The Good Trade

THIRD PERSON

The White Wizard opened the doors to the royal courtroom and was surprised to find everyone present and discussing the upcoming horse trading system in the Northeast.

How could they all sit comfortably and discuss some darn trading system, when there's a demonic entity roaming around freely in the palace? He wondered.

"Oh. Elys is about time you came. We were all wondering if it's wise to form a trading bond with the Northeast."

"The North East?"

"Yes, the Northeast. They have a good horse trading system. Which is very reliable." Illinois explained. "It belongs to the nobles and the higher nations. Bonding with a prestigious royal family should be an interesting offer, don't you think?"

Elys was disgusted. "Whatever. I'll consult my oracles to be the judge of that."

And they all nodded in agreement.

"How long would that take? Because we are anxious to place our royal seal on the agreement paper?" Royal Consort Avana asked.

"Well...my oracles won't communicate with me as long as this odor is still lingering in the air."

Illinois frowned at what the White Wizard said next.

"What do you mean by that?" Marcus questioned.

"I'm just saying. If you want a quick answer from me, get rid of this awful odor." Elys answered while taking a seat beside General Kian. Marcus looked at Illinois in disbelief.

"Elys, what exactly is your problem with that slave?" Royal Consort Avana began, "So far, I see him as one rebellious brat. Nothing we can't handle."

Elys chuckled. "Can you ever handle a demon?"

"Oh, God! Elys. Again with the demonic accusations? Can't you drop it even for a second?"

Elys shot Adranus a death glare. "What do you know that you have suddenly become very confident with your words?"

Adranus bit his lips hard trying to let that insult pass without being violent. Illinois gave out a slow breath and shook his head.

"That thing...is a demon. You have to believe me, Illinois."

"Why would I believe you when I don't even believe in such things?" Illinois confronted and Elys retracted with his mouth hung open. "I've told you this so many times Elys, but you keep on messing with my mind. I've passed that level where I once believed in those weird things."

"There are no such things as demons. And please stop spreading fear and rumors around, it's getting creepy. The boy just needs to be tamed, and that's all." Illinois finalized.

Elys folded his mouth in thought.

"And if there are indeed demons or a demon amongst us...your spell should do just fine in eradicating them, am I right?"

Elys only looked away with a puffing sigh.

"The reason why you can even sit amongst us in the first place is because of your protection spell against demons and other unimaginable principalities near us and across Andromeda, isn't it?" Royal Consort Avana countered and Elys remained silent.

"If there are protection spells surrounding us, then why are there still demons around us, Royal Wizard Elysius?"

Elys parted his lips to defend himself, but he was "Or...are your wizardry fake?" interrupted by Royal Consort Avana.

Everyone present in the courtroom gasped.

"Royal Consort Avana please... that's enough," Illinois said, "Elys if you can't help us to consult the oracles concerning the new trading system, that's fine by me. But please, stop it with all the demonic assumptions. Adranus?"

"Yes, my chief," Adranus replied.

"Please make sure you keep a watchful eye on the Crown Princess. I don't trust her in the hands of that rebellious beast."

"Yes, my chief. As you wish."

"Marcus, please escort Royal Consort Avana back to her chambers. Today's meeting ends here."

Marcus responded with a small bow and he followed after a very displeased-looking royal consort, who managed to spare Elys one last hateful glance before leaving the Hall of Grace.

"Elys," Illinois faced the royal wizard, "I would like to have a word with you later in the evening. Privately."

Elys gave him a small nod.

If only they knew who and what they were dealing with.

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NOWEL

I groaned again. "For the love of all that's comfortable, why is it so tight?"

"Would you like to wear another, my lady?"

I let my hands down in surrender. I looked at myself in the mirror. Sure the dress made me look gorgeous if it weren't for its tightness I would have approved of it.

"Yes, please."

And I changed into another gorgeous floor-length gown that had a darker shade of blue and was made with silk. It is fitted from the waist down and long-sleeved. I sighed, much more comfortable than the previous one.

"Perfect. Just perfect." I muttered to myself.

"My princess, Royal Consort Devi is here to speak with you. Shall I send her in?"

"Send her in!"

She entered and she reminded me of how much I admired the confidence that showed in her steps and the humility on her oval-shaped face and green eyes.

"Leave us," I said to my royal maid and she obeyed my command right after she bowed in submission.

"Good morning," I greeted. She held my hands with great worry in her adorable eyes.

"Why would you do that?" She faced me with that question.

"Do what?"

She opened her mouth and closed it. She must be worried.

"Did I do anything wrong?"

"Why would you agree to let that wild man be your servant?"

I sighed. Not again. I gently pulled her over and sat her down along with me. She is indeed freaked out by everything.

"I don't get it. Why is everyone so afraid of him? He is not that bad," I said softly, but the expression on her face said otherwise. "And not wild." Just crazy enough to jump off my balcony! I hope he is okay.

"Growling at a taskmaster is simply outrageous! Nowel, what were you thinking?"

"He was provoked. That doesn't count?"

She sighed as she reached out for my hands. And I felt warmth all around me. Her warmth.

"You don't understand that's why you agreed to that dangerous compromise, do you?"

Now, I am getting more confused by this. What's so dangerous about letting...I don't even know his name!

"If he ever tries to even hurt a single hair on your head, even if it's just a tiny bit...let me know and I'll deal with him."

I smiled or should I say that I was deeply touched by it.

"Nowel, am I clear?"

I pulled out my hands from her grip to give her a tight hug. Could the universe ever be more gracious than this? I have been provided with a person who truly, and deeply cares for me. I'm grateful!

"He wouldn't dare."