A Pale Looking Pet

Azrael sat in his study, his back leaned into his leather chair as he ran his long slender fingers through his disheveled hair, he released a tired sigh.

Azrael had to return back  to the palace a bit earlier than expected and had called for a guard to continue touring the market with the Princess. After returning to his study, he had been deeply buried in this paperwork which he had to complete before going to bed.

The door opened, clicking softly, Azreal did not bother to open his eyes as he already knew who could dare walk into his study without seeking his permission.

"Any news on the rogues?" Azrael asked, his eyes still remaining closed.

"Nothing new, Your Majesty, though Rohan would be visiting the palace by tomorrow, he mentioned in his letter that he had something to share with you." Sevastian replied, his eyes fixed on the King as he noticed how tensed Azrael looked, Sevastian knew how hard the King was working to create balance and was genuinely starting to feel pity for the King.

Currently, there was no lead whatsoever on what was making the dragons turn rogues, and the worst part was that the rogue dragons kept spawning out endlessly in massively terrifying numbers. If things were to continue this way, it would ruin the image of Valeria and shift the balance of different realms that Azrael had worked extremely hard to preserve.

"And Dargan?" He asked.

"He returned to the palace a few hours after you left with Princess Renata to the market," Sevastian said, continuing almost immediately. "I wasn't able to get to him immediately when you ordered me too as he was not present in his manor, his butler mentioned he had only visited the manor for an hour before he went out without sharing where he was ogf to." He explained.

"Did you question him about his whereabouts?" Azreal asked, his eyes fluttering open. Sevastian noticed the King eyes had turned golden already, perhaps it was due to the stress he was currently going through.

"Yes, I did," Sevastian's response was curt.

"Where was he?"

"He had visited the brothel in the next village. He said he wasn't too keen on sharing information about his personal life with anyone." Sevastian explain to which Azrael scoffed.

"And did you confirm that he truly visited the brothel as he mentioned." Azreal asked, his long fingers tapping on the wooden table.

"Yes I did, the Madam confirmed the Dargan had indeed visited the brothel. She also brought the register out to prove it." Sebastian explained, even though he wanted to believe there was some mix-up somewhere and Dargan was not innocent, Sevastian knew better than to accuse a noble man without solid proof.

After a moment of silence passed, "Do keep a close eye on Dargan." He said, "From now on, let's be mindful of how much information we share to others," Azrael stated, to which Sevastian nodded in understanding.

"Of course, Your Majesty" he bowed, then proceeding to ask, "How was your trip to the market with Princess Renata?" Sevastian asked, a mischievous glint flashing through his eyes.

Azrael's face turned sore almost immediately, "Sev, we would have to find a solution to the rogues as quickly as possible for I can not wed the Princess, I cannot stand her presence any longer. It is suffocating," he stated, his fingers running through his hair roughly to show his irritation.

"And why is that, King Azrael? The Princess seem to enjoy your company, she must be dreaming of your wedding already," Sevastian replied, his eyes holding a gleam while his lips tipped up to form a smirk.

Azrael glared sharply at Sevastian, causing to man to straighten up. Pushing his glasses up his nose, he gently shook his head. Azrael's aura was more than intimidating, whenever he glared, it sent fear through a person's body, even a dragon like himself stood no chance against the Almighty King Azrael.

"How did my little pet do today?" Azreal asked changing the direction of the conversation, his eyes suddenly holding life again. It shocked Sevastian how much interest Azrael had for that girl, previously, his eyes looked empty, with no emotions in it, but suddenly, at the mention of the girl, there was curiosity in his eyes, excitement showing on his face.

"She did good, spent her day in the garden after her morning lessons." Sevastian replied in a calm voice. Although he noticed something was amidst with the girl but he couldn't decide if he should bring it up or ignore it.

"What is the matter? You look like you have something more to say." Azreal asked, his eyes narrowing at Sevastian. The king watched Sevastian clenched his teeth together and was immediately beginning to grow irritated. "Out with it Sevastian, I have no patience to wait for you to speak." Irritation lacing his voice as his tapping increased.

"I might be mistaken and I have no plans on causing alarm, but I did notice the girl was a little paler than usual. Like I mentioned before, I might be mistaken." Sevastian said.

"What do you mean by pale, Sevastian? You never make mistakes, so why would you start now?" Azreal raised a brow at him.

"Forgive me, Your Majesty, I did not think of it as a big deal, aside from noticing her being a little pale there is nothing more that is alarming." Sevastian explained.

"I think I should pay her a quick visit to see if it is as bad as you make it seem." Azreal raised from his chair and walked around the table, his legs making its way towards the door.

"Would you like me to do anything else this night?" Sevastian asked.

"No Sev, you can retire for the night. Perhaps a good night rest will loosen you up a little." Azreal gave Sev a friendly pat on the shoulder before walking out of the study.

Azreal twisted the handle of the door and pushed it open, his eyes roaming the room and landing on Elysia who was sitting by her bed and brushing her hair. "Your Majesty." Elysia stood up from where she sat and turned to face the King, her hands joined together in front of her.

Azreal's grip tightened around the door handle as his eyes landed on her face, even in the dimly lit room, he could see how pale she looked, she looked like she would pass out any moment. It seemed Sevastian wasn't mistaken as usual.