Ileus: The Dark Prince

"And how is that surprising?" Darla chuckled. "Ever since he has met, no correction, seen Anastasia, he has behaved like an ass." 

Kaizan burst out laughing. "I will have to toast to that, Darla," he said. "And I hope Aidan is there when I do that." 

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Darla blushed a crimson and internally cursed Kaizan. 

"You know I can hear you cursing me, Darla," said Kaizan cheekily. 

Anastasia licked her lips when he left her. "You look gorgeous, sweetheart," he whispered. She stared in his deep golden eyes and for a thousandth time couldn't help admiring them. "And if you keep looking at me like this, we won't be able to make it to the meeting." She chuckled and slapped his chest lightly. He intertwined his fingers with hers, pressed them to his lips and they walked through the corridors. 

When they reached the gardens of the east wing, Anastasia's hair fluttered in the cool wind and came on her face. She heard a roar from a distance. It was coming from the sky. "Seashell!" she gasped. She pressed her hand to her mouth and ran down the steps, leaving Ileus, to the far end of the garden. Heavy beats of wings flapping could be heard and when she turned her face towards the sky, she saw a golden lion flying against the golden rays of the morning sunlight. His massive wings were beating majestically. She squealed and roared in the answer. "Seashell!" She clapped her hands and jumped in excitement. 

The lion flew above her and then landed down. He broke into a run before coming to a halt right in front of Anastasia and tucked his wigs back. 

"Seashell!" Anastasia chirped. He walked towards her and nuzzled as she wrapped her hands around his mane and hugged him tightly. "I missed you! Where were you?" 

The lion rumbled low in answer. 

"He was in the ministry building," a voice came from the front. 

"Aidan!" Anastasia said with excitement looking up. "Damn, seeing you after so long. How are you?" 

Aidan smiled. "Been busy with things and had to keep an eye on your precious insignia." He bowed to her. 

Anastasia glanced at Darla who was stealing glances at Aidan and had blushed hard. Suddenly she realized why she was all dressed up. She was trying to get Aidan's attention. Darla was looking so flustered that Anastasia wanted to laugh, but she stifled her feelings for the moment. 

"How was the surprise?" asked Kaizan. 

Anastasia's attention went back to Seashell. "It was wonderful," she said and kissed the tip of his muzzle. She heard a jealous grunt from somewhere. 

"We are getting late," said Ileus. 

Anastasia giggled and said, "Come, walk with us Seashell." As they all started going towards the meeting chamber, the lion walked with her, his tail swishing behind him. 

As they came closer to the meeting room, Anastasia's anxiety increased. She was still not understanding as to why Adrianna would introduce her to the council members. She hadn't even announced their wedding. 

The massive ornate doors of the meeting room were opened by the guards who were stationed on the outside. They pressed their hands on top of the knobs. The gilded wolves crafted over there rose from slumber and turned to look at the guards. A low grunt was heard as if they didn't like the disturbance and then allowed the doors to open. "Are there new measures?" asked Anastasia because she hadn't seen this the last time she was here. 

"Yes," said Ileus as they stepped inside. Everyone else stayed behind. 

Anastasia saw that the attendance was in full. She could feel the eyes of every member in the meeting room on her. Ileus had held her hand and she clutched it harder as her palms became clammy. Adrianna was sitting at the head of the table. When their gaze met, a smile played on the queen's lips. She beckoned to her and waved at a chair on the right. Anastasia nodded and walked to the chair along with Ileus. All eyes followed her with mixed emotions and one of them, which she could feel was the tartness of jealousy and dislike. There were some curious glances as well. The way they looked at her wings… It was indescribable. 

"This is my daughter-in-law, Anastasia, Fae Princess of Vilinski." Adrianna introduced her proudly and loudly, without a hint of displeasure. "Ileus married Anastasia in the elf realm, Evindal." She took Anastasia's hand and showed the ring to all the council members as it glowed softly. 

Anastasia's cheeks blushed a pale pink. She couldn't understand whether her mother-in-law was showing her off or making a statement or giving them a warning. Also why wasn't there any emotion regarding Iona? Or was it that she was too trained to show her weakness to the public? Her eyes went to the opposite where she saw a man with white beard and white hair that hung on his shoulders. Isidorus. She bowed to him as he looked at her with his cold eyes. He nodded once to acknowledge her. 

Every council member bowed to Anastasia and then sat in their places, awaiting what the queen had to say next. 

Adrianna's eyes went to the Minister of Relations, Ozin. He was looking the most nervous. Then she swept a glance to all others and said, "Over the past few days there have been extremely bad circumstances involving dark forces who want to destroy Draoidh. Along with Haldir, the king of Draiodh is combing Silver Vales to find out the culprits. It all happened because of Lila, daughter of Ozin, whom we trusted blindly. And the interesting part is that it has been happening for past one year." She turned her head to Murtagh who was sitting in the extreme left corner and pounded the table. "Where did you lack?" 

Murtagh froze in his place. "I— I—" He licked his lips. "Lila never gave a reason to— to doubt her. She was— was always perfect," he stuttered.

"So, you mean to say that you would not check the backgrounds or keep a watch on people who act perfectly? I am sorry but if that is what you are going to do, you don't deserve this position!" Adrianna growled. 

Murtagh swallowed. He could feel his Luna's anger as it affected his mind, but he braced himself and then said, "I didn't know that she was in collusion with the dark witch." What he meant was that it was after all the queen's daughter who was the one who created havoc. 

Adrianna narrowed her eyes. "Why not?" she asked. "Besides, I haven't come to that point. Right now, I am asking about your lack of duty. Because you couldn't perform your duty well, Haldir and Dmitri are out there in the forests and you are sitting here. If you had kept a close watch, all this could have been prevented." She leaned back. She was about to add more when another member spoke. 

"Adrianna, we can also say that because you couldn't find your daughter at the right time, Iona has now become a formidable threat to the kingdom of wizards," said Minister of Finance, Draven. He was sitting right next to Ozin, gazing at Anastasia with hateful eyes.