Zerath wasted no time. He grabbed her waist and steadied her on the chair, quickly offering a glass of water, anxiety flickering in his eyes.
"Are you okay?"
Vivia's gaze was unfocused, cold drops of sweat forming on her brows. "Y-Yes…"
"What happened? You were fine just a moment ago."
Lucian glanced at the breakfast plate. "It could be the food, my lord. I suspect it didn't suit the Princess's body."
Zerath paused, then nodded. "You're right. It's her first time having our delicacies - something might have upset her. Summon Sir Doloros at once."
"Yes, my lord."
"No, please," Vivia interjected, the pressure in her chest beginning to ease. "I feel fine now."
"How could that be? You almost fainted."
She shook her head. "I'm really fine now. Trust me."
It happened last night too…this strange burning sensation. It must be because I'm not used to Clairette's body yet, she thought.
Zerath observed her pallor improving and trusting her words, relented. "If you say so…But Chef Andras will strictly prepare your realm's meal for you from now on."
"No, that is too-"
"I won't yield on that," he remained firm.
Vivia helplessly offered a faint smile, then glanced at the man beside him with a wrinkled brow. "He is…?"
"He is Lucian, my trusted aide and advisor who assists me with the realm's affairs," Zerath introduced him.
Lucian bowed. "Greetings, Princess Clairette Emberlain."
Vivia was in awe of his beautiful face. Despite his black hair partially obscuring the right profile of his face, his features radiated elegance and composure. His deep blue eyes watched her closely, quietly evaluating.
Not unfriendly but he is definitely cautious of me…
The breathlessness stirred a dull ache in her head, but she quickly masked it before Zerath could notice.
Lucian said, "The Order awaits you, my lord."
Zerath sighed, troubled, "I hoped I could give you company a while longer, but I'm afraid I've some important matters to attend to."
The country matters I've been waiting for! Finally! Vivia heaved a breath of relief.
"And yes, I forgot to tell you. I've dispatched a letter to the Emberlain kingdom early this morning, informing your father of your situation and safety. We hope to receive a response soon."
Vivia softly bowed. "I'm grateful to the Crown Prince."
His golden eyes softened with a smile. "This much is nothing. Oh and one more thing. May I?"
"Yes?"
She asked, puzzled as he extended his hand. Still unsure, she placed hers in his.
Zerath gently kissed the back of her hand. "I missed to convey my praise earlier as I was distracted by the worry for your health. But you look beautiful, Princess. Demon Realm attire suits you."
Vivia's eyes popped out of her sockets.
D-Did Zerath just kiss my hand?
Suddenly, the daring dress she had so painstakingly forgotten about, returned to the forefront of her mind. Her bare arms and deep neckline brought a deep crimson flush to her face. She wanted nothing more than to sink into the earth.
And this is exactly why I was against this breakfast!
"It will still be a few days before your father's convoy arrives. So it's pointless to hide from me," he smiled warmly.
It irked her.
"Crown Prince Zerath," Vivia maintained her poised smile while gritting her teeth inwardly, "I'm afraid the demons here wouldn't appreciate your proximity with a human so…"
"They wouldn't appreciate knowing that I was mistaken for a grim reaper either, so…" he replied smoothly.
"..."
Is this shameless Crown Prince threatening me?
Zerath laughed heartily. "It's fun to tease Princess. I shall take my leave now. Feel free to explore the palace or visit the courtyard if you wish."
I'll bury your body in that same courtyard! The fire of revenge stoked in her heart.
Zerath left the dining hall with Lucian in tow. After walking some distance, he asked, "You seem to be in a foul mood, Lucian."
Lucian blinked. "There is nothing to be in a foul mood for when my lord simply brought a human into our realm without a permit, and so the Order of the Council is looking forward to eating you alive. What complaints might I possibly have?"
"I think a lot of them," Zerath cheerfully replied.
Lucian stared at him. "Does the human princess interest you?"
"What do you think?"
"Your intentions elude me, my lord."
Zerath smiled again. "The Order will only bark for a while."
"That barking is not good for your position, I'm afraid."
He chuckled. "We'll see."
—
The Order of the Council was an esteemed assembly of ministers, each overseeing a crucial aspect of the Demon Realm's governance.
The Demon Realm King and Zerath's father, Nefarion Rudaheim, presided over the Order's meetings. It was his responsibility to weigh the council's advice on matters concerning the realm's welfare and security. One such urgent meeting had been scheduled today at the last moment.
The ministers were already seated when Zerath entered the hall. Several pairs of eyes turned toward him, their expressions shifting with a sharp scrutiny.
Zerath took the second seat at the end of the long table, the first being reserved for the King.
The bitter gazes and murmurs continued until King Nefarion's presence was announced. The air around the ministers immediately grew tense and they straightened at once, their posture stiff with respect and fear.
The Demon King entered, guarded by two of his most capable royal knights. His piercing gaze settled on Zerath, however, he remained composed. Any lesser demon would have crumbled under the sheer weight of Nefarion's presence.
He raised his palm. "Begin."
The first minister to voice his grievance was the Minister of Law, Balam.
"This is utterly ridiculous, Your Majesty. My lord Zerath has blatantly violated one of the most important laws that ensures our safety! He brought a human into our land without a permit. And not just any human - Princess Clairette of the Emberlain royal family! Who will answer if something happens to her while she's under our protection?"
He shook his head. "If word gets out that the Crown Prince himself broke the law, then how will we enforce it on others? What if this emboldens more demons to smuggle humans into our realm? There must be a limit to recklessness!"
The Minister of War, Gressil, voiced his favor towards Balam's arguments.
"This could escalate into a hostile situation for us too. Will the human king truly believe that Princess Clairette was rescued…or that she was taken hostage?"
Orobas, the Minister of Trade and Commerce, said, his voice clipped and precise. "If it is what Sir Gressil fears, then our peaceful trade relations with the Human Realm could collapse. It doesn't suit the future Demon Realm's King to bring a human into our territory so carelessly. Just what was my lord thinking?"