A snow-white raven flew through the open window and perched onto Marius’s arm. He brought the raven close as it began to whisper into his ear. After receiving the message, Marius whispered back.

Moments later, Marius let the white-feathered raven fly off into the open sky. With the message he had received, he made his way through the countless corridors of the castle until he came to Dante’s office. 

The guards at the door immediately let him. Marius entered the room carefully, hoping not to raise the attention of those who were in it. Dante was seated behind his work desk, reading a stack of documents before him while two other men stood before him. 

They paid Marius no mind when he entered, continuing their conversation as per normal. Dante finished up the paperwork before him and handed it to the two men. 

“Will we be expecting your presence at the afternoon council meeting today, your majesty?” one of them spoke in a deep guttural voice. 

Dante did not look up from the other document left on his table as he replied, “Yes, I will be there. If there’s nothing else, you both may leave.”

The two men glanced at one another, they had something they wanted to ask but they did not know if they should. Dante easily sensed that something was amiss. He did not have time to play the waiting game with them. 

He put down the pen he was holding and looked up, “If you have something to ask, Grand General Larkson, speak now. Before I run out of patience.”

Marius could not help but grin. Dante was never a patient King. 

Larkson cleared his throat, “There have been rumors, circulating around the castle and amongst the nobility, your Majesty…”

“I have no time for these groundless rumors, general.” Dante’s reply was curt. 

“People have seen you with an unknown young woman. One who has long red hair?” the general boldly continued his sentence. 

He carefully took note of every change in Dante’s facial expression, hoping to see if there might be any truth in the rumor. But the King’s facial expression did not change. Dante remained as relaxed as he could be. He leaned back in his chair. 

“Is that so?” he asked. 

The general gulped, “That was what I heard.”

Dante looked up at Larkson, “So you don’t have any proof?”

The general had no reply. All he could do was to admit his fault and hope that his King would show him mercy and let him off.

“Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have been clouded by these senseless rumors. I merely wanted to confirm their credibility with you so that I may dispel the falsehood in these groundless whispers.”

Dante did not move from his seat, he looked down at the general who had gotten on his knee. To be honest, he did not care for the rumors. They could say whatever they wanted, none of it would bother him. 

But, he was worried about what it might do to harm Laina’s reputation. The Crown Princess of Kinshearth last seen in Dracona instead of Everfree would bring up too many questions. 

“Thank you for your concern for my well-being, Grand General Larkson. Those rumors are groundless and make sure they remain as such, do you understand?” 

“Understood, my King,” the general swiftly replied. 

“Good, you may leave now, both of you,” Dante ordered. 

Both men bowed respectfully to him and quickly left the room. As the door closed behind them, Marius got up from his seat and walked over to the liquor cabinet. He picked up a glass bottle of liquor, unscrewed it, and poured Dante a glass. 

“Any news?” Dante asked as he swirled the glass of liquor in his hands before taking a sip. 

Marius grinned as he too poured himself a glass, “Indeed, my King. Interesting whispers from the Kingdom of Kinshearth. Or should it be Queendom?” 

“Cut to the chase, Marius,” he reminded him. 

“Yes yes, always so impatient. You know-“

“Cut. To. The. Chase.”

Marius downed the glass of liquor before he began to speak, “Crown Princess Laina has returned to Kinshearth to a big surprise.”

“Oh?”

“It seems she has some suitors.”

Dante looked up at Marius, “Suitors?”

He knew it would catch Dante’s attention. Marius continued to explain who the four lucky or unlucky men were and how it all went down in the Throne Room. Upon learning what Laina had worn when presenting herself to them, Dante let out an audible laugh. 

This surprised Marius, who had almost never heard him laugh. 

“That’s Laina for you,” Dante muttered to himself as he poured himself another glass as Marius continued his explanation. 

He was happy to find out that Laina had not agreed to a single marriage alliance. Maybe her heart was already in his hand after all. Or at least, for the time being, it did not belong to anyone just yet. 

“I have insider news that the Grand General and Royal Chancellor set up the potential marriage alliances for a reason,” Marius revealed as he looked towards Dante, hoping to lure him in. 

“And what would that be?”

He lured him in successfully, “Apparently Kinshearth is having some financial trouble. They were hoping a marriage alliance would solve the lack of money in the treasury. The Crown Princess, having refused the marriage alliances will need an alternative way to gain more money. Perhaps…”

“Perhaps what?”

“Perhaps if someone were to lend her a helping hand now; I’m sure Crown Princess Laina would feel indebted to this person, don’t you agree, my King?”

Dante knew exactly what Marius was hinting at. The Kingdom of Dracona’s wealth is almost second to none. Helping Kinshearth out of its financial trouble would not even make a dent in their treasury. 

If he were to deliver the funds in person, he would even get a chance to see her again. 

–No, that would be too obvious. I can’t go in person..– Dante said to himself.