how cool it was that the prince from the news had the same name as me," she grumbled, "but that doesn't matter anymore. Now I want food!"

She pointed to an especially expensive restaurant located across the plaza.

"Alright, alright. I owe you for coming on this date with me," I smiled.

"D-d-d-d-date?! W-wait-!"

I ignored the fairy and walked to the establishmen laughing inside.