The Dragon King's Heart

Ever since the invitation had arrived, Laina had been counting down the days to her departure. Once again, just like last time, she ensured all of her work was done to the best of her abilities before she was set to take her leave. 

She had asked Colette to come along for the trip but the young child politely declined, citing a strong fear of dragons as her excuse. Laina did not think too much of it, though she did her best to persuade the child. 

"At this point, you might as well bring your entire wardrobe with you," Dante chuckled. 

The Crown Princess and the King had been in communication through the special pendant ever since the invitation arrived. Laina fussed over every single detail, wanting to make herself look as presentable as she could during her time in Dracona. 

She did not want to disappoint or embarrass Dante. Everything had to be perfect. They would be out in public together, attending various functions and events. Laina grinned as she walked over to see the options of clothing she had set out. 

"You might be right, I should just bring everything with me," Laina muttered as she ran her hands through some of the outfits she had picked out. 

"Or, you can choose not to wear anything," Dante added cheekily. 

"Dante! There are other people around!" Laina exclaimed with embarrassment as she glanced over to Margaret for a quick second, then back at him. 

Margaret grinned as she covered her ears and chimed as she turned around to face another direction, "I didn't hear anything."

Kol, on the other hand, simply averted his gaze to the side. He pretended as if he had not heard any of the conversations. But it was clear from where Laina stood, he was attempting to stifle his laughter. 

"I can't wait to see you, my dear. No matter what you choose to wear, I am almost certain it would be absolutely stunning," Dante reminded her, "I have to go now, royal duties await."

Laina let out a sigh, "Alright, talk to you later."

As the call ended, Laina walked over to her bed and laid down. She placed her arm over her eyes. Despite Dante's assurance, she was still worried sick about everything. Titan climbed up her bed and shadowed over her. 

He licked her cheek until Laina took notice of him. 

"Oh Titan," Laina reached out her hands to cup the face of her beloved pet. 

"Perhaps I should have you pick my outfits for me," she joked as she gently booped his nose. 

Margaret walked over to Laina's side to offer a suggestion, "Perhaps a short tea break will help clear your mind?"

Laina looked over to her handmaid, "You, my dear, are a miracle worker. Tea break it is!" 

The handmaid got to work immediately, calling for the Royal kitchen to make preparations immediately. Soon, a spread of tea and snacks were brought into the Crown Princess's room ready for her to enjoy. 

Laina invited Margaret and Kol to enjoy it with her around the table. It was too boring and lonely to enjoy it on her own after all. Just as Laina was about to take her first sip of tea, she quickly placed it down as she turned to Kol. 

"I've been meaning to ask, how is Prince Florin as of late? Is he recovering well?"

Kol nodded, "He's doing well. His wound has fully recovered."

"Oh, in that case, have him join us for tea. We have more than enough to go around anyway," Laina suggested. 

She took a quick look around the room before turning back to the table, "We can get the place set up so that he would be comfortable."

Kol got up from his seat and did as Laina asked. He went through the secret passageway to return to his room. When he got there, his first instinct was to turn to his bed as Florin would usually be resting at this hour. 

When he realized he was not there, he noticed a lit candle in the room. Tracing the source of the light, he saw Prince Florin relaxing on a chair with a book in his hands. 

"Kol? You're back from your duties?" Florin asked as he closed the book in his hands. 

Kol quickly explained why he was here, and Laina's invitation. This caught the vampire prince a little off guard, but he gladly accepted it. Together with Kol, they returned to Laina's quarters. Laina and Margaret had drawn all the curtains in the room, making sure not a single ray of sunlight could get in. 

For extra protection, Laina cast a spell of protection in the room as well. They lit up the fireplace and had candles to light up the room. 

"Ah, Prince Florin," Laina welcomed him as they entered, "Come, join us at the table." 

"A candle-lit tea session? This is the first time I've seen anything like this," Prince Florin remarked as he took his seat. 

"It's a first for us too," Laina replied with a smile as she poured him a fresh cup of tea. 

As Kol and Margaret joined them at the table, Florin was a little surprised. Back in Sanguim, social classes were a strict code to follow. If this were to happen there, Kol and Margaret would have been executed. 

"Princess Laina, may I ask a question?" Florin asked as he took a sip of his tea. 

"Ask away."

"Why are Kol and Margaret allowed to join us at the table for tea?" he tried his best to carefully phrase his question, but there was no easy way around it 

He could see the change in expression on Kol and Margaret's faces. Was the vampire prince offended by this? Laina was surprised by his question too. Realizing his question might have been a little out of the blue, he quickly explained the customs back in Sanguim which led him to his question. 

Laina never really thought much of it before. At least, not until Florin brought it up. As she took a bite of a sandwich she had on her plate, she pondered over his question. 

"Kol did mention to me what had happened with the Nobles of the High Court, so social classes do exist in Kinshearth. Yet as the future monarch, you do not uphold these traditions and rules of society?" Florin asked. 

He immediately realized how straightforward his question was, but did not apologize for it. He was genuinely curious.