A Drop of Moonlight

Chapter 18: Proposal

Denise did not know how she spent the days as her treatment fixed whatever damages she had sustained. While she felt guilty for being the reason they were delayed on the way, she does not know what to say in their current situation. After all, she was apparently out in the dark for 7 days instead of the 3 days estimate.

Waking up, the scene she sees had her raise her hackles. The sight of the red-eyed man with the elven figure and Harold in the room have her all too vigilant. With what happened before she lost consciousness, these three cannot just stay in a room in peace.

"You're awake." Said the red-eyed man. "Seems that you have quite a recovery."

"It was your fault she was in that condition, old man." There was spite in Harold's tone as he angrily glared at the older man.

"I certainly remember that little Degrande." The man carelessly replied. "I don't expect her to react badly to that magic, it mostly just makes people disoriented and recover just fine after a few nights of sleep. Made me wonder why she had to have such excessive treatment to wake up."

"Just because it worked fine for others, it doesn't mean it would be for another!" Harold was enraged and wanted to pounce and hit the other. But as a young child who neither has the physical strength or power to land a hit, he could only seeth at the side.

"Is that so?" There was nonchalance in the man's tone, but the teasing glint in his eyes says otherwise.

"What is happening?" Denise asked Rufus who was checking her vitals to see if she had recovered just fine.

"It would be a long story. But you just need to know that that man is simply shameless." Rufus' tone was annoyed as he commented that she would need to drink some specialized potions to make up her body. Denise visibly grimaces at the mention of consuming potions, but yo get better she knew she had to listen well to her healer's advice.

"That is quite uncalled for my elven friend." A mocking rebuke sounded from the red-eyed as he was done reducing Harold into a speechless child. "I came in peace."

"Just because I tolerate your presence for a while now does not mean I want you here." There was unprecedented coldness in Rufus' voice as he directed a deadpanned look to the other. " I don't like you. And if I am not thinking of what impact harming you would be, I would have long made sure you cannot pester us in any way possible."

"Your words sure are sharp as always." The man was simply not caring of the other threat. His eyes lingered in Denise in interest before saying. "Still I admit I am in the wrong this time. To make amends, I came here to give appropriate compensation."

Sensing that something is more to what the man is aiming, Denise was tense as she wanted to bolt away. Hee instincts are clamoring her not to hear a single thing. Hearing him out would thrust her to a chaos she should not be involved in.

"I'm flattered that you wanted to give compensation, Your Highness." Denise tried her best to squeeze out a flattering smile. "But let bygones be bygones. I need no compensation. Let's just forget all of this has happened and there would be no need for anything to be given."

"How noble of you." There was a smile on the man saying that. Denise held Rufus' hand who was helping her steady herself after she noticed her trembling slightly. Seeing her frightened state, the elf glared at the only adult human in the room.

"Cease the bush beating." Rufus said impatiently. "You've already heard of her answer. Leave as we had agreed to."

"I apologize for making you scared, child." Noticing the increasing discomfort of the girl, he knew he had been too much just now for this girl. While she does not know his specific identity, she knows enough that being acquainted with him means trouble. A smart thing to do and something he had been looking for in a person to be his people.

"No need for apologies, Your Highness." Denise was surprised to hear an apology. And while she liked the fact the other acknowledged his wrong, there is a nagging feeling that he is not letting her go for whatever agenda he had.

"I insist." The man shook his head and said. "I, Yulious Dargar Sihtiar, will not back down for a mistake I made. I will compensate you whether you like it or not."

Hearing the name of the man made Denise tremble deep in her bones. There is only one Yulious in the royal family and he is the current crown prince who ran away as soon as he was named heir. It has been years since he was seen, however the old king did not name any other heir despite having plenty of princes by his side. No one knew why the old king was fixated on him being his heir, but all other princes had disliked and actively tried to erase the crown prince's existence to take his position.

Rumors have it that the crown prince was simply rebellious and unworthy of the old king's affection. Other princes' fractions had done all sorts of damages on the crown prince's reputation to boost their side. But there was no changing the king's mind and those involved in messing with his crown prince were met with severe punishments and penalties.

"I don't have much with me right now. But with your age, I think an academy admission would be a great compensation." The prince said as he was thinking what he could give out. "A court position would do as well, but you're still too young. Staying in the academy until you're old enough to attend court is a good idea. Do you have a relative who has some skills? I can arrange something for them too…"

"There is really no need."

"But I insist." There was finality in the man's words. "Listen well child and I will make sure you will live well for the rest of your life."