The Devil's Cursed Witch

He was the first commander of this kingdom since its formation, and no one could see him in any other role but commander. As much as they respected the King, they had the same respect for the Commander. It was impossible to imagine that this title had been taken away from him.

Their King was merciful, but at the same time, brutal with the punishment. He didn't show mercy in his decision.

Morpheus was ready for exile, as he had already assumed someone else would take his place as commander. But he had never expected he would remain in the kingdom without being its commander.

Evanthe looked at Draven, as she was the only one who could understand his decision. 'He never disappoints me.'

Morpheus stared at Draven, but the King looked resolute, as if he had made everything clear and there would be no changes.

As the King had spoken, Morpheus had to accept the punishment. He bowed to the King and said, "I accept the punishment."

He extended his hand, and the seal meant for the commander appeared on it. He had cherished his role as commander and fulfilled it with all he had, but today he had to give up on it, the only thing that kept him going since the day he lost everything.

Erlos went to him, retrieved the seal, and returned to his place.

They all heard Draven speak again, "The new commander of the kingdom will be Logan from the Tiger Beast Clan. He will be promoted from Vice Commander to Commander of this kingdom."

This declaration only solidified the King's stance, leaving no room for reconsideration.

"Vice Commander, come forward and accept this seal," Draven announced.

Logan looked at Morpheus, as he himself had not expected this turn of events. For him as well, Morpheus had always been his commander.

Following the King's order, Logan stepped forward, accepted the seal from the King himself, and returned to his place.

Draven turned his gaze back to Morpheus. "As you have a responsibility to be Ember's protector, you can arrange your stay in the palace."

Morpheus met his gaze and replied, "As a beast bird, I am used to living in a tree. A palace-like structure is not suitable for me to stay in. But do not worry, I will fulfill my responsibility as my mate's protector, even if I don't stay in the palace."

In response, Draven turned to someone. "Leeora, how long will it take for you to grow a gigantic tree suitable for Morpheus to create his nest?"

"A few days, Your Majesty," the old lady answered, understanding what the King meant. Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

Draven hummed and looked back at Morpheus. "You can choose any spot in the palace premises for Leeora to grow a tree for you. If not, she will choose one herself."

For the first time, Morpheus felt helpless in front of this stubborn King. Didn't he know how important it was for Morpheus not to be so close to Ember all the time? Was he punishing him for something he wasn't aware of?

Draven stood up and declared the council meeting over. Morpheus followed him out as well. Once they reached the empty corridor, Morpheus asked, "Draven, what are you doing?"

Draven didn't look at him as he continued to walk. "Fulfilling my duty as the King."

"I know, but what's with making me stay in the palace?" Morpheus asked. "I would be protecting Ember anyway, but for that, I don't have to be around her all the time."

"Are you bothered?" Draven asked.

"Of course, I…"

"Then that's what we call punishment," Draven commented.

"You have a plan to torment me."

"You got it right."

Morpheus clenched his fists. "But I won't be staying around on the nights of the full moon."

"I have no desire to let you see when I mate with my mate on the night of the full moon."

"You bloody dragon," Morpheus gritted his teeth. "She is my mate as well."

"I didn't deny it. You are the one running away from it." Draven stopped and turned to look at him. "Now stop following me, or I will make you stay in the bedchamber next to mine."

Morpheus gritted his teeth as he watched Draven leave. "You annoying dragon."

"You can do nothing to me, so better save your energy to resist your mate—if you can," Draven said as he disappeared, adding, "Our mate will take care of the rest of the things."

Morpheus felt like going after him and strangling him, but then he heard a soft and sweet voice. "Morph."

Morpheus inhaled deeply to calm himself before turning to look at Ember. He offered her a light smile. "Ember."

From her expression, he could see she was happy. She walked toward him and said, "So finally, you are going to stay with us. You are my mate as well, so it's better we live like a family—You, me, and Draven."

He could only nod, as it was what she wanted. "Sure."

"But, are you alright with your title of commander gone?" she asked, her eyes showing worry.

"It's alright. To protect this kingdom, I do not need any title," he replied.

Hearing this, she felt relieved and said, "So what place would you want Leeora to grow a tree for your nest?"

Morpheus realized he could not escape it and said, "I will check it," thinking, 'It would be as far as I could stay from you.'

"How about we go and search for a nice spot right away?" Ember offered, her gaze looking hopeful.

Morpheus wanted to reject, but then she said again, "We will get the best spot in the palace where you won't feel like you are living away from your clan."

He sighed inwardly and hummed.

"Let's go then," she said, holding his hand and already starting to walk.

Morpheus looked at his hand and followed her, realizing he could now withstand the pull of the bond. It was bearable. But now, he understood what Draven meant when he said, 'Our mate will take care of the rest of the things.'

Draven had seen Ember coming toward them and had intentionally left Morpheus behind.