Chapter Twenty: A Love Tested by Secrets and Betrayal

After that event, the kings became curious, except for Sophie. Meanwhile, Lama was already planning what to do with Elysia. What Elysia and Sophie didn't know was that Lama had returned to the dining hall. The four kings were still there, along with Grandma Morwenna, who had arrived late. Lama pursed her lips and crossed her arms. As she approached the kings, she spoke words that made them suspicious of Elysia.

"I think I know why Elysia wears a scarf," Lama said.

"Do you want to see her face?" she added.

"Lama, don't cause trouble unless you want to get into it yourself," Grandma Morwenna warned.

"But Grandma Morwenna, that woman has a secret. She's lying to us. I won't allow her to deceive the kings," Lama insisted.

"Lama, stop it!" Vlood shouted at his sister.

"Do as you wish! I'll find a way to reveal the truth about that woman," Lama declared.

Lama immediately left the kings and Grandma Morwenna. It seemed like no one was on her side. In truth, no one really supported her because of her bad attitude. She was also a perfectionist in everything. She hated when people disregarded what she wanted to do. She was raised to be inquisitive, which explained her behavior.

After Elysia and Sophie talked, Elysia woke up feeling heavy-hearted. She had a bad feeling that something terrible was about to happen. Suddenly, she heard a knock on her door. When she opened it, she saw one of Ernyl's servants.

"My lady, Princess Lama is summoning you," the servant said.

"Huh? Why is she calling for me?" Elysia asked in confusion.

Even though she had a bad feeling about Lama, Elysia still went. She knew Lama harbored ill feelings toward her due to her unpleasant treatment. When she arrived, she saw the large pink door. It looked antique, with its beautiful carvings. Elysia opened the door to talk to Lama, but what she saw inside shocked her—Lord Draegon was kissing a woman dressed in a short black dress.

Elysia's eyes widened as she witnessed the scene. She wanted to cry but held herself back. She had been hurt so many times by the man she loved. Yet, she gained nothing from a love filled with uncertainty. Perhaps she had fallen for the wrong man.

Lord Draegon stopped what he was doing the moment he saw Elysia. His eyes widened, realizing she had seen everything. He didn't want her to witness this. They stared at each other for a moment.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Your Majesty. I thought Princess Lama was here," Elysia said, bowing her head after glancing at him.

Elysia heard no response from the king. It seemed she had disturbed him. Without another word, she left quickly, walking as fast as she could away from the room. She couldn't hold back her tears anymore. No matter how much she wiped them away, they continued to flow. Perhaps this was her fate—to be heartbroken.

"This pain… it's unbearable," Elysia thought.

She wept quietly as she walked. Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand and pulled her back. The figure was now behind her. They held both of Elysia's arms and gently stroked them over and over.

"Elysia…," the figure said.

"Yes?" Elysia replied.

She knew who it was. She recognized the voice, as well as the cold touch. Elysia tried to stop herself from sobbing, but her tears kept flowing like a river. She couldn't look directly at him—she didn't want him to see the sadness in her eyes. But he turned her around anyway.

Seeing her in tears, he realized he had hurt her.

"Stop crying. It's irritating to watch," Lord Draegon said coldly.

"I'm sorry," Elysia replied.

She lowered her head, but Lord Draegon gently lifted her chin, holding her face in his hands. He felt her tears roll from her cheeks onto his fingers. He wiped them away and tried to comfort her.

"Elysia… I'm sorry," Lord Draegon murmured.

"Why are you apologizing to a mere servant like me?" Elysia asked, feeling small.

"You're not a servant in my eyes. You are my other half. I'm sorry for how I've treated you. I tried to suppress my feelings, but I can't anymore when I see you. Elysia… I love you," Lord Draegon said seriously.

"Do you love me too?" he asked.

Elysia didn't answer. Instead, Lord Draegon pulled her into a tight embrace. He didn't care if she didn't respond—he just wanted to hold her.

Elysia knew that in the end, she might get hurt. The man embracing her attracted many women and could easily replace her. But she also wanted to take a chance on love. She wanted to experience what it was like to love and be loved. Even if she got hurt, it was her decision. She would give her heart a chance to be happy.

She embraced him back, stroking his back.

"I love you too," Elysia finally said.

Lord Draegon smiled at her response. He was overjoyed that she loved him as well. Nothing could stop their burning feelings for each other. No matter how much they tried to resist, they couldn't deny what fate had in store for them.

Neither of them noticed that Ernyl was watching them from a distance, smirking. Now he was sure—his cousin was truly in love. Draegon's behavior had changed; he was quieter and no longer had sudden bursts of anger.

But there was a problem—Lord Draegon couldn't control himself during the Blue Moon. During that time, he became dangerously passionate around women. If he didn't sleep with someone, he would either kill them or drain their blood out of uncontrollable thirst.

Ernyl laughed to himself.

"Let's see how long the two of them will last," he mused.