Draven and Aurelian were led to the Grand Duke. "Your royal highness", the grand duke greets, "your presence here is highly appreciated", he adds. Draven nods and takes his seat, pulling Aurelian with him. "I'm sure you're well aware that poverty is the main crisis right now", Draven starts, not beating around the bush. "The people have expressed their concerns and they have cried their hearts out and it's our duty to listen and take necessary actions", he continues, "then what are you suggesting your highness?" The grand duke asks, sitting opposite them. "Well, we can start by improving and providing free education", Draven answers clearly here for business. "Working opportunities for both genders?" Aurelian suggests. The grand duke looks at Aurelian,"this matter concerns the Nightbane officials" he says, "and I'm the royal consort", Aurelian retorts. The grand duke's gaze harden at Aurelian's words,"your highness, what do you imply by bringing along this outsider", the grand duke asks Draven. Draven's gaze on the grand duke did not waver,"even as the grand duke, don't you think it's inappropriate to speak to your Crown Prince's consort that way?", he deliberately questions. However, the grand duke just smirked but his expression hardens. "I guess the information I received was not wrong at all", he starts, "I heard you defended him during his first meeting with the commoners and I also heard you went against the royal court to protect him", the grand duke chuckles, dark and menacing. "What you said is not false", Draven replies not breaking eye contact. The grand duke rises,"you come here speaking about helping the people when you have betrayed them", he says. "How have I betrayed them?" Draven questions also rising to his feet, Aurelian stands up also, glancing nervously between Draven and the grand duke. "You betray them by allowing an outsider to get involved in royal issues, you forget that your marriage was just an alliance of convenience", the grand duke sneers. Aurelian clutches Draven's arm,"Don't" he whispers. Draven took a step forward,"Grand Duke, you forget your place" "what?" The grand duke looks at Draven like he just grew a second head. "I'll remind you that you have no business questioning my marriage or giving it names". Draven's words hit the grand duke like a slap to the face,"and in case you've forgotten, I'll remind you of your duties, you oversee the Northern region, manage the taxes, advice the royal council and maintain loyalty to the crown", Draven states, taking another step forward,"and let me ask you, among your duties which states that you should question my marriage or insult my consort? hm?" He adds, raising a questioning eyebrow. The grand duke reluctantly bows, "I'm sorry your highness, forgive my insolent behaviour, I deserve whatever punishment you deem fit". Aurelian looks at the bowing Duke and glances at Draven,"I've never seen him so angry and... scary" he thought. "Enough!" A loud angry voice rings through the room. Draven didn't look, he knew that voice perfectly well but Aurelian turned towards the sound. The sharp cling of glass slippers on the marble floor drew closer with every step. Stopping in front of her -still bowing- father, Drusilla faces Draven,"why must you be so cruel?! All for that.. thing?", she says, shooting Aurelian a disgusting look. Aurelian swallows,"this is only getting worse", he thought. Draven observes the grand duke for a while before speaking,"you may rise", the grand duke straightens, avoiding eye contact. "Consider this as mercy and remember to put your daughter in line", Draven says, his voice dropping an octave. And after being quiet for so long, Aurelian finally speaks up,"it'll be much better if we make peace, don't you think?", "yes, your grace", the grand duke answers, his face full of contempt. Drusilla doesn't speak and doesn't hide the disdain in her expression as she looked at Aurelian. "I was supposed to discuss the problems of the people with you but it seems you have no interest in that" Draven states, "n..no, your highness, we can discuss it.. again", the grand duke stammers. "I and my consort will leave now, when you're ready to discuss, come to the palace", Draven adds and looks at Aurelian,"let's go?". Aurelian nods and leaves with Draven after throwing a provoking smirk at Drusilla.
As they leave, the grand duke looks at Drusilla, "don't worry my daughter, you'll have that crown bastard". "You always say that dad" Drusilla scoffs, "this time I have something planned", the grand duke grins wickedly, "that consort will not get to the palace...Alive". Drusilla gasp dramatically,"you mean an assassination? You're a genius, father". The grand duke laughs cruelly, "and when he's out of the way, you need to worm your way to that crown bastard and have his heir", the grand duke states. Drusilla also laughs, "and then when Draven gets the throne I'll be the queen". The grand duke licks his lips greedily,"and then I'll kill that crown bastard before he takes the throne and I'll be the default king", he thought to himself and laughed out loud till he coughed hard. Drusilla looks at him,"are you okay dad?" "Yes, I'm just happy for you", he replies her, a subtle smirk playing on his lips.
On the other hand, at the entrance of the grand duke's estate. Aurelian and Draven mount a horse going back to where their carriage was parked. As they ride back, Aurelian couldn't shake off the feeling that someone was watching them. "Hey, are you okay?" Draven asks him,"or are you now scared of me?" He teases with a playful smirk. Aurelian scoffs,"no, that's not it, I just have a feeling that someone's watching us", "really?" Draven looks around,"I don't think so". "Okay, if you say so" Aurelian nods. They continue their ride back and just before they reached the carriage. "Whoosh!", an arrow flew through the air, Draven saw it from the corner of his eyes and quickly used his body to shield Aurelian and then, "squelch!", it pierced through Draven's back. Draven groans in pain, the guard rushed around but not before another arrow hit Draven in the back again next to the first. "DRAVEN!!!" Aurelian grabs Draven as he hits the ground panic coursing through him. "YOUR HIGHNESS!!!".