Chained Hearts: From Slavery to Sovereignty
Chapter 30: Witches had long lifespans?

Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Witches had long lifespans?

Dorian’s confusion faded into a polite smile, but his eyes remained piercing. "Very well, Prince Vincent," he responded with a slight harshness to his voice. "If you’re really interested in learning about me, maybe you’d like to join me for a spar someday. We can discuss whatever it is you’re so curious about then."

Invitation was as much a challenge as it was an offer. Dorian’s meaning was clear as a blank sheet, that if you want to know me, meet my sword first. Malakar also noted the underlying threat, but he remained unfazed. He had seen countless battles in his time as Malakar; a mere sparring match would be child’s play.

Dorian smiled faintly, but his eyes remained cold. "And now, I should take my leave. You must be tired from your journey, so I won’t waste any more of your time."

With that, Dorian turned and walked away, his stride calm and composed. Malakar watched him go, his mind wandering countless thoughts. This prince, this vessel of the Supreme Lord, was indeed intriguing. They were so alike, yet so different. Malakar could sense the Supreme Lord’s power deep within, yet Dorian seemed completely unaware of it.

As Dorian’s figure disappeared around a bend in the garden path, Malakar’s smirk returned to his face, but this time tinged with determination. "They are literally the same, even though they are different." he muttered to himself.

Malakar’s thoughts turned dark as he pondered the implications. What had happened to cause the Supreme Lord to fall into such a deep slumber? And how could he, Malakar, awaken him without alerting the unsuspecting Dorian? Something catastrophic must have occurred for the Supreme Lord to be reduced to sharing a body with a mere human.

Malakar clenched his fists tightly, his sharp nails digging into his palms. He had to find out what had happened and why all of them—the demons, the Lords, even the Supreme Lord himself—had been affected so severely. The thought of his Supreme Lord being trapped within the body of a mere human was almost too much to bear.

"But how?" Malakar asked himself aloud, his voice was barely above a whisper. "How do I awaken him? I met him in the Demon World, but why is he not showing himself here. When he was present in front of him for so long.

Malakar considered the possibility that the Supreme Lord might awaken on his own. If that were to happen, he would surely sense Malakar’s presence. Until then, Malakar would have to wait carefully.

He was about to disappear from the garden when he noticed several faces peering at him from behind the hedges and trees. Palace servants, no doubt. Malakar grumbled under his breath, annoyed by their prying eyes. "Fucking human world," he muttered. "I can’t even use simple magic to disappear without causing a stir. They’d probably accuse me of witchcraft."

Reluctantly, Malakar began to walk back toward the palace, his pace leisurely but his mind racing. As he walked, he contemplated the idea of being a witch. "Being a witch is better than being a demon," he mused to himself, his head tilting as if he were considering a difficult question. "Witch... maybe not so bad. Then I could slip in and out of the Witch Tribe without trouble. And probably annoy her to death."

The thought brought a twisted smile to his lips, but it faded as quickly as it had come. He wasn’t sure if the witch he was thinking of was still alive. Witches had long lifespans, but how long could they truly survive? Her survival would depend on how powerful she was. But even so, it had been centuries.

As Malakar neared his palace, the grandeur of the Aetherlyn architecture loomed before him, a stark contrast to the chaotic thoughts swirling inside his mind. He had so much to do, and time was of the essence here. He needed to learn more about the current state of the Demon World, the Supreme Lord’s predicament, and the true nature of this strange world he found himself in.

~~~~~

The sun dipped lower in the sky as evening approached, It cast a warm golden hue over the grand halls of Aetherlyn Palace. The palace was abuzz with activity as servants hurried to and fro, and made final preparations for the evening’s grand dinner. It was not just any dinner; it was the formal welcoming of the Drakonian entourage, and everything had to be perfect.

In the grand dining hall, long tables were being set with gleaming silverware and crystal goblets. The scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, It was mingling with the fragrance of freshly cut flowers that adorned the tables. Servants moved swiftly as their hands worked with expertise, they arranged platters of fruits and desserts, ensuring that every detail was attended to.

King Alaric’s family was a complex web of relationships, with each consort and child playing their part in the kingdom’s delicate balance. Alongside Queen Selena, the first consort, there was Consort Elara, She is a woman of quiet strength, and who had borne the King two children: Prince Galen and Princess Lyra, both in their early teens, and they are known for their sharp minds and keen observation of court politics. Then there was also Consort Seraphine, whose beauty was said to rival that of the moonlit night; she was the mother of Princess Ilara, a gentle soul with a love for music and poetry.

King Alaric Aetheris, Queen Selena Aetheris, Princess Aurelia, and Prince Dorian, along with Consort Elara, Consort Seraphine, and their children, the second and third consorts with their offspring, were all expected to be present. The tension in the air was heavy, because of the arrival of King Rhyzar Draconius Lysander and Crown Prince Vincent, and it was a matter of great importance. Alliances between them were delicate as they seemed ready to behead each other anytime, and this dinner was as much about diplomacy as it was about pleasantries.

Malakar had shed his earlier musings, he had prepared himself for the evening ahead. He donned his formal attire, it was a regal ensemble of dark fabrics and intricate silver embroidery, perfectly befitting his assumed role as the Drakonian Crown Prince. His expression was carefully neutral, though his mind remained vigilant.

Malakar was looking at his face with great satisfaction, and as he traced his hands over his face, he murmured with a glint in his eyes. The humans have really good faces.