The Dragon King's Heart

Unable to get any more information on Dante's condition pained Laina. But she did not let that stop her from fulfilling her promise to him. She was going to find a way to get to the Celestial Realm, even if it killed her. 

She dove headfirst into her royal duties while continuing to source for more Sunfire jade and other gemstones that resonated with her. She even went straight to the mines to look for what she needed. 

Margaret, on the other hand, attempted to contact Marius. She has not been able to speak to him since he left with Dante. 

That changed when Marius appeared before her one fine evening. Laina was having dinner in her private quarters when he appeared on the balcony. Margaret was the first to sense him. 

"Marius? Marius!" she dropped what was in her hands and ran up to him, kissing him on the lips as soon as she entered his embrace. 

"Margaret," her name left his lips before they continued their passionate kiss. 

As much as he would have loved to whisk her away so that they could make up for lost time, he did not have that luxury. Marius was here for a different reason. He parted lips with Margaret and walked up to Laina. 

Before he could get down on his knees to greet her properly as a Queen, she stopped him. 

"Spare the formalities, Marius. You bring news on Dante, yes?" she asked eagerly. 

Though Thorne was connected to Dante, there were things the Dragon King kept from him. All of this was to prevent Laina from worrying too much about his condition. She was sure of it. 

"Yes," Marius nodded, "But you're the one in danger, Laina." 

Everyone turned their attention to Laina, confused by Marius's statement. 

"Me? What are you talking about-" 

"We don't have much time, Cecilia, Dante's mother, is coming for you. They need your blood."

As soon as Margaret heard that name, clenched her jaw. The former empress had never liked Laina. Needless to say, she did not approve of Dante's relationship with her either. If she wanted Laina's blood, she will not care for the method she uses to obtain it. 

Laina knew what this meant. Dante's recovery needed her blood and she was prepared for this day to come. From her spatial storage, she produced a large case containing hundreds of vials of blood. 

"Your Majesty… this…" Marius was shocked by the amount before her. 

No normal human would be able to draw this much blood in such a short period of time and still be alive. But Laina was different now. She had the power to do so. 

"There's no time to explain, get these to him at once," Laina instructed him as she shoved the box into his hands. 

Marius nodded, but the look on his face spoke multitudes. There was something he was still worried about. Even if he brought the case back to the Celestial Realm, Cecilia would still come for Laina. 

Since she was no longer the Empress, she was free to traverse Gaeia as she pleased. There was no doubt in his mind that she would come for her. After all, Dante's situation was not stabilized just yet. 

But before he could say anything else, time stood still. Laina, Margaret, Thorne, and Marius sensed it. Kol and Florin, who were also in the room at that time lose consciousness and fell to the ground. 

"What is going on?" Laina asked as she looked around. 

There was a presence manifesting in their vicinity and it was the cause of the mysterious situation that unfolded before them. Cecilia was here. And with her, was a small entourage of Celestial Knights. 

As soon as she appeared on the balcony, she had everyone's attention. All of them could feel the oppressive aura that surrounded the former Dragon Empress. Margaret, Marius, and even Thorne were forced down onto their knees as she made her grand entrance. 

Laina was the only one left standing. She could feel the aura surrounding Cecilia, but she was not greatly affected by it. 

"We finally meet again, Laina," Cecilia said as she entered her room. 

She was surprised to see the Queen of Kinshearth still able to stand on her feet. She had hoped to see Laina kneel before her. After all, in her present state, she was no different from a human. But it did not take long for Cecilia to notice the aura that surrounded Laina. 

It was but a fragment of her former aura, but it still burned brightly. Cecilia glanced over to Marius and noticed the case he had next to him. Putting the pieces of the puzzle together, she understood the situation well. 

"I see Marius here had already informed you of the situation and my impending arrival?" 

"It's an honor to meet you, is there anything I can do for you?" Laina asked with a smile, clearly ignoring her question. 

Laina had heard some stories about Cecilia from Dante and her friends. Deep down in her heart, she knew this woman did not like her very much either. Even if the situation was dire, she was not about to bend so easily. 

Trying to ignore Laina's behavior she continued to speak, "Indeed there is. I would like you to come with me."

"To be Dante's blood bag, is it?" Laina went straight to the point. 

She had no qualms doing so. She would go willingly. Laina would do anything for Dante. But she knew going with Cecilia was a suicide mission. 

"I've already given Marius a case of my blood. Each vial contains a concentrated amount, enhanced to amplify the effects," she continued to explain. 

"That's great and all. But, it's not enough. Because of your Love curse, he's bound for death," she said with gritted teeth. 

Her voice turned cold as she glared at Laina, "There's only one way to break it." 

Margaret, realizing the meaning behind her words, was not about to sit around and do nothing.. Taking advantage of the situation, she materialized a weapon in her hands and lunged at Cecilia. 

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