Witch's Daughter And The Devil's Son

Their group had an enjoyable meal within the garden, with Seren mostly listening to Arlan and Drayce talking about the affairs of their kingdoms and Yorian commenting in between, seemingly interested in human politics.

After she finished her meal, Seren left these men alone as she went to check on the plants in her garden. She found herself stopping in front of the empty plot where marks of a  tree being uprooted remained.

A maple tree.

The tree that used to be in the middle of her garden was a large maple tree that she used to personally prune once a year. Though there were other trees in her garden, this particular tree was the largest, the oldest and the most beautiful, and it was also the first tree one could see from the gate.

She stared at the ground which was covered with fresh soil. Give it a few days, it would be covered in weeds, erasing the last traces of its existence.

'I remember my nanny saying this tree was planted here even before I came. Was it necessary to remove it? Though it brought back memories I would rather forget, I still feel it was not necessary. I would have been at most a little uncomfortable but it would have been fine. That tree had no fault in anything.'

After some time, footsteps could be heard as someone approached her. "What are you thinking about, Seren?"

Seren turned around to face the source of the familiar voice and replied, "Brother Cian, good morning."

"Is it good? You look bothered."

Even though she wore a veil, one could see the crease on her forehead.

Seren gestured at the empty plot of land. "I was thinking about the tree that was removed. I feel like it would have been better if the tree was spared."

"That tree was an instrument used against you. You collapsed and became unconscious for days afterwards—"

"Those who conspired against me are in the wrong, and the tree is innocent. It would be good for me to learn to face my fears."

Hearing her stubborn words, Cian smiled. "That's good thinking, Seren. Though I wish you won't ever experience similar things again, life is unpredictable. I wish you face what scares you instead of hiding."

"This would have been a good chance to try, but the tree is already gone."

"Hmm, that's sad but don't feel too bad. That old tree was dying and it would have been removed sooner or later," he consoled, "but as you have thought about facing your fears, how about not denying to have a meal with our father?"

Seren looked at her brother, wondering if the reason he came to her tower was to persuade her. "That is a different thing."

"Is it scary?"

Seren shook her head, but said nothing.

"Do you still hate our father?"

Again, Seren did not respond.

Cian stared at his little sister, feeling a bit helpless. There were things he knew but couldn't say; however, if there was one thing he hoped to achieve, it was for King Armen and Seren to be given a chance to narrow the distance between them.

For a second, he wondered how to convince her to see their father.

"I am not here to force you, but Seren, you are no longer a mere princess. You are the Queen of Megaris, a person with status and rank, and every move you make, every word you speak, will be evaluated and interpreted by others to suit their needs.

"You are no longer a child but a lady with her own title. You need to face people even if you don't like them. You need to be stronger. You need to show everyone how wrong they were about you—that the Queen of Megaris is not a timid girl but a woman worthy of being the ruler of the largest kingdom in the continent.

"What do you think? Isn't meeting our father a rather small affair to be scared about compared to the weight of the crown you bear?"

Seren was unable to meet his gaze. "Well, I am not sure…if I want to see him…"

Cian sighed and tried to persuade her in another way. "Yesterday, there was a banquet hosted to welcome you and your husband, but you two didn't attend. The excuse was reasonable—that you were tired from your journey—but what do you think was the reaction of those who attended when they found out the guests of honor were absent? Fortunately, Prince Arlan attended the banquet and socialized in your stead."

Seren was someone who didn't care about people's opinion of her—or rather, she had grown numb to their masked hostility that she forced herself to not care. Seeing her lack of reaction, Cian continued.

"Think of it this way. If once again you refuse to accept this invitation, what do you think people will say? That Megaris looks down on Abetha? It will leave a bad impression not only to our parents but also those who have ears in the palace. People will think the Ivanovs are petty and immature and look down on you and your husband. It is not that I am saying your emotions do not matter, but I do not want your judgment to be clouded by emotions. As a Queen, you have responsibilities and a reputation to uphold—"

"My Queen can do whatever she feels is right."

The pair of siblings turned towards the cold-sounding voice. A hand was placed on Seren's shoulder.

"She doesn't have to prove anything to anyone."

Seren moved her head up to look at her husband whose gaze softened as he offered her an assuring smile. "Do as you feel right."

Warmth spread across her chest, knowing Drayce wholeheartedly supported her, regardless if she acted petty or immature. It was a kind of trust she wanted to be worthy of.

Her purple eyes flickered as she pondered.

"Brother Cian is right as well."

Drayce affectionately rubbed her shoulder. "I agree that Prince Cian has a valid point, but in the end, what you want is more important. I am fine with whatever you chose. If you don't wish to have a meal with your father, the King of Abetha, then no one will force you. You are the Queen of Megaris. You don't have to worry about measly formalities."

'Queen of Megaris…' she inwardly sighed. 'I want to be a good queen. As my brother said, I should not let my emotions cloud my judgment. For the sake of the relationship between Megaris and Abetha, I need to act responsible…I should…'

She looked at her brother. "I will accept the invitation of the Royal Family of Abetha."

Drayce and Cian shared a knowing gaze with each other as if they were expecting this.

"Are you sure about it, My Queen?" Drayce asked with admiration in his eyes.

"Hmm, I should at least fulfill my duty as the Queen of Megaris."

"As you wish then."

Irrespective of political view, Drayce and Cian both wanted Seren to meet her father. It was progress for her to share a meal with him. and it would be better if she were to talk with him.

Though it was too much to expect that the father and daughter would reconcile within a single day, the fact that they have a chance to interact could improve their relationship. Having a few moments together might make them understand each other better.

"Brother, I heard you will be coming with us to Mivesea," Seren asked, changing the subject.

"Yes, I will be attending the summit in our father's stead, and I have already received a letter saying that  Giselle has given birth to a healthy little girl so I am thinking of paying them a visit as well. Do you want to come?"

Seren briefly remembered that her oldest sister was pregnant but didn't comment on it.

Meanwhile, Drayce stood by Seren's side without interrupting them. Drayce believed Cian's intentions were good, and he approved that he was trying to act like a bridge between her and the rest of her family.

"Her daughter is your niece as well. Aren't you happy?" Cian asked, though he knew the truth. It was just his attempt to make Seren feel that things have changed now.  As the eldest, he hoped that his younger half-siblings could improve their relationship.

"I don't know her well enough to be happy about the birth of her daughter," Seren said coldly, but there was hesitation in her tone, as if she was forcing herself to say words she didn't mean.

Though there was no bond between sisters, the birth of a new family member was always a joyful occasion within a family. How could Seren not be curious and happy at the birth of her first niece?

"That's true, but let's see if you feel the same when we see her daughter," Cian spoke.

"Me? Will I get to see her daughter?" Seren asked. She had seen her sister's son but it was from a distance. After all, when even the adults were wary of her, it was impossible that they would let them anywhere near a witch like her.

"Why not? I don't believe our sister will not let you see her child."

"They won't even allow their kids to approach a witch's shadow, much less let them be seen by her. Better for me to not expect anything," she said with a bitter tone. "As I said, I don't know the First Princess that well to call her a sister."

"Fine, as you wish. For now, I guess I should be glad that you agreed to have a meal with Father.

'Meal with our father?' she thought, 'Not my father at least. It will be my first ever meal with the King of Abetha.'