The Dragon King's Heart

"You've done nothing wrong, Margaret. There is no punishment that needs to be given!" Laina replied, "What happened was an unfortunate event. None of us could have seen it coming."

"I should have seen it coming," Margaret confessed, "If I still had my powers, I would have sensed the threat. And all those warning signs that we did not heed. I did not heed. I have failed you."

Laina slammed her hand down on the bed, "I will not allow you to wallow in self pity like this, Margaret!"

She clasped onto her handmaid's hands and looked straight into her eyes. Margaret had been by her side since the beginning. She always took great care of Laina, even if it put her at odds with others. 

"Margaret, I know it might seem weird to you but I have never seen you as my handmaid.. I see you as my best friend," Laina explained. 

Margaret paused for a moment. She did not know what to say. To hear that Laina saw her that way warmed her heart. She thought she would never be able to hear her say that ever again. 

They had known one another for such a long time. Perhaps one day, Laina will remember everything. But for now, Margaret was happy to be by her side. 

"You did what you could. None of us could have seen it coming. It was indeed unfortunate, but we will just learn from our experiences," Laina continued, "I don't want you going around blaming yourself over this, alright?"

"Yes, your Highness," Margaret replied with a smile. 

Laina pouted her lips as she placed her hands on her waist, "I told you we're friends, Margaret. Why are you still being so formal with me?" 

The handmaid laughed awkwardly, "My apologies, old habits die hard. I will be more mindful in the future, yo- I mean Laina."

Both of them shared a hearty laugh as Titan crawled up onto the bed to lay on Laina's lap. The Solar Mastiff watched over her as she slept. He was extremely happy to see that she was awake. 

"Did you miss me, Titan?" Laina asked as she petted his soft fur.

The Solar Mastiff licked her on the face in response. 

"I'll take that as a yes," Laina laughed. 

In the coming weeks that followed, Laina was still on bed rest. Despite the orders of the Royal Healers and everyone close to her, Laina continued to manage Kingdom affairs from bed. The work accumulated during her absence had to be addressed. 

Not to mention, Colette's disappearance has caused much unnecessary gossip to spread across the Palace and throughout Kinshearth. At first, Laina considered keeping the truth hidden from the public. 

That would help to give the common folk peace of mind and her royal court agreed. However, the severity of the matter and the amount of people who had witnessed the commotion could not be ignored. So Laina decided to tell the truth. 

The news of an assassination attempt shocked all of Kinshearth. This was not the first time this had happened. But the fact that the Crown Princess was severely injured as a result could not be taken lightly. 

As such security within the Palace was heightened, especially Laina's quarters. Colette, who is now known to all as Cordelia the witch in disguise, was a wanted criminal. A bounty was sent, in hopes of her quickening the pace of her arrest. 

With everything that had happened, it took quite some time before Laina was able to have a proper conversation with Kol and Florin after their return from Sanguim. Laina arranged a special dinner for them in her own private quarters so that they may converse and dine with ease. 

Margaret was also in attendance at the table with them. Kol and Florin recounted the details of their trip to Laina and Margaret. In the week that had followed since their return, Sanguim was still in turmoil. Florin's sister, Kalfina, had become the prime candidate in the line of succession for the throne. 

"Should she take the throne and become the 86th VamQueen of Sanguim, she will establish cordial trade relations with Kinshearth," Florin explained as they ate. 

The Kingdom of Sanguim rarely opened its gates for trade, let alone to a human kingdom no less. This was a golden opportunity that Kinshearth definitely did not want to miss. Laina expressed her gratitude to Florin.

"It would be greatly beneficial for all involved. I have long heard of the quality of tradable goods Sanguim possesses. It would be an honor to establish trade relations," Laina said as a servant refilled their wine glasses. 

As the dinner continued, Laina wished to hear more about their travels in Nyros. She had heard of the beauty of the capital city but had not had the chance to see it in person herself. She was pleasantly surprised to know that the human and vampire relations were better than she had previously assumed. 

While there were those who still held resentment and believe that both species should be divided, that sentiment is not shared by everyone. Hybrids, such as Kol, have long been ostracized. But that has since changed. 

Should Kalfina become Queen, things will improve for the better. 

"So, Kol, how about you? Did you manage to find what you were looking for in Nyros?" Margaret asked casually as she took a sip from her wine glass. 

Kol did not keep anything hidden from them. He explained what happened in great detail as the rest of them listened. Laina was surprised by the development. She had always feared the worst for Kol. 

"I know this might not have been what you had hoped for, but I hope you were still able to find closure," Laina replied. 

"Thank you, your Highness," Kol thanked her with a smile. 

"So, Florin," Laina turned her attention to the vampire prince, "What are your plans now that your business in Sanguim is complete?"

Florin choked on his food as he heard Laina's question, sending him in to a coughing fit. Kol quickly pat his back as the vampire attempted to regain his composure. 

Laina was a little surprised. She did not expect her question to cause such a commotion. Margaret and Laina exchanged a quick glance before they continued eating. 

When Florin finally regained his composure, he replied, "I do not with to return to Sanguim. At least, not for the time being. There isn't anything left for me there."

Florin had all that he needed with him. All he needed now was a place to call home. 

"Ah, that reminds me," Laina said as she turned to Margaret. 

The Crown Princess exchanged a look with her handmaid who immediately got up from her seat and went to the back of the room. 

In the meantime, Laina explained, "While you were both away, I had the Royal Jewel Enchanters have this made."

Margaret came back to the table with a wine red velvet box in hand. Laina handed it over to Florin. 

"Your Highness, I can't accept this. I should be the one offering gifts after the kindness you have shown me, not the other way around," Florin politely refused. 

Laina shook her head," I will not take no for an answer, Prince Florin. Take it as a thank you gift, for taking care of Kol on my behalf. I insist." 

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