Drayce returned to his bedchamber after meeting his knights and was busy doing his work related to his kingdom while his ears were focussed on the chamber next to him.

Seren had a meal, and she was resting while Dusk kept her company by sitting on the window sill of her bedchamber.

Just then, someone entered Drayce's chamber who never had to get permission to do so.

"Seems like the King of Megaris is busy," Arlan commented as he sat in one chair next to the wooden table where Drayce was busy going through the various missives sent from his kingdom about the current situation.

"Will that stop Prince of Griven from coming into my chamber and disturbing me?" Drayce commented, folding back a message scroll.

"Well, it seems impossible," said Arlan

Drayce was used to Arlan's behavior and said, "You can proceed with what you are here for."

"If you already know I am here for something, then why don't you just go through my mind with your devil power to know everything so it will save me from the trouble of explaining?"

"I don't wander through messy and unkept places," Drayce replied.

"Good, you would be lost anyway," Arlan commented.

Drayce stopped working and leaned back in the chair as he was ready to hear his friend who had definitely come to discuss something important.

Arlan finally came to the point, "Just like Thevailes, Hatha is on their knees too. After the compensation was made with Griven and Abetha, they wouldn't be able to get up soon."

Drayce nodded lightly, "It won't be for long."

Arlan agreed, "Knowing that sly King Samer, Thevailes will try another way. I am sure they want to take over Abetha by all means possible to take over the entire Kingdom."

"He must have planned by now, but he is waiting for the appropriate time after getting this defeat," Drayce added.

"What do you think he must plan for? As far as I can think, he will seek help from his mother's side, kingdom Othinia as it's closer to Abetha and shares a border with it along with Mivesea."

Drayce agreed, "But isn't Queen of Abetha, Queen Niobe from the same Kingdom."

"Both Queens are cousins, but from what I know, they don't get along well. Also, the Previous King, Queen Niobe's father, favored her a lot, and that's how Queen Niobe helped King Armen to make his reign stronger. But after the demise of the Previous King, Queen Niobe's father, things have changed. The current King is Queen Niobe's cousin and brother of king Samer's mother, the Dowager Queen of Thevailes. Now, Thevailes would be more favored by Othinia. Once they get support from Othinia, it is as good as getting Mivesea under them as a free side dish which….."

"....will help them attack Abetha through the way of the sea. They must be preparing their marine battle squad," Drayce added.

Arlan nodded, "Hmm, so the only kingdom which can help Abetha is Griven and Megaris. Given the marriage arrangement between Griven and Abetha, it made the relationship between the two Kingdoms stronger. With Megaris…."

"Soon," Drayce interrupted him.

"Soon? What do you mean? Do you plan on marrying the princess of Abetha?"

"Can't I?" Drayce asked.

"Of course you can, but King Armen has left with only one daughter who is not….wait...are you planning to marry the third princess?" Arlan asked, feeling shocked over his own realization.

"Is there any issue with it?" Drayce asked.

Arlan gave it a thought and replied, "No, but I doubt King Aremn would agree to it."

"He will." Drayce looked confident.

"It's not like I doubt your confidence but may ask how?....."

"We have a guest," Drayce informed as his ears caught something.

"Who?" Arlan looked at the door, forgetting what he had just asked Drayce.

"The one, from whom you would like to receive an affection," Drayce teased.

"What is he doing here? Shall I get ready to witness swords getting out of the scabbards?" Arlan asked.

"At least you admitted it," Drayce said as he referred to the receiving affection part of his previous teasing remark.

"Don't worry; I will share some of his affection with you. If not a sister, you can get her brother. I don't mind sharing."

"I will be content with the sister. You can keep her brother. That way, it will bring Griven and Abetha even closer."

"Who knows, if King Armen refused to give you his daughter, Megaris would still have a chance to strengthen the relationship with Abetha by getting their crown prince."

"You should stop reading some weird books written by random unknown people."

Arlan smiled teasingly as he winked, "Do you want one? It can help you court not just the third Princess but her brother. This time they had nice descriptions with those erotic pictures and...."

Drayce frowned, "You can keep it for yourself."

Arlan laughed. "I wonder how the celibate devil like you took a sudden interested in a woman."

Drayce didn't answer.

Just then, the knight entered the chamber. "Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Cian of Abetha, seeks an audience with you."

Drayce nodded lightly to permit him. The knight left, and Arlan spoke, "Keep your temper and sword in check. Don't just bring it out."

"Won't be needed today," Drayce assured.

Cian entered the Chamber, unaware of how he was a part of the teasing between two friends who had turned quiet on his arrival. He saw Arlan and Drayce sitting in the chairs.

He bowed his head lightly to greet King Megaris, and Drayce did the same while he greeted Arlan with a slight nod.

Though Drayce and Cian had fought together with the enemies and even had a long journey together from Thevailes to Abetha, they were not close or friendly with each other. There was something in both that kept them wary of each other while Arlan was familiar with them both and felt trapped whenever these two came across each other.