Chapter 20 61 55 vouchers Natalia felt her knees give out , and her weak body collapsed against the marble flooring of the courtroom . A heavy silence stretched in the room as the members of the court council murmured as they got up from their prostrated state . They were startled by the emperor's sudden outburst , all eyes reeled in his direction . Azmaveth's eyes were a glowing red color , casting a terrifying glow as he glowered at them . They were swept with dread as everyone froze , trembling in their boots , because the air around the emperor had lifted . And he now reeked of death . By no mistake should any of them annoy him , or their heads might fly . " Pardon us , your majesty , " Sarkan muttered as he fell to his knees ; the rest of the council members did the same . " We didn't intend to offend you . " " As you can see , I am still within my capacity to make decisions for myself , " He sneered , his thunderous voice bounced across the walls , resonating in both the room and in their minds . " You shall no longer speak regarding the human princess." " As you wish , your majesty , " Sarkan answered his head lowered , sweat glistening on his temple and falling into the ground . " I have made an exception of the law for the human princess ," He then proceeded , his voice still beaming with regal authority . " She will be allowed to summon me if she pleases ." " Yes , My Lord . We understand . " He lifted his fingers slightly , and almost immediately , the pressure in the room began to clear , and Draven felt his throat open , and air gushed in . Almost as though he had been holding his breath throughout the conversation . He coughed slightly , choking on the air as they rushed in , his teary eyes lifted and they met with Erevan , who had the same expression . " You may all leave . " He ordered and they scampered up , everyone else clearing out of the court room . Leaving the emperor with Natalia who seemed to have fainted . " Are you okay ? " Erevan asked his colleague , who had a pale countenance and was staggering . He rushed towards him and stood by his side to assist him . Draven felt his legs shaking , about to give out again . " You're bleeding ," He noticed as he searched through his pocket for a cloth , and he helped him wipe his bloodied nose . " I am fine ." Draven shook again , " It's just that I felt the emperor's presence in my mind . " Yeah , they all felt it , but Draven wasn't as strong as the other ; he lacked agility . " This is all your fault ! " Azarok came towards them , his eyes booming with anger and hatred . " How dare you have a different opinion from the rest of us ? " " The reason we are council is because we need to speak to the emperor in one voice . " He rasped again . " We 11:07 Tue , Sep 16 Chapter 20 61 55 vouchers should find a way to have you removed . " " Uncle , " Erevan defended as he held Draven closely to him . " It's not his fault ; whatever happened was the emperor's will . " " This is because of you , you keep supporting his outrageous claims ." Azarok snapped . " Just so you know , the entire council is unhappy with you two ." " I am only doing as I was told ," Draven muttered , coughing slightly , " If you are unhappy with me , it means you are unhappy with the emperor . " Their faces remained sour . " That is not how to talk to elders ! " Sarkan spat . " Because the emperor seems to recognize you , doesn't mean you can do as you please ." " Then you can take this as advise from your juniors , I implore you not to anger his majesty any further . " He begged , but they said nothing but the scowl remained on their faces , in anger , and without anything to say , they stormed away . Erevan let out a sigh , The council elders were always so intimidating and scary . They had been threatened by the emperor and now by their fellow council members . Just how much can two young dragons take in one day ? " Why did you defend me ? " Draven asked as he leaned into the support of his friend , Erevan simply shrugged as they both walked away . " Azarok is your uncle , he might not forgive you for a long time . " " Even though he had talked to the emperor before I was given this position , he can't take it away from me ," Erevan remarked softly . " Perhaps , I want to put your theory to the test ." " My theory ? " Draven's eyebrows shot up in surprise . " You did say that the solution to breaking the emperor's curse might be in this human woman ." He continued with a slight smile . " I thought you were saying rubbish , but seeing just how much the emperor regards this girl , I am starting to believe it is true ." " You said I was crazy . " Draven reminded him , and Erevan chuckled , nodding his head . " I know , but it seems like we are the crazy ones for not seeing it ." He tapped him . " I am going to protect you and defend you like this ." " Because of this theory ? " Draven wondered , " You know it might still be a guess , the emperor is sneaky , who knows if he just wants to play with her , and I am just being too hopeful ." " No , I am doing this because you are my friend . " A small smile appeared on Draven's face , They had simply gotten close because they were of the same age . The first young dragon to ever be admitted to the council , Erevan had been recommended to the council by his uncle , Azarok . He was skilled in combat , a very agile black dragon . Draven , on the other hand , was recommended by the royal physician , and as a means of appreciation for his services , the emperor decided to listen to him . 11:07 Tue , Sep 16 Chapter 20 55 vouchers Draven wasn't all that good in combat , he was a scholar , and graduated out of the academy with the highest score . He is a strategist . An indispensable one . " Then I will trust you to watch my back . " Draven grinned . Azmaveth squatted in front of the unconscious princess . He could have called for someone to take her away , back to her chambers , but for some reason , he wanted to watch her . He couldn't believe such beauty existed in the world until he saw it himself , he reached for her face , but before he could touch the soft fair skin of her cheeks , her green eyes fluttered open . 11:07 Tue , Sep 16 Chapter 21 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!