The Devil's Cursed Witch

As per the King's order, Leeora was summoned to the palace. Although the elderly elf didn't know what had happened, since the King had suddenly asked for her presence without telling her the reason, worry filled her mind. She guessed that it must be something related to Ember, or else, the King would not have asked for her to come at once.

Meanwhile, Draven left Ember to her servants after she had calmed down, asking Yula to pay special attention to her well-being before heading to his study. Staying by her side was not good for him as his self-control wasn't strong enough to withstand prolonged exposure to her and her scent.

When Leeora arrived in the palace, she was escorted by Erlos to his master's study. She greeted the King who was solemnly sitting in his chair, his face showing traces of exhaustion, looking like many things were going on in his mind. It was a rare sight to see. Draven always acted cold, his handsome face never giving out a hint of what goes in his mind, but today, his expressionless mask had cracked.

As usual, the elegant elf bowed to him in courtesy. "Leeora of the Wood Elf Clan greets King Draven, the ruler of Agartha."

Draven wordlessly looked at her and gestured to her to have a seat.

"Is everything alright, Sire?" Leeora asked, feeling worried after some time had passed yet the King remained quiet. "Am I correct to say the reason I'm called is because of Ember?"

Draven gave a terse nod as he explained the incident from the balcony to Leeora.

She was obviously shocked to hear it. "How did that happen? Why did she suddenly try this on her own?"

"That we will know once that eagle arrives," Draven commented, and the next moment, his powers felt a familiar presence approaching. The frown lines on his forehead deepened. "He is here."

Just as he said it, Morpheus barged inside Draven's study from its door without letting Erlos announce his arrival.

Erlos scowled at the newcomer. "So disrespectful!"

Morpheus stopped and turned to look at Erlos who was standing by the door of the study with crossed arms. "Hey, kid, your master's hearing sense is faster than you. Why don't you run along now and bring in refreshing drinks and snacks for your master's important guests?"

"Whatever!" Erlos rolled his eyes and was about to close the door behind him, only to stop as if he recalled something. He pointedly looked at Morpheus and Draven. "This kid won't be cleaning your mess so you better act like adults. Hmph, I don't even get any day off or rewards..." he muttered, his words directed towards Draven for not giving him a day off when the other male servants got it. "...if I see any mess, I will leave this palace, never to return again..."

His muttered words and the way he stormed off shocked not only Draven, but also Morpheus and Leeora as well. For the two guests, as frequent visitors of the palace, they were quite familiar with the young elf's temper. Did the King somehow wrong his servant?

"What happened to this child?" Leeora was stunned, still staring at the door even after Erlos was gone.

Morpheus smiled teasingly and shrugged. "Rest assured, Leeora. It's probably just puberty hitting him hard."

Leeora simply shook her head, not knowing what to say, while Draven had remained silent the entire time behind his desk, glaring daggers at this daring eagle who didn't look even a bit apologetic for messing up with Ember and her powers.

"Oh, I am humbled to be in the presence of Your Majesty." Morpheus gave a small bow despite his exaggerated tone of courtesy; it was clear that he didn't mean it from his heart. He walked towards the lounge but didn't sit on any of the couches. "I believe Your Majesty won't ask me to sit, yes?"

"Good that you know your place," Draven countered.

"My place is out there in nature, in the forest and the sky, unlike a certain man who enjoys royalty," Morpheus added. "This stone palace is really stuffy. Don't you think so, Leeora?"

Leeora sighed as she looked at Divine Eagle. "Morpheus, I do not expect you to behave, but try not to provoke a fight. I believe we are called here to discuss important matters."

"Fine!" Morpheus could not go against Leeora's words. Moreover, he wanted to talk about Ember and that incident as well.

She could not say anything to the King but she could at least try to stop Morpheus and she did. "Now, accompany this lady and sit here." She patted the empty seat nearest to her.

Despite shaking his head, Morpheus sat in the chair next to her.

"What exactly happened before I arrived?" Draven asked.

Morpheus let out a lopsided smirk. "That's your first question? I am surprised you are not asking what I was doing there in the first place."

"I know how shameless you are to do what you have asked not to, so better jump to the point. I don't have time to waste with you." Draven showed him a mocking glare. "If you can understand, I need to go to my mate as I can't leave her alone when she is not well."

His last words made Morpheus feel bitter and that teasing smirk disappeared from his lips. 'His mate, huh? Of course...'

"What exactly happened before I arrived?" Draven repeated his question.

Morpheus got hold of himself to not show he was affected and spoke up in a civil tone, "Ember asked for my help. It appeared that she had many questions in mind but your people are not doing their job well, so she needed someone like me to answer her doubts for her."

"What questions?" Leeora asked.

Morpheus smirked as he looked at Draven, "She asked me what a mate is?"

Draven glared back at him as this was not something she should be discussing with this eagle. This time, Draven felt bitter and angry...and even jealous. How could he not, when his mate trusted and confided her worries on another male?