The Dragon King's Heart

A knock on the door startled Victoria. She was seated at the dressing table, staring blankly in the mirror. Just as she was about to stand up to walk over and open the door, one of the maids already did so on her behalf. 

Victoria was not used to the royal treatment. She felt like a fish out of water amongst the luxury of the castle. Overnight, she became the ruling monarch of Wolfenheim. Everything was so uncertain. 

"Your Highness, Crown Princess Laina of Kinshearth is here to see you," the maid announced to Victoria. 

Hearing Laina's name, Victoria heaved a sigh of relief. For just a moment, the worry she had written all over her face dissipated. She got up from her seat and instinctively got down on her knees to greet Laina. 

The maids were in shock. Laina quickly stopped Victoria. 

"Victoria, you don't have to greet me like this anymore," Laina chuckled as she helped her up.

Realizing what she had done, she blushed in embarrassment, "I'm so sorry, Princess Laina… I…" 

Laina could see the worry and anxiety written on Victoria's face. It must have been extremely overwhelming for her. Laina took her by the hand and led her to the sofa to take a seat. 

She called for the maid to bring them a fresh pot of lavender chamomile tea with a side of honey. Once she left, only Victoria, Laina, and Kol remained. Victoria was still looking around anxiously. 

She had only just recovered from her fight with Kragen three days ago. There were so many things Victoria had to take care of. The coronation. The celebration ball was happening that very night. 

Not to mention, the mountain of royal affairs that would require her attention. Laina extended her stay in Wolfenheim to help Victoria out. She knew the young woman would be overwhelmed. 

"Laina, you're a lifesaver. I am eternally in your debt," Victoria exclaimed as she held Laina's hands tightly. 

"I did what I thought was right, that's all, Victoria," Laina replied humbly. 

When the maid returned with the hot tea, Laina poured Victoria a cup. 

"Here, drink this, it will help calm your nerves."

The aromatic fragrance of the tea was soothing. The touch of honey gave the tea the sweetness it needed. Victoria felt as if a wave washed over her as she took a sip of the tea. 

"This is really good," Victoria commended. 

Laina smiled, "Margaret, my handmaid, always has this ready for me when I am stressed. It helps calm the nerves and relax the mind."

Victoria poured her heart out to Laina. She was worried and anxious about everything. As the new ruling monarch, there were rules she had to abide by. Things she can and cannot do. 

It was overwhelming. Unlike Laina, who was born into the royal life, Victoria was thrown into it with no safety net. She did not have years of training in etiquette or kingdom management. 

"You don't need any of those to be a good ruler, Victoria," Laina reminded her, "All you need is to follow your heart and do what is right."

"Really?" Victoria found it a little difficult to believe. 

She had seen how Kragen ruled over Wolfenheim. He ruled with an iron fist and the people followed. Victoria was not him, she did not want to become a ruthless ruler like he was. 

But Victoria had also seen how Laina managed Kinshearth while she was there. Though it was only for a short span of time, it was clear to see how much Laina cared for her people. 

She saw strength in the Crown Princess of Kinshearth. Victoria wanted to be like her. Laina reassured her. 

"Yes. Plus, I don't think the Moon Goddess just picks anyone to be the ruler of Wolfenheim. If you ever need help, I will be there to give advice," Laina promised. 

Seeing as it was getting late, Laina helped Victoria prepare for the Celebration Ball. The Royal seamstress had to rush out her dress but it still looked perfect. Victoria could not stop looking at her reflection in the mirror. 

She had never looked so good before. The dress accentuated her slim figure in all the right places. As per her request, the dress was not revealing. It exudes elegance and beauty. 

"You look amazing! Who knows, you might just attract the attention of potential suitors," Laina teased. 

Victoria blushed immediately as she vehemently shook her head, "I don't think I'll be looking for love anytime soon."

"You never know what might happen!" Laina exclaimed, "Anyways, enjoy yourself tonight, Victoria. After all, this is your celebration ball."

When they arrived in the Ballroom, all eyes were on them. The Wolfenheim nobility was in attendance, alongside foreign delegates from neighboring kingdoms and nations. 

Everyone had heard of the change in monarchy in Wolfenheim. They were eager to curry favor and scope out who Victoria was. After all, prior to this, there was no information about her at all. 

Rumors and gossip spread like wildfire. When all eyes were on Victoria, she could feel her heart ready to leap out of her mouth. But with Laina by her side, she felt more confident. 

General Matthias, dressed in a handsome suit, greeted Victoria. 

"Your Highness, I shall be your guide for the evening. May I?" He asked politely. 

Victoria looked to Laina, who gave her a reassuring nod. Victoria took General Matthias by the arm as they walked further into the ballroom. The Leader of the Royal Guards had been most helpful to Victoria with royal matters. 

Kol, who had been tailing behind Laina, looked around uneasily. Since they had come to Wolfenheim as guests, they did not have the masking potion to mask their identity. 

Vampires and Werewolves had never seen eye to eye with one another. While they were not at war in the present, they chose to remain cordial to one another. But only when necessary. 

Kol was getting a few stares from the werewolves nobility in attendance. When Laina noticed his unease, she placed a hand on his shoulder. 

"Kol, are you alright?" She asked out of concern. 

Kol looked to Laina. He quickly darted his eyes to the side and silently nodded. Laina knew he was keeping quiet about it. She too could sense multiple pairs of eyes looking in their direction. 

"Hey, look at me," Laina said as she tried to get Kol's attention, "Don't worry about them. I will not let them hurt you. You and I are official foreign guests here, they won't even dare to lay a finger on us."

Kol nodded. But his heightened sense of hearing meant he could hear all the nasty things they were saying. Furthermore, amongst the nobility and members of high society, Kol felt out of place. 

Not wanting him to be uncomfortable, Laina suggested that he could return to his room to rest instead. Though he was willing to do so at first, he quickly rejected the idea. 

"If I were to go, who would protect you, Laina?" Kol asked out of concern. 

"Don't worry, I'll protect her."