The Dragon King's Heart

"Come in."

The door pushed open. It was Dante. In his hands, was a wooden tray of food and drinks. 

"Good morning," he greeted her with a kiss as he carefully placed the tray down on the bed. 

"Good morning," Laina replied with a shy smile. 

Dante could not help but grin, "After being together for so long, you still look like a blushing bride every time I kiss you. Why is that?"

Laina punched him on the arm as she looked away, hiding her face from him in embarrassment. 

"That's just how I am," she defended herself as she folded her arms. 

"I never said it was a bad thing, my dear," Dante quickly replied, "I say it with love."

Looking at the spread he had prepared for her, it was hard for Laina to stay mad at him. But the thought still lingered in her mind. 

"Dante."

"Yes?"

"Can you stay?" she asked hesitantly. 

She held her breath as she waited for his reply. He could see it in her eyes. She wanted him to stay. So did he. Dante placed his hand on Laina's. 

"I'm sorry, but I can't," he hate to disappoint her, but he did not have a choice, "I have to go back."

Laina sighed, "I guess it can't be helped."

He hated disappointing her. He had to find a way to make it up to her. 

He cheered her up with a promise, "I'll take care of things and return as soon as I can, okay?"

Laina lit up immediately, "Really?"

"Really," he echoed her, "I promise."

"Alright, I believe you," she said as she fiddled with his collar, "Come back as soon as you can, alright?"

Dante caressed her cheek. He leaned in, their foreheads lightly touching. Laina shivered a little. She could feel the cool temperature of his skin, contrasting her warmth. His cologne lingered in the air. 

"I'll be back before you know it."

After sending Dante off, Laina returned to the house. She put on a cloak and some leather boots. 

"Where are you going?" Margaret asked as she came down the stairs. 

Marius followed behind her.

Laina almost jumped. She was surprised to see them. 

"Marius? I thought you left before Dante did," Laina asked in surprise as she stood back up after putting on her boots. 

"The King goes where he wants. The same goes for me," he replied without skipping a beat. 

Margaret stood before Laina, blocking her way, "So where are you going, Princess Laina?"

"I'm not a princess anymore," Laina reminded her, "I'm going into town."

"We'll go with you," Kol replied. Florin and he appeared out of thin air, successfully scaring Laina for a second time. 

Laina clutched her heart as she took in a deep breath, "Are y'all trying to kill me? That's the second time today."

"My apologies, it was unintentional."

"It's alright, don't worry. I am fully capable of taking care of myself. Besides, I'm not a princess anymore."

She walked up to Kol and Florin. Laina placed her hand on their shoulders with a wide smile on her face. 

"Now that I'm no longer a princess, I..."

Kol grabbed hold of Laina's hand. He got down on one knee immediately. 

"Kol, what are you-"

"Princess Laina, Laina. It does not matter what title you hold. I wouldn't be here without you. Please let me stay by your side to protect you."

Laina hesitated. She knew how loyal Kol was but she did not want him to be tied to her forever. She wanted him to live his own life too. 

"Kol, you don't have to serve me anymore," Laina reminded him, "Aren't there things you want to do too?"

"Yes but-" 

"But what?" 

"But what about you? What if someone tries to-" 

"We'll be here too," Margaret replied reassuringly. 

Kol frowned as he slumped his shoulders. Florin did not know what to say either. Where ever Kol went, he would follow.

"Did I do something wrong?" 

"What? Kol, of course not!" Laina replied in surprise. 

Now he would not even look her in the eye. Laina placed both of her hands on his shoulders. 

"Kol. Kol, look at me," she tried to get his attention. 

"If you want to remain by my side, I have no issue with that."

Kol lit up. Laina stopped him before he could speak. 

"But, you don't have to guard me forever, alright? If there is something you want to do, you can do so," she said with a smile. 

Laina held out her hand, "Do we have a deal?"

Kol nodded, "Deal."

Everyone smiled, happy that they came to an agreement.

"Didn't you want to go and save those who were sold to slavery?" Florin reminded him.

"Yes," Kol remembered, "Perhaps now is the time to do so."

Laina smiled as she pats him on the back, "If you need to gather more information on that, I'm sure Margaret and I can help."

"So can I!" Marius chimed in too.

~

"Fresh berries! Get your fresh berries here!"

"Hot bread right out of the oven. You will never find a better one elsewhere!"

Laina walked down the cobblestone streets leisurely, taking in all the new sights and smells. As the Crown Princess of Kinshearth, she was usually surrounded by her entourage each time she left the palace. Even on the rare occasion where she went out on her own, she always had someone with her. 

For the first time, in a long time, she was out on her own. Laina wanted to find something to occupy her time while she stayed in the Luzernia. But the former princess did not know what to do.

Laina was on the busiest street in Luzernia. Shops lined on both sides and people of all ages were going about their day. Laina was in her casual clothes. 

"What's going on over there?" Laina wondered to herself. 

She noticed at the corner of her eye, a large glass window building that stood two stories tall. Many people were walking in and out of it, carrying a variety of goods in their baskets and arms. 

Curious, Laina went up to take a closer look. She looked up the entrance.

"Luzernia Central Market Hall," she read it out loud. 

Laina peered in to take a closer look. She was a little hesitant to enter at first, but the stream of people entering pushed her in. Laina looked around in awe. Bright sunlight shone through the glass exterior of the building. 

Each market stall was selling something unique. From food to wares, you could find anything and everything you need. The bright colors and aromatic fragrances permeated her senses. 

"Perhaps I should set up a stall," Laina thought to herself.