The Dragon King's Heart

Dante chuckled as he picked her up into his arms. Laina yelped as she was lifted off the ground. 

"Well, the duration of your stay shall be negotiated at a later time," he declared as he walked towards the bed. 

The next morning, Laina stirred awake to the squawk of a raven. It took a while for her eyes to adjust to the sunlight that streamed into the room but when it did, Laina noticed a white raven perched at the foot of the bed. 

Carefully lifting off the covers, she crept up to the raven and noticed a messenger tube on it's leg. Laina turned back to check on Dante. Much to her relief, he was still sound asleep. 

Turning back to the white raven, Laina bit her lip. She knew the white raven belonged to Marius. This meant the message in the tube was for Dante. Putting two and two together, Laina guessed what could be written in it. 

She could not let that happen. After a slight hesitation, Laina reached for the tube and took out the slip of paper. She unfolded it and read its contents. There were only two words written on it. 

'Laina knows.'

It was as she had suspected. Laina cursed beneath her breath. She sent the white raven off as she crumpled the slip of paper in her hand. She got out of bed and walked up to the trash bin, ready to throw the slip away. 

"No, he could still find it," she muttered to herself. 

Laina opened her palm. She stared at the slip of paper. In the blink of an eye, it caught fire and turned into a small pile of ashes. A small gust of wind picked up, blowing the ashes out of her palm and into the wind. 

"Where are you, my dear," Dante mumbled as he began to stir away. 

Laina quickly got back in bed with him, laying on his chest.

"I'm right here," she replied softly. 

Laina ended up staying a few days in Dracona. As much as she enjoyed staying by his side, Dante had duties to attend to. 

"I'll be back in time to pick you up for our dinner date," Dante reminded her before he left. 

"I remember. I'll just be exploring the capital for a bit, then I will come right back," she said to him.

"Oh and remember-"

"Remember to keep this on me at all times, yes my dear. I will remember that for sure. I do not want another run-in with the castle guards again," Laina said as she held out the amulet Dante had given her. 

With it, she could move through the castle without any restriction. 

"Alright then, I'll see you later," Dante said as he gave her a kiss on the forehead before heading out the door. 

Laina waved him goodbye. After the door closed, Laina turned around and got to work. She put on a cloak before leaving the room through the balcony. Although she did not have to sneak around anymore, she still preferred it this way. Shadow, curious as to what Laina was doing, decided to follow her for the day. 

After successfully making her way out of the castle, Laina explored the streets of the city. She never had the freedom to do so in the past, so this was an exciting experience for her. Much like her time in Luzernia, no one could recognize her. 

She was free to do as she pleased. The shops on the streets were different from anything she had seen before. One shop, in particular, caught her eye almost immediately. It was a three-storey high building with large window displays filled with shining gemstones. 

Gemstones and geodes of all different sizes were on display and the shop was packed. 

"Looks like the people of Dracona really like their jewels and gems," Laina muttered to herself as she entered the shop. 

Unknown to Laina at the time she had walked in, she had just entered one of the most prestigious jewelers in all of Dracona. Everyone and anyone purchased their items. Dante himself was a frequent customer of their shop. Needless to say, he was one of their most important clients too. 

Upon entering the shop, no one came up to assist Laina. She did not mind. After all, she preferred to shop on her own. If she really needed help, she would call for assistance. 

It was also important to note, that the former Crown Princess of Kinshearth was no stranger to the expensive shiny stones. In fact, she was quite the expert on them. But Laina was not dressed like the usual clientele of the shop, which scored her a few side-eye glances. 

They think she could not see them. But in fact, Laina saw it all as clear as day. She simply chose to ignore. When she finished browsing the first floor, Laina wanted to head upstairs. 

"I'm sorry, Miss," shop assistance physically blocked her way as they continued to speak, "You do not qualify to head upstairs."

Laina took note of the bluntness of the statement. She looked at the shop assistant as she folded her arms. 

"Is that so?" she pondered for a moment before asking, "What are the criteria?"

"Miss, our standards in this establishment are top tier. I don't think-"

Laina did not wait for him to finish, "Well if you don't tell me, how would I know?"

The little commotion soon caught the attention of many people in the shop. It even caught the attention of some of the patrons who were on the higher floor. Amongst them, was Duchess Ophelia.

"My my, is that who I think it is?" the duchess commented as she leaned forward to take a closer look. 

Her handmaid, Shara, looked over. As soon as she realized who Laina was, she gasped in surprise. 

"Is that not the former Crown Princess of Kinshearth? Laina?" Shara commented. 

The Duchess chuckled as she continued to observe the exchange Laina had with the shop assistant.

"I think you're right, Shara. It is Laina," Ophelia continued, "It looks like there won't be anyone to save her this time."

"Save her?" Shara recalled the incident at the beach. 

Their King, Dante, had an important meeting today. In fact, it was a widely discussed event amongst Dracona's high society because of its importance. Needless to say, Laina was on her own this time. 

"Should we-"

The Duchess stopped Shara, "No need. I want to see how capable this former princess truly is."