The Cursed King

Elise and Loriel did not see each other for the next months after the wedding. Even though the man kept it to himself, it was known that Loriel was in a terrible state and was a complete wreck after his mother's death.

The man only pulled himself together when some truth came to light about the wedding.

Loriel didn't think it would be true that his sisters and brothers-in-law would actually do something during the day of the wedding, but they actually did. 

It wasn't the reason for his mother's death, but there was still evidence that led to them actually using poison for not only the king and queen but important guests.

Another act of rebellion.

Especially now that Loriel kept to himself for some time to grieve, the people who were eyeing the throne started to make some moves to vie for it. In one of the borders of Summeria, enemy soldiers were encroaching.

Loriel didn't even have time to grieve his mother's death properly because of how much trouble his own half-siblings were giving him. It was during this time that he summoned Renywyck and his dragons to make haste.

The king was dropping by in the territories and giving his 'dear' family a visit.

Elise hadn't seen Loriel since the day of the wedding when he left her, so when she learned that the man was leaving Castilse and Summeria, even though she would probably be a nuisance, she rushed to the courtyard of the king's private residence.

Without Queen Maude and even her father and grandmother back in Myreen, Loriel was all that Elise had now. She wanted to see him off and maybe cast some protection charms before he departed.

It was to Elise's surprise that she saw three majestic dragons in the personal courtyard of the king and a man currently petting them as soldiers attached harnesses on the creatures.

Renwyck recognized the queen and bowed politely, "Your Majesty."

"A-ah… are they yours?" Elise found herself concentrating on the creatures. If these dragons were still here then it meant that Loriel still hadn't left yet. She made it in time.

Renwyck nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. Would you like to pet them? They are friendly and seem to like you."

It wasn't always true as sometimes the dragons had a strong sense of hatred for certain individuals that made them feel unsafe, but Renwyck noticed how much the dragons were looking curiously at Elise.

"May I?" Elise perked up lightly and approached the creatures. It had been so long since she had seen the dragons in Myreen so this was something that made her incredibly happy as it was familiar.

"They really do like you, you have a natural apt for them, Your Majesty," Renwyck commented in surprise to see how affectionate the creatures were toward the new queen. 

"I used to ride dragons in the past in Myreen, they were included in the studies that I underwent, although my father was hesitant at first," Elise told the wizard as she petted the snout of the dragon. "What kind of spells do you use on them?"

"Spells?" Renwyck blinked for a moment.

Elise nodded. "Well, the common ones used in Myreen is a haste spell so the dragons can move even faster than their already top speeds. It may be a little difficult to get used to the speed at first, but the distance you can reach is remarkable."

Renwyck looked at her in amazement. How could he have forgotten that Loriel married a Leoralei? 

"Wizard Renwyck?"

"Ah, yes, Your Majesty?" Renwyck asked.

"I hope you wouldn't mind if I put some protection charms on your dragons? I know that you and Loriel are excellent dragon riders, but it would make me feel more reassured." Elise smiled.

"Of course, Your Majesty."

"... and if you could keep this a secret from Loriel?" Elise added nervously. She didn't want him to find it offensive that she was intruding on his activities.

Renwyck smiled and nodded at Elise's request. "Definitely, Your Majesty. My lips are sealed."

When Loriel arrived in the courtyard to meet with Renwyck, the king was surprised to see his wife conversing with the man and also paying attention to the dragon. He couldn't help but frown at the sight even as he drew closer.

But there was no reason for Loriel to even be upset at all. He was just surprised to see that Elise had come here to meet with him. The king remembered his promise to his mother and greeted her respectfully.

"Elise, I did not expect that you would come here by yourself." Loriel didn't think Elise ever initiated anything and only stayed at the queen's residence.

The truth was Elise wasn't sure when to see Loriel because she did not want to disturb him. The man was grieving for his mother, but now Loriel was leaving to deal with the issues of the kingdom.

"I wanted to see you off, Your Majesty," Elise said and curtsied. "It is the duty of a queen and wife to see her husband off before the man departs."

Loriel couldn't help but grunt. So, the reason why Elise came here was only because of responsibility? It seemed like she was adjusting to her roles well enough. He glanced at Renwyck.

"Then it seems that you have already met Renwyck. He is my wizard and also the one who takes care of these three dragons of Summeria."

"Yes, it is an honor to meet him and the dragons," Elise smiled fondly for a moment. "I… I would like to have a pet here in the castle, like Renwyck is with his dragons. They seem like great companions to have and can help when one feels lonely."

Loriel was already focused on riding one of the dragons when he heard Elise's request. This was the first time that she ever asked Loriel anything so the king immediately nodded.

Although Loriel didn't actually hear everything that she said. He was just absentmindedly agreeing to it. "Yeah.. sure."

Elise's eyes lit up in excitement. "Really? You will get me a pet? My birthday is coming soon. I would love to get a pet as a present from you."

"Okay, if that is what you want. I will get it for your upcoming birthday," Loriel replied impatiently. His focus was on Renwyck as he tilted his head to motion the older man to get on the second dragon. Then, he turned to Elise. "We will be leaving now, so I leave the castle in your care, Elise."

"I will take care of it while you are gone, Loriel." Elise nodded. "Have safe travels."

Loriel nodded awkwardly and then patted Aslain's back to motion the dragon to start moving. He needed to get used to having a woman seeing him off like this whenever he departed for a mission or visit.

Was this how it felt to have a wife? This didn't feel so bad, he thought.

After Aslain, the black dragon, set off, Renwyck and Sand, followed by Eris, the other two dragons also dashed upward and flapped their wings to fly.. Elise waved gracefully until they all disappeared from view.

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