Chapter 825: Back To Griven

After Zaria’s end, some of her people ran away, and those who surrendered decided to stay as a part of this kingdom. Those who ran away were all wizards. Their kind was never considered supernatural. They were just humans who gained dark magic in wrong ways by sacrificing innocents.

One of Zaria’s close aides, a black witch, ran away as she refused to surrender and was instead angry at Zaria’s end. Their dream of ruling all the supernaturals was now crushed entirely. They instead swore revenge.

All the supernaturals that Zaria had captured and imprisoned were freed and sent for healing, as they were all hurt while fighting against Zaria. That included Yorian, Aureus, Cornelia, and several other clan elders.

Myra was also found there, and she was sent to the healing chamber of the witch clan. Her frail body showed little sign of whatever life was left in her, unconscious and different from her old self.

Draven, Morpheus, and Evanthe guided the entire kingdom to resettle as before. The destroyed parts were rebuilt with the help of magical powers from all the clans, and it was settled entirely like before.

After spending a few more days in Agartha to help Draven, Arlan and Oriana finally decided to return to their kingdom.

Everyone gathered at the border of the kingdom to bid them farewell.

"What happened, leave it here," Evanthe told Oriana. "Just focus on your life ahead with your family."

Oriana nodded silently.

"I will see you there soon," Drayce assured her. "Seren and I will return to my kingdom as well."

Yorian came to Oriana. "I will see you soon as well, little demoness."

Oriana offered him a frown. "My life as a demoness has been far longer than yours. You better offer me respect."

"In the mortal world, we follow the rules of who was born here first," Yorian countered playfully.

Seren and Ember bid their goodbyes as well.

"You should visit the human kingdoms too," Oriana told Ember.

Ember looked at Draven, who offered a nod.

Ember smiled and looked at Oriana. "I will visit there soon."

Morpheus came to Arlan. "Visit here again. Next time, we will make sure there is no chaos like what happened here on your first visit."

"Well, we were one of the reasons for that chaos," Arlan laughed it out and looked at Aureus. "Once he finds his mate, invite us for a marking ceremony. I am sure a king of feathered races won’t take eternity to find his mate like his uncle."

The moment Arlan said it, Aureus’ body tensed a little. His mate? Maybe he wouldn’t find any, as the one he had given his heart to was someone else’s mate now.

"He is still young," Morpheus said, trying not to put his nephew in a pickle. "Let him learn how to rule."

They talked for a while and finally returned to Griven along with Snowflake. They straightaway teleported to Wildridge Manor outside the capital.

The servants and guards were surprised yet happy to see them back. They were seeing their liege after a year.

Everyone was informed. Rafal and Imbert arrived there as well.

Inside their chamber, Arlan guided Oriana to rest after having food. It had been a long journey; teleportation was exhausting. And after so much they had been through, it was finally time to be at peace.

Once she lay on the bed, Arlan asked, "Are you still thinking about it?" He referred to Zaria.

She let out a shaky breath. "I will get over it soon. Don’t worry."

He caressed her head gently. "Rest well. I will be back soon. I have to meet the others."

She hummed.

Arlan left, but he sent Snowflake to accompany Oriana. Snowflake climbed onto the bed and slept close to her master, passing her warmth to her in the cold weather.

Imbert and Rafal were waiting for Arlan. The moment he entered the study, both the knights’ expressions were visibly happy. Imbert, who was usually stoic, even looked a little more alive today.

Both of them bowed to him. Arlan stood facing them, visibly happy to see his two shadows in front of him. It never happened that these two were away from him, and now an entire year had passed without them.

"How have you been?" Arlan asked playfully. "I am sure you missed me until you two couldn’t sleep anymore."

"Yes, Your Highness," Rafal replied for both of them.

Arlan chuckled and went to sit in his chair behind the desk. "My bad. I should have arranged marriages for you so you could be busy with your wives instead of missing me. But it’s not late yet. I will talk to both your families and make sure you are married before you see my kids."

Rafal and Imbert looked at each other and didn’t know what to say.

"I’ll take your silence as your agreement," Arlan said.

"Your Highness," Imbert finally said, "I prefer to live just like this. Please do not trouble yourself with this matter."

Arlan raised a brow but said, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Imbert said. "But you can plan it for Rafal. Lord Ahren is already looking for a possible match for his sons."

Rafal turned to Imbert. "Captain, why are you throwing me under the rock?"

Imbert simply offered him a silent stare, as if daring him to question his captain.

Rafal shut his mouth and looked at Arlan.

Before he could say a word, the prince spoke, "Alright. Rafal will go ahead with it, while I will make sure to arrange more visits for Imbert to Megaris." He then looked at his knight. "I am sure you won’t mind, Imbert."

Imbert could only nod in agreement. "I will complete the task Your Highness bestows upon me."

Rafal understood what Arlan meant and couldn’t suppress his smile.

"I am generous enough to send you there for your own task," Arlan countered playfully. "I am sure Drayce’s knight, Azer Brayden, would love to work with you."

Imbert stayed quiet, not a tinge of change in his expression.

Arlan talked to them about all the events that had happened in the past year during his absence. The most important was about his brother Lenard, who must be having a child by now, as his wife was pregnant when Arlan and Oriana left.

"The second princess has given birth to a prince. His Highness named him Leon," Rafal informed. "Lord Rainier and Aaron have a daughter now, named Arria."

They had named her after Aaron’s deceased sister.

"Congrats. You are an uncle now," Arlan said, referring to Erin’s daughter.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Arlan was happy. "Damn, now I need to hurry to have at least a few kids. I feel like left behind."

The knights were happy to hear it.

Arlan then asked, "What about Nathan and Arthur?"

"Lord Nathanial is busy taking care of the estate and challenging his father’s business. Lord Arthur has been busy at the border, but he is currently in Karlin as per his father, Lord Clarence’s order."

"Anything serious?" Arlan asked.

"I think it’s about the matter of his sister, Lady Eivie’s marriage," Rafal informed.

After getting updates on everything, Arlan instructed, "We will leave for the palace at noon."

"I will make preparations," Rafal assured.

"I can’t wait to visit everyone soon," Arlan said, clearly missing his family.