Aurelian paused, "Maelor and I go way back, we've known each other even before I met you when we were kids". Draven stares at him, "how come I've never met him then? I used to come to your Kingdom back then", he questions. "When you came to our kingdom for the first time, he had left for Knights Academy", Aurelian replied making Draven scoff, "and what's so special about him? Were you like… playmates?" "No, not exactly, after I saved his life, we often go out together", Aurelian corrected. "You…saved his life? Well there's still some things I don't know about you my beloved" Draven replied before taking Aurelian's hand in his, "very well then, I guess I can see what all the whole fuss about him is but still you're my husband so don't let that man get too close", he warned while Aurelian nodded with a smile.
Draven's fingers tightened around Aurelian's slightly, "I have some duties to attend to now, considering the fact that the people of the Northern region have been left bare without a duke". Aurelian's smile faltered at the mention of duke, "any new information about Valerius whereabouts?" "None yet but I've doubled the search party for him, rest assured that he'll be found soon", Draven reassured Aurelian then let his hand go as he strides away. Aurelian stared at Draven's retreating back for a while before looking down, he was bothered, not only did he feel unsafe in the palace grounds but he felt like someone was always watching him. Truly, a figure retreated further into the shadows as Sir Maelor walked towards Aurelian. "Your highness…" "Maelor, can you give me a moment alone" "but I was…" "please", Sir Maelor sighed and stepped back muttering a "fine" under his breath, although he made sure Aurelian was still in his line of sight.
Meanwhile in a cabin, near a big waterfall, sat Valerius Thornvale, drinking fine wine. He wasn't living like a fugitive but rather like a rich merchant. He has a few maids working for him in the cabin and some guards too. He might be in hiding but he was still a wealthy man. He occasionally sends letters to Drusilla informing her that he's doing okay. Presently, a man stood in front of him, reporting, "our contact from the army has sent word that you must remain in hiding, he said they have doubled the knights searching for you". Valerius hummed setting his glass down, "and the ones from the court?" he asked, "they said the palace hasn't made an official announcement stripping you of your title, neither have they selected a replacement", the man answered. Valerius smirked at that, "I am still Grand Duke Valerius Thornvale and if I'm leaving this title behind, it will be for the title of King". The man reporting nodded and to flatter him, he said, "Yes, Your Majesty". Valerius froze then burst into laughter, "I like the ring of that", he grabs a wad of money and toss it at the man, "consider that a reward for knowing your king early", he states, rising to his feet as he gestures with his hand, "HIS MAJESTY, KING VALERIUS THORNVALE OF NIGHTBANE KINGDOM". He announces as the servants clapped, cheering him.
Once the cheers had died down, Valerius turned back to the man reporting, "and the one i assigned to watch that brat?" he asked, "Oh, well the Moonveil palace sent a knight of their own to watch over him, and it seems that the Crown Prince isn't very fond of the knight", the man answered. The Grand Duke scoffed, sitting back down, "then I guess it hasn't been all rosy in the palace". Valerius took a sip of his wine before turning to the man reporting, "You should know a few people who spreads gossip in the kingdom", the man nodded, "I do, your majesty" "then let them spread word of Aurelian's infidelity!" the Grand Duke declared. "B..but, your majesty, there's no information about him being impure" "that's the point", Valerius took another sip of his wine, "tell the people that the royal consort is having an affair with the new Knight and let them turn against him!"