As expected, the King was furious when he heard the news, but he did not believe that anyone would be foolish enough to kidnap the Princess so he held fast to the belief that she was still within the castle grounds. Giving Elric some of the palace guards to assist in the search, he dismissed Adi and the Prince.
"That went better than expected." Adi commented to Elric as they walked down the castle corridor, which lead to the main hall. They assumed Damia may have become hungry while they were meeting with the King and decided to check.
They walked through the main doors and found it to be empty, with the exception of Xerxes eating at one of the tables. They were about to turn back around and continue their search elsewhere, when Xerxes spoke up.
"You know, you two are the fifth group to enter here and leave just as suddenly. Is there something against eating with the guest when it's not a lavish affair?"
Elric spoke first. "Are sincerest apologies, Marquis. We did not mean to disturb your meal. We have other matters to address at present, otherwise, we would both be happy to join you." Elric motioned for Adi to speak up as well.
"Yes, Marquis. It is as the Prince has stated. There is no such rule and we did not mean to seem rude."
Xerxes finished the last bite on his plate and stood, walking towards them. "I take no offense either way. But I am curious as to what has everyone in the castle up in a frenzy."
Elric did not want Xerxes looking for Damia so he decided it was best not to say anything, but just as he was about to dismiss the question, Adi chimed in.
"We're looking for milady. Did she happen by here perchance?"
"You mean Princess Damia?"
Adi nodded in confirmation.
"Why would you be looking for her? She left yesterday."
This immediately got Elric's attention. "How can you say such a thing so calmly? What do you mean she left?"
"What I mean is, unless she somehow has managed to get her powers under control and learned to suppress them, she's not in the castle anymore."
"Why do you say that, Marquis Xerxes? What do Damia's powers have to do with her disappearance?" Now it was Adi's turn to be alarmed.
"I'm sure the Prince has voiced this, though I'm not sure if he's expressed his concern to you, but he once accused me of having greater interaction with the Princess than necessary, based on our exchange during the last ball. His accusations were well founded, as I'm the reason Damia's powers awakened."
Elric wanted to strike him down then and there, the rage visible on his face, but Adi stepped forward to hold him back. Adi just hoped Elric kept his wits about him long enough to not attempt a magical attack. Adi wouldn't be able to defend against that if he were to be caught in the crossfire.
"Prince Elric, please calm yourself. Marquis Xerxes, this does indeed come as a shock to us both. Though the Prince may have had his suspicions, he does not speak openly until they are confirmed as you have done with us now. So please go on with your explanation, and make sure to include what purpose you have with the Prince. I cannot be held liable for what happens next if you withhold any information from us."
Xerxes simply smirked at the vaguely covered threat and continued. "I could sense the Princess' powers even before I awakened them. One of my powers is Sight. I can see power in anyone. How it flows. How much they have. The Princess had a seal on hers. Actually, quite a few seals. I only had enough time to undo one of them, which gave her enough power to complete the transformation that took out the ogres. Taking back the magic I used to break the seal gave me some of her power essence."
Elric was struggling to hold back his anger. Through clenched teeth, he asked, "Are you saying that now you have her powers of transformation? You're not a shifter so how is that possible?"
"I said her power essence, not her powers. You should know by now that magic doesn't work that way. One can only wield what they were designed to wield, though taking her power would add to mine, multiplying my power's strength."
Adi jumped forward this time, but stopped short of striking. "Watch your words around me, Marquis. My loyalties lie with the Princess and the Princess alone, so don't think I will honor your diplomatic immunity if you mean her harm."
Xerxes laughed menacingly and closed the space between them as a counter challenge. "I was only explaining, Fairy, but if a fight is what you seek, then you will find that I am a worthy adversary."
Though he was filled with fury, Elric needed to hear the rest. He still didn't understand how Xerxes could say that Damia was no longer present, and finding her was the more important matter.
"Adi, stand down. Marquis, you still haven't explained why you said that Damia is no longer in the castle."
Xerxes stood facing off with Adi a moment longer, and then stepped back to address them both. "As I was saying, I have her power essence in me now, so until she learns to conceal her magic, I will always be able to feel her. The closer she is, the better I can pinpoint her location. I would say that sometime after nightfall, I felt her power moving away from the castle. I had heard that the Prince was going out hunting so I assumed she was joining you. It seemed rather out of character for a Princess to join a hunting party, but I've seen stranger things before. Obviously now I know that my assumption was incorrect."
"Do you know which direction she took?" Elric and Adi asked in unison and then looked at each other as if to tell the other not to speak in unison.
"No, I don't have that kind of ability. I can only sense relative proximity, not direction."
Having heard enough to devise a plan, Elric turned to walk out of the hall and as he walked, he addressed them both. "Adi, you will come with me because you are her companion and it is your duty to see to her safety. Marquis, I must request that you accompany us as well as you are the only one among us that can give us any insight as to where to look for her."
None of the men exchanged further words as they followed Elric out, towards the stables.