The Devil's Cursed Witch

After Leeora bid Ember goodbye, the elf slowly made her way down from the top floor of the southwest wing of the palace. She had initially planned to leave but changed her mind after thinking things through. They had yet to decide things about Ember's training for her powers and decided to see Draven again.

When she asked the servants where the King was, they informed her she was in the garden next to his study.

She found Draven seemingly expecting her arrival.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

Draven looked at her. "How is she?"

When he had left her, his little mate was downcast, upset not only because of the balcony incident but also her nightmare. He expected that Leeora's visit would drastically improve her mood.

"She is better now. When I visited, she was dispirited but..." She pointedly looked at him. "But the gift from Sire had made her cheerful again."

Leeora studied his expression, wondering how he would react, but that handsome face showed the same cold expression as always. He merely hummed.

"That child is simple. Even the smallest  things can make her happy so there is nothing much to worry about."

Draven simply hummed again. Ember had a simple, even naive personality, but that also meant she's reckless and gullible. He could not voice out that her charming naivety was what worried him the most. He didn't know how to deal with it.

Draven decided to change the topic of conversation. "I will be appointing a tutor to teach her on how to use her powers. It is best that there be no repeat of this accident."

Leeora nodded. "If you think about it, Sire, this accident came at a decent time. At least, it happened in a situation where Ember isn't by herself, and no one has been harmed. We discovered that she can still use her powers despite that seal. Imagine if we had never known and she's outside the palace."

Draven felt her words were reasonable. "I knew it was bound to happen, but I was caught unaware because the weakening of the seal happened earlier than expected."

"Please do not blame yourself," she said. "Have you thought of an appropriate candidate to teach her?"

Draven shook his head.

"I believe it will be best if we appoint a Fire Fae to guide her," Leeora suggested. "The fire-attributed elves are mostly warriors, craftsmen or blacksmiths, while those of the shapeshifters rely purely on bloodline talent. Since we're looking for the best candidate, the fairies are no doubt the experts on elemental magic. It will be better to discuss this with the Queen of the Fae."

Draven thought it was a good suggestion and decided to arrange this later with his aides. He couldn't help but sigh in disbelief, reminded that his mate asked that annoying eagle to teach her magic, of all people to ask.

After a while, he said something which he had yet to tell Leeora. "She had a nightmare earlier."

Leeora glanced at the King when she heard his serious tone. Seeing how troubled he looked, Leeora understood it must not be any ordinary nightmare.

"Is it related to the balcony incident?" Leeora asked.

"It's different. I do not know if it's a memory, a prediction, or if it was related to her seal, but she claimed to have seen a purple-eyed woman in her dream."

"Purple-eyed woman?" Leeora repeated in surprise.

Draven continued, "When she had that nightmare, she appeared to be in physical pain, though she didn't know why she was in pain. It reminded me of how I was every time I had those dreams of that woman with green eyes. I do not believe this is mere coincidence."

"Did she say who that woman is?" Leeora asked.

"She didn't say, but I believe it's someone she doesn't recognize. All she said was that the woman has purple eyes. Once I get the opportunity, I will ask her more about it."

"Please let me know if you need my assistance, Sire. I will do everything I can help on my end."

"Having purple eyes is not common, and I believe if she has dreamed of such a woman, then she must not be an ordinary woman as well. That will help us narrow down our search."

"You are right, Sire. Please let me know once you get more details from Ember. I will also use my resources to find that woman. Hopefully, she might lead us to the answers behind the mystery related to Ember's existence."

"I hope so too," Draven agreed.

After talking for a while, Leeora left.

------

Ember decided to spend the rest of her day inside her bedchamber, not willing to come outside due to that incident.

Fortunately, she didn't have a chance to feel lonely because of her new companion. Her attention was occupied by playing with her adorable pet.

At this moment, Ember was sitting on the window sill beside the birdcage, chatting with the small white bird who's preening her wings, urging it to reply to her questions.

"Are you comfortable in your perch?"

"Ah, why are you so beautiful?"

"Ray, Little Ray, can you call my name once again? Say it--Ember..."

But the entire time, the little bird merely let out chirps while tilting her head. Ember finally realized that this naughty bird was playing dumb with her; she's obedient earlier only because Leeora was around.

Ember pouted as she playfully poked her wing.

"Fine, don't talk to me. I am a little upset with you. You know, because of you, I embarrassed myself in front of His Majesty. I fell in his bath. If that was not enough, I even tripped in front of him in the garden--not once, but twice! Do you know how embarrassing it was? I felt like burying myself somewhere, not wanting to show my face to His Majesty anymore. I am not that clumsy but it's all your fault that..."

The cockatiel simply chirped as if her complaints didn't matter to her.