It was hard job convincing Liana about a ' family business' that we had inherited.
She did not seem to recollect anything of that sort about me and Lucian because obviously that was not true.
It took a lot of effort from me and Damian to finally convince her to let go of the badge and go to her room. I asked Damian to keep a watch over her as I told her that I was heading out to check if Lucian was really gone. I told her that I would be real quick after checking on my brother.
In reality, I was heading back to my kingdom.
With Lucian gone, I had to immediately take a note on state of matters at the border.
As I flew back to my kingdom, a feeling of homesickness was building up. It had been a long time since I had been away, and I didn't know what to expect. I never neglected my powers. In fact, that was all that actually ever mattered to me on the first place.
It was was new and notice of a concept for me as well to leave things for others .
With Lucian, things were different.
He had every cunning of an apt ruler. He was good at taking on spot decisions. I was sceptical about that aspect with others. specially at the borders.
I knew that I had to sort out the state of affairs at my border, and I needed capable dragons to handle the situation.
Upon my arrival, I immediately called Raba and Calix to my court. They were two of my most trusted advisors and warriors, and I knew they would be up for the task.
"Raba, Calix," I said, addressing them both. "I have a critical mission for the two of you. I need you to take on the responsibilities at the border."I mentioned the fact that Lucian was no longer holding any posts and that I too would be gone for some time more time.
I did not call the entire court of ministers on purpose. I did not need more gossips and more conspirators than I already had.
They looked at each other, then back at me. "Of course, Dragon Lord," they said in unison.But there was confusion in their gaze and voice.
"Excellent," I replied. "I need you to keep the peace and protect our land. I trust you both to handle the situation with the utmost care and responsibility.Any confusion, you report straight back to me at the human realm till O am back. No intermediates.Is that clear? "
" Yes My Lord! "Raba and Calix bowed in respect, and I could see the determination in their eyes. They were ready for this challenge, and I knew they would do whatever it takes to succeed.
When they were gone, I called in Master.
I needed update on everything that had been going on in my absence and I needed to know if they had any update on Nemesis, my so called cousin .
We sat down with our glasses and plates like old times.
He asked me about things at the human world.
He was the first one to ask that to me actually.
I filled him in about Liana's condition.
He nodded with gravity.
" It is a complicated matter my Lord. It is a miracle she came around so early . Who knows what unprecedented things she encountered when she was with those dead dragon souls.
I am more and more amazed by this human lass, if I am being really honest. "
" What did we find out about Nemesis? "
To which Master answered,
" We can now zero in on this person Draco. Without any doubt we can conclude that he was the Master mind behind our queen's murder. We were able to match every missing link and trace every spy. He had had a constant network inside this palace. Which was indeed an impossible feat that he pulled all along. But, however... "
" However what Master? "
I asked him as anger boiled inside me.
I was getting impatient to know about any leads about his location.
I felt like I needed to pin him down myself.
" However we failed to follow any trail after the mishap at the outskirts.
He found his base.
We found the remnants of your aunt.
We found every talisman that he used.
But they were all dead ends.
We could go no further.
He seemed to have vanished from existence.
Gone without any trace. "
That was worse than the tussle with Lucian.
I clenched my hands and banged on my leg.
" I needed your permission to bury your aunt's remnants in your ancestral burial place. She hasn't found peace yet. She led a difficult life, I hope we can make her afterlife easy. "
I nodded.
I remembered very little about my aunt.
But she was beautiful when I last saw her.
In fact I had felt sorry for her whenever they bad mouthed her in my presence.
" Give her all the respects she deserved.
She suffered for following her heart. I am not even sure if that indeed was a crime. We should definitely do everything in our power to stop marking her as a criminal.
Give her a royal farewell Master. I will pay her my tribute before I depart. "
I saw Master smile.
"Are you trying to soften the heart of your cousin into surrendering? "
He asked.
" No! " My answer was as firm as his question.
"I was just defending my aunt's right to love. As for her son, he is a murderer by choice. If he held a grudge against me or state he should have challenged me to a dual like a man. I would have happily obliged.
But he chose to hurt my child and my wife like a worthless coward. Even in war we tend to spare the women and children among civilians.
He is nothing but a bastard like everyone says.
I will make sure to make his death as slow and painful as possible, once I get my hands on him. My way. "
Master, who was one of the most respected of dragons in my kingdom smiled again at me.
" I understand my Lord! "
Then I said, "Master,I need you to take on the responsibilities of state affairs once more for a little longer. I trust your wisdom and knowledge to guide our kingdom in the right direction."
Master bowed in respect, and I could see the sense of duty in his eyes. "I will do my best, Dragon Lord.Rest assured and wrap your other business with conviction." he said.
With my trusted advisors in place, I could now focus on my journey back to the human world. However, I knew that I needed to keep a watchful eye on my kingdom, and I promised myself to return soon.
As I took off into the sky, I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing that my kingdom was in capable hands. I knew that Raba, Calix, and Master would work tirelessly to ensure the safety and prosperity of our land.