The Devil’s Cursed Witch

Realizing the importance of the situation, Halifax corrected himself, his expression humbled. “Pardon my mistake. As I was saying, we have summoned Miss Ember Aramis in front of the council to hear the verdict that all the council members had agreed upon.”

Halifax’s words pulled Ember out of her happy world as she felt a little anxious about the verdict. From what she had understood, she had become the King’s mate and no one could ask her to leave the kingdom without her consent, but still, she felt a little anxious until she heard it confirmed by the council members.

“From this day onwards, King Draven Aramis together with the fourteen leaders representing the collective will of the races that comprise the council, hereby announce that the human named Ember Aramis is awarded official citizenship in the Kingdom of Agartha due to her identity guaranteed by the authority of the Black Dragon.

“Her name will be written in the record book of the census, and she will be allowed to exercise all the civil liberties that go along with her identity, along with the obligations that went along with it—”

There were many formal terms that she didn’t understand, but seeing the smiles on Leeora’s, Cornelia’s and Erlos’ faces, Ember realized that it meant one thing—

‘I can stay for good.’

Hearing the final verdict, Ember finally let out the breath she didn’t know she was holding. Leeora seemed especially happy for her, and her happiness was fully reflected in her smile.

The other members of the council congratulated her and gave her cordial smiles of an acknowledgement as well, their wariness seemingly disappearing as they decided to accept her as one of their own.

She looked at the King who was the only one sitting there with the same cold attitude. Their gazes met and the smile on her face disappeared that very same moment.

Seeing his cold face and scary red eyes, she dared not smile thinking she might offend him, but this young human didn’t know how such simple actions of her were causing something else to the man on the throne.

Draven wasn’t mad or unhappy. To be more precise, he was in a silent battle with himself, doing his best to remain calm and hold himself back after seeing the sincere happiness in his little mate.

‘Why does she have to smile at that? Those lips, those eyes…this scent…’

Draven looked calm on the surface, but inside, he was almost losing himself.

Ember didn’t know how to act under that intimidating gaze and simply bowed to him.

“Thank you so much for letting me stay in your kingdom, Your Majesty.”

Draven nodded without really hearing what she said. Before he could lose the little control he had left over himself, he stood up from his throne.

“The meeting is adjourned.”

He didn’t wait for anyone’s reaction and walked out of the council meeting hall with long strides.

Ember watched him leaving in a daze, but she snapped back to reality when she recalled something. ‘I am yet to apologize to him for intruding in his chamber yesterday. I must go meet him later.’

Draven’s sudden departure puzzled everyone since the King acted as if he was in a hurry to go somewhere. They always knew that the King never liked to attend council meetings, but he never stepped out of it so abruptly.

With the King gone, the others also didn’t bother to stay long. Ember saw everyone leaving as they offered her light bows with a smile.

Leeora and Cornelia shared a knowing look at each other. Leeora in particular knew why the King was acting that way.

Cornelia approached the High Elder of the Wood Elves. “What are you thinking about, Elder? You look bothered despite this being a joyous occasion.”

“Seems like we have to tell her soon what it means to be someone’s mate,” Leeora sighed.

Cornelia looked at Ember who was walking towards them with a bright expression.

“Congratulations, my dear.”

“Congratulations for officially being a resident of Agartha, Ember.”

“Thank you so much, Elder. Thank you so much, Lady Cornelia.”

They were the only ones left inside the council hall so they had to leave as well.

On the way out, Leeora asked, “How is the palace so far? Are you comfortable with your stay here?”

Ember nodded. “It’s good here. Everyone is friendly, but I liked it more in Ronan. I still miss my tree house.”

Leeora felt bad that Ember wouldn’t be able to step inside that tree house ever again. The tree spirit would never allow her because her elemental constitution was the fire.

Cornelia had already heard about the incident from Leeora and she was not surprised to know that Ember’s elemental constitution was the fire. What she saw and felt when the King was marking Ember, she had felt that strong power to be of the Fire element. With that, she concluded that the sign on the back of Ember’s neck must represent the divine power of the fire attribute.

“Don’t worry, Ember,” Cornelia assured her. “Perhaps what you really miss is the Elder’s home-baked goods. You should ask her to make more for you more often.”

“Oh, hush you—”

“She’s still a growing child. My potions might be the best, but fresh food from the elves are also good—”

Since Cornelia mentioned potions, Ember was reminded about the bottled medicine she drank last night and the night before. “Lady Cornelia, thank you so much for giving me those potions. My body feels much better after having them.”

“It’s my pleasure to be of help,” Lady Cornelia replied and then looked at Leeora. “Oh, Elder, I think we must part ways now. I am thinking of seeking an audience with His Majesty regarding what we talked about last time.”

Leeora nodded. “Sire must be in his study.”

Ember looked at the two ladies. “Can I come to His Majesty’s study too?”

They looked at her in disbelief. Wasn’t she scared of the King till now?

“Of course, you can, dear, but may I know the reason?” Leeora asked curiously.

“Yesterday…” She had a look of guilt. “I made a mistake. I need to apologize for it.”

Leeora knew Draven hurried out of the council hall to avoid his mate, but now his mate wants to meet him in a smaller, more intimate setup. It was not good to send her to him when he wasn’t obviously in a good state. This was also for Ember’s sake.

“Dear, I think this is not the right time for you to meet the King. After all, he is a busy man. You must tell Erlos first and then he will inform His Majesty. Once he approves, you will be called to go visit him.”

Ember understood and didn’t pursue the topic.