A few minutes later, the bailiff returned with three registers in hand and approached Azrael. "I have discovered something new about the names," he began, opening one of the books and pointing to an entry. "Phyl Aldrich is recorded to have attended multiple balls with the previous Duke of Graymoore—not just one, but consistently over several centuries. This leads me to believe that the previous Duke might have information about who this individual truly is." He paused, his gaze shifting back to Azrael as he awaited a response.
"Did you manage to find any properties under those names?" Azreal questioned.
"Unfortunately, I found no evidence of that, nor was there any collaboration recorded between them and any nobleman," the bailiff explained.
Azreal tapped his fingers twice on the arm rest, "We will need to pay this Duke a visit, perhaps he will give us important information that might help us find out who the name belongs to."
"Does he still leave in Graymoore?" Sevastian questioned.
"Yes he does, he stays in his inn with his granddaughter. The man moved to a quieter part of the town after his son took over." The bailiff added.
"Very well then. Sevastian and I will go there tomorrow morning to see him." The King announced.
"Very well, Your Majesty. It is late. I suggest you have dinner and rest for the night. I will continue going through the registry to see if I can uncover more about these imposters," the older man said with a warm smile directed at the King.
"Thank you Harold. I appreciate your kindness and hospitality." Azrael returned the man's smile.
"You are always welcome King Azrael."
Azrael, Elysia, and Sevastian exited the room, leaving the old man to his work. They returned to their chambers, where the servants promptly brought in their dinner. The meal was enticing and delicious, satisfying their hunger after a long day. Once they had finished eating, Azrael called for the servants, who quickly returned to clear away the dirty dishes and utensils, leaving the room spotless once more.
Elysia sat on the couch in the soft glow of candlelight, her fingers gently combing through Azrael's hair. His head rested on her lap, his strong, stoic features softened in this rare moment of vulnerability. Her other hand trailed down his temple, tracing the faint lines of his face, a loving touch that made him close his eyes in contentment.
"I want to go with you," Elysia broke the silence while her hand was lost in her, stroking it.
The King arched a brow at her. "Why is that? I do not want to put you in danger, my love. You will be safe here." His voice remained soft and gentle, laced with genuine concern..
Elysia looked down at him, his head on her lap as his eyes found hers. "I know that, but I do not want to be here alone. I will feel much better and safer with you Azrael."
"I understand you, but you must understand me, my love," the King explained, his tone calm yet firm. "Within these walls, I know you are safe. Out there, we face the unknown, and I cannot bear to put your life in danger." His gaze softened as he spoke, his concern evident.
"I understand Azrael. Just do not make me wait for too long." Elysia pressed her lips in a thin line, poking a finger in his cheek.
His smile broadened, his eyes trailed down her lips back to her eyes. "You wish is my command love." his words sent shivers down her spine.
Elysia swallowed hard, it was getting harder and harder to control her growing feelings for the King. She smiled before massaging his head with her fingers. His eyes closed.
"You spoil me," he murmured, his deep voice tinged with a rare playfulness.
She smiled widely, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead. "You deserve it, my King."
Azrael tilted his head slightly, his dark, piercing eyes now open and locked onto hers. "You are the only one who could make me feel this at peace," he said, his voice low and sincere. He reached up, his hand resting over hers as she continued to stroke his hair.
Elysia chuckled softly, her voice light yet warm. "Do you truly mean that, or are you just saying those words?" she teased, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief.
Azrael's lips curved into a faint smirk. "What do you think Elysia?" he lifted his head so he was close to her, his eyes turning darker. "Do you think I am bluffing love?"
Elysia swallowed again, his burning gaze and closeness made her suddenly grew hot all over her body. Not trusting her words, she shook her head sideways slowly.
"Words love. I want to hear you say it." His eyes moved to her lips staying there.
Clearing her throat lightly, she spoke. "No Your Majesty....i do not think you are bluffing."
Azrael's tone softened, yet his gaze remained intense as he cupped Elysia's face gently. "You have undone me, Elysia. I spent centuries building walls around my heart, thinking I could never need to feel anything again. Then you came along, breaking through every barrier I had. Now, I am utterly consumed by you. You are all I think about, all I crave. I'm hopelessly, irrevocably obsessed with you, and no matter how much time I spend with you, it will never be enough."
Her heart swelled at his heartfelt confession, and her fingers momentarily stilled in his hair. She leaned closer, her gaze locking with his as she whispered softly, "I like that, Azrael. You are allowed to be obsessed with me because I am yours—completely, utterly, and forever. In every world, every lifetime, I belong to you and only you."
Azrael's throat bobbled up and down, he could not explain how he felt at the moment. He reached up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing her skin. "In every world, every lifetime. I am yours Elysia."
For a while, they stayed like that, lost in the quiet intimacy of the moment. He leaned closer and placed his lips on hers, kissing her softly. The kiss said all the unspoken words that their voices couldn't do.
Azrael pulled away resting his forehead against hers, panting as they both caught their breath. The King leaned back down, placing his head back on her lap closing his eyes.
"I could stay like this forever," he said after a while, his voice drowsy yet content.
Elysia laughed softly. "Forever might be a bit impractical. You still have a kingdom to run, remember?"
Azrael opened one eye, giving her an amused glance. "Let them wait. For you, let them all wait."
The emotion in his voice made Elysia knew he was very serious. She blinked a couple of times to do away with the tears welling up in her eyes. Dear goddess! How much more can she fall for this man.
They remained like that for a long time making small talks and Elysia cherished every second of it. In her arms, he wasn't just a king or a dragon—he was hers, and she was his.