The Dragon King's Heart

Laina took in a deep breath as she stretched out her arms, "It's good to be back."

It had been a lovely trip to Dracona, participating in the Festival of Felines. She had spent some quality time catching up with Dante. It was a well-deserved trip filled with fond new memories. Now, it was time for the Crown Princess to resume her duties. 

Much to her surprise, she had a guest with her who insisted on returning to Kinshearth with her. In fact, he had gone the extra mile to clear out his entire schedule just to make it happen. 

"Your Majesty, thank you for your personal escort back to Kinshearth," Laina thanked Dante cordially with a curtsy. 

"Your Highness, it is my duty. As your…" Dante leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "future husband…"

Laina blushed immediately as she gently punched him on the arm with a smirk on her face. As they entered the palace, Laina was greeted by the palace staff. In her absence, General Tobias and Royal Chancellor Lucinda had taken charge to ensure Kinshearth ran smoothly. 

Much to her relief, no major issues occurred. Kinshearth was prosperous and peaceful. 

"Has Kol returned from his trip?" she asked them as she continued towards her personal quarters. 

"We have received word, he will be returning shortly," General Tobias replied. 

The General and Chancellor left shortly after greeting Laina, they still had their duties to attend to. 

Laina nodded, she was excited to hear how his trip with Florin had went. With almost everyone accounted for, all Laina wanted to do was to see Colette. The young child had refused to attend the festival with them but Laina made sure to return with lots of gifts to make the child happy. 

"I hope she likes the gifts we brought back," Laina said excitedly as they walked towards her room. 

"I'm sure she'll like them, " Dante replied with a smile. 

"Wait, what are you still doing here? Don't you have other duties to attend to?" 

"My my, is the princess ready to get rid of me already? I was hoping to catch a glimpse of this mysterious ward you've taken in before I go." Dante explained himself, but he did not waste the opportunity to tease her a little. 

As they took a turn towards Colette's room, they noticed the maid who looked after the young child exiting the room. She quickly bowed in respect to Laina who was coming towards them. Just as she was about to open the door for them, Laina stopped her. 

She wanted to give the child a surprise. 

The maid understood her intentions and did not proceed any further. Laina, Dante, Margaret, and Marius were all at the door. Laina knocked on it before pushing it open. 

"Colette, guess who's here to see you!" Laina exclaimed with glee as she entered the room. 

The young child had her back facing them at first. As soon as she heard Laina's voice, she turned over with glee. Just as Colette was about to greet the Crown Princess with a smile, she realised Laina was not alone. 

She shivered in fear the moment she locked eyes with Dante. Her smile turned into one of shock. Dante, on the other hand, was dumbfounded. What he saw was a small young girl, sitting back facing them. 

But the moment she turned around, his heart ran cold. He saw red. That was not a child. He knew exactly who it was. This time, he would not let her get away. Dante did not say anything. Laina was about to take another step into the room. 

Dante stopped her. 

"She's dangerous, Laina," he muttered to her before he lunged towards the young child. 

Colette did not have time to react. One moment, Dante was by the door of the room. The next moment, he was standing right before her eyes. She did not have any time to defend herself. Dante placed her in a chokehold and lifted her off the ground. 

The young child dropped the doll she had been playing with as she began to struggle, gasping for air. Tears flowed down her eyes as she attempted to cry out for help but no words came out. She called out tearfully to Laina. 

"Dante! What in Kinshearth do you think you're doing?! Put her down this instant!" Laina exclaimed in shock. 

Marius was caught completely off guard by Dante's actions too. But, he knew his King would not do so without proper reasoning. Margaret, on the other hand, was equally confused as Laina. Without her powers, she had no idea who Colette truly was. 

In her eyes, Dante was strangling a young innocent child. 

"Your Majesty, what are you trying to do?! Step away from the child at once and put her down!" Margaret warned. 

Dante was surprised by Margaret's reaction. Could she not tell who the child truly was? Beneath the disguise, that was Cordelia, the witch who'd been trying to harm Laina. 

"This is no normal child, this is merely her disguise!" he yelled. 

As he did, Dante recalled everything that had happened. He remembered the time Laina got hurt during the hunt. He realized how each time he had missed catching the child in her lies. Was this all planned out so that he would not be able to find out it was her? 

"Please… you… your Majesty… let… let… me go…," Colette begged for her life with the remaining life she had in her. 

She knew the situation was getting out of hand. She was not about to let herself die in disguise and in Dante's hands no less. If the purple-haired witch was left with no other choice, she might have to reveal herself. 

But her plan had been going so well! She did not want all of her efforts to go to waste. 

Laina was confused by Dante's actions. Why was he attempting to hurt the child? Furthermore, his reply to Margaret also raised many questions. 

"Margaret, what does he mean by disguise?" she asked, hoping her handmaiden would have some answers. 

Margaret was shocked too. In disguise? Without her powers, she was unable to detect anything from the child. To her, the child was as she seemed to be. Dante could see the doubt in her mind. 

He quickly added, "Think about the things that have happened. That hunt, she was leading Laina into danger!"

"Dante, what are you talking about? Why would she do that? Just put her down first and let us talk this out? Please!"