"Valemnia has had thousands of years of rich history."

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Chapter Forty-Nine ♣ Lunch Break



Last night, Edeltraud informed Laedin that Valeriana accidentally ran into Bertram on her way to the restroom. Maybe it was against his better decisions to let the girl wander alone. After all, the palace resembled an unfathomable maze that one could easily get lost into if weren't familiar with.

The next afternoon, Seraphina requested an audience with the king regarding her assignment to report on her progress. Having over an hour and a half of recess for the time being, the woman decided to make use of the time and meet the monarch.

Both of them sat by the window of a lobby specifically prepared for confidential negotiations. Seraphina had made herself comfortable in an armchair situated in front of an ornate, mahogany table with the king sitting opposite of her.

"I hope you forgive me, Your Majesty," Seraphina said. "The investigation seemed to be moving rather slowly. I have made . . . inquiries on the matter as silently as I could, but there still is nothing."

"Please do not apologize. I know you're doing all you can," he said, smiling, though inside he worried.

"You may be pleased to hear, though," the woman told him. "I have found something rather interesting that may be the key to the prince's current situation."

"What have you got?"

"A journal," she answered, placing a book down on the surface of the table and pushing it forward towards the king. "Of Degenhard Veralidaine."

"Degenhard Veralidaine?" The king's brows furrowed. "One of the first Celestial Knights?"

"That's right," she said. "Degenhard made an account for a demon's transformation. I just came to know that a child can be turned to a demon while still in the womb of its mother?"

He hesitated at her words. "What? What do you mean?"

"In this book says that there's a way upon which an unborn child can be turned into a demon," she said. "Demons found a way to turn their children into a demon before it's even born. But, the consequences were horrible. Those infants died before they even had the chance to see the world. I was thinking that maybe there is something in this journal of similar circumstance that can elaborate upon this situation."

"Even as king, there are a lot of things I do not know." He sighed. "Do you mind leaving that book behind so I can study it?"

"Of course, Your Majesty." She nodded. "I'll continue searching for more answers regarding Prince Bertram's condition."

"I have a very strong feeling that those black streaks are somehow connected to demons," the king said. "Was it not said about how a transformation progresses?"

"Whatever is in this book is not for my eyes, Your Majesty," Seraphina replied. "I am but your mere servant. Without proper permission, I cannot know more than I already do."

"You are part of my family, Seraphina," said Laedin. "Before your liege, I am your uncle. As a part of this clan, you have every right to know what's in this book."

"Perhaps that I forget every now and then," she said. "I am not actually used to being called a part of this family."

"Listen not to what other people say. You are bothered by what they tell you, aren't you?"

"It matters not," Seraphina told the king with a smile, knowing all too well that what he said was true. "But I've been meaning to ask you, Your Majesty."

"What is it, Seraphina?"

"I heard you met Valeriana," she said, smiling. "I feel particularly fond of that child. How did meeting her go? I hope nothing horrible happened."

"Oh, everything went well, do not worry," he reassured her. "Valeriana is a very energetic young lady and she is a very refreshing companion to have. Although, it took me aback. She resembled Ayslia quite a lot."

"Yes, she did . . . quite resemble the late queen to a great extent."

The king gave her a worried gaze. "Was her appearance the reason why you did not comply?"

"Yes . . . I suppose so." Seraphina nodded. "I felt something towards her I wasn't quite able to discern at that time. Her eyes reminded me so much of the queen."

"I won't blame you," he whispered. "If there was anyone you were specifically attached to in this household . . . it was my wife."

"It wasn't only that," the woman told her. "There's something . . . about Valeriana I can't quite put my finger on. In fact, I seem to be missing something important . . . but I can't remember what."

"What exactly do you mean?"

Seraphina looked at the king unsurely. "I feel like . . . it has something to do with Celeste Vermont."

"What?" The confusion riddled his expression. "But . . . what is his connection to Valeriana?"

"I don't know." Seraphina's brows knitted together as she placed her hand on her forehead. A sudden headache came over her. "But I have this strong feeling . . ."

"It's alright," King Laedin said. "Please do not force yourself any further. I perfectly understand what you mean."

"But it's not that, Your Majesty." Seraphina grunted and looked away from her uncle, frustrated she couldn't quite express herself that clearly. There was something that nagged her so . . . a feeling deep in her guts. She was forgetting something important that her brain refused to recall.

"Setting that matter aside, I wanted to know if you would be willing to become my Candidate, should the need ever arise."

"Your Candidate, Your Majesty?" She raised her brows.

The answer she was given confirmed her thoughts.

"But I do not believe I am worthy at all." She shook her head. "I do not feel the need to compete with Lord Corvan and the other heirs of the Continental Lords and Ladies."

"Do not say that. Someone has to represent the Rosellevienne family, and I do not trust your father to do that."

She found herself silently agreeing to his words.

Seraphina turned to look at the king in the eye. "Is it really necessary for me to take the throne? It does not feel quite right."

"Remember this, do not think of yourself as unworthy. If ever, you are most appropriate to succeed as I step down. Should Bertram ever be unable to take my place, I am counting on you to do so."

"No," she said firmly. "I will find a way for His Highness. I have seen the hard work he has gone through the past years, preparing for the day he would become the king—regent or not. Though he is not the True Heir, he still deserves to be given the chance to be rewarded what he strived hard for."

"I feel the same way."

After a brief pause, Seraphina gave the king a look of concern before deciding to ask, "How about your health, Your Majesty? Has there been any improvement?"

The king gave a weak and unconvincing shake of refusal. "Nothing has changed."

Seraphina pursed her lips as she contemplated. "Do you want me to find the cause of this?"

King Laedin gave out a weary sigh. "No . . ." His voice was soft, but held a commanding tone. "It's fine. Focus on my son. He is the priority."

The woman did not agree with his decision and tried to protest, but was stopped.

A few knocks interrupted the both of them. "Seraphina? Your Majesty?"

"Come in, Edeltraud."

The man opened the door and bowed reverently to the king and his niece. "News came from the academy. It is quite urgent."

She looked at Edeltraud questioningly. "What is it?"

"Perhaps your presence is required there, milady," he said. "It calls for an emergency. It seems that the young human miss had gotten herself in trouble."

"Valeriana? What happened?"

"She was attacked."

Seraphina didn't wait any second longer. She bowed to the king and dashed right out of the door. The king himself could not hide the worry from his face. He motioned for Edeltraud to come forward and wasted no time giving him instructions.

"Please ensure the child iswell," he told him.