They arrived at the palace safely. Just in time for Aurelian's family departure. Aurelian and Draven got down from their carriage and went to meet king Alaric and Queen Amara and Elowen. The Aurelian they knew would have hugged them and tell them not to leave but this one -Aurelian did not. He gave a small smile and a nod. "I guess I'll see you then", he said, Elowen hugged her brother tightly,"I'm sorry", she whispered. "It's not your fault" Aurelian said not returning the hug. Elowen pulled away and stepped back wiping a stray tear off her cheeks. King Alaric gave a curt nod and entered the carriage while Queen Amara looked at her son,"take care my boy", she kissed his cheek before following behind her husband, Elowen entered the carriage last and it began to move, taking them back to moonveil kingdom. "Are you okay?" Draven asked, stepping beside Aurelian, "would you believe me if I said yes?" Aurelian questioned looking at Draven. "Should I?" Draven asked before they both went inside.
The whispers about Aurelian's kindness during the inspection tour had reached the palace walls. Servants looked at him twice whenever he passed and some guards bowed deeper than usual to show their respect. Some still had their doubts of Aurelian but they sneered lesser now.
That very evening, the royal court called a meeting. They also requested Aurelian's presence. King Malric did not attend the meeting because he had more important things to attend to. But the royal advisors and ministers were present and other important persons. Aurelian sat beside Draven, nervous because this was his first royal meeting at Nightbane. The prime minister speaks first,"this sudden meeting is concerning the inspection visit you did, your highness". Draven gave a nod and he continues,"the royal consort or shall I say prince Aurelian has stepped out of line!" He says, his voice rising. "What did he do that's out of line?" Draven asks, his voice calm and controlled. "Giving out things like that?! That's disrespectful to us! He's indirectly saying we're doing nothing!" One duchess shouts and some others agreed with her. "Well, are you doing something?" Aurelian asked, deliberately provoking her. Draven smirked at that,"my consort is right, if you are doing something, you wouldn't feel offended by him helping the people" Draven said. "He wasted a lot of funds" the treasurer stands,"he used my royal treasury" Draven replied her. The nobles whispered amongst themselves,"he's gaining too much influence in this kingdom". One particular bold noble man points a finger at Aurelian,"you! You forget your place! You're nothing but a pawn in the treaty!" He yells and another follows,"he probably doesn't know anything about politics!" Some snickered while others looked uncomfortable with the situation. "Silence!" Draven's voice rings through the court room, angry and commanding. Everyone fell silent,"you will not disrespect him, ever!" Draven commanded. Aurelian glanced at him,"why is he defending me? In front of the whole court at that" he asked himself. Draven looked at one of the soldiers and pointed at the noble man who had shouted first,"throw him in the dungeon and let him be stripped of his title!" Draven ordered. The guard wasted no time and arrested the man, leading him away. "Your highness,with all the respect, doing this for a consort? I hope you haven't forgotten your duties to your people!" The prime minister says. Draven stands up pulling Aurelian with him,"I know my duty and part of that duty is to protect my husband" Draven said back. "If you have nothing important to say, I'll take my leave" Draven said. He didn't wait for anyone's response and left with Aurelian by his side. "This changes nothing", someone muttered under their breath.
Back at their chambers, Aurelian faced Draven,"why did you do that?" He asked. "Do what?" Draven asked back playing dumb. "You know what I'm saying, why did you defend me?" Aurelian asks again. Draven took a step forward and looked at Aurelian,"the truth? I just couldn't stand them talking to you like that" Draven replied. Aurelian looked at Draven -really looked at him. "What am I to make of this?" He thought and as Draven went to prepare for bed, his heart pounded and he questioned himself,"why am I so protective of him? Why does he make my heart beat so fast? What is this feeling?"