The Dragon King's Heart

Laina kept as still as she could. After a short period of time, the red veins disappeared. She could feel a surge of energy coursing through her body. She felt a wave of heat wash over. It traveled from her heart to the tips of her fingers and feet. 

"Looks like your body accepted it well," the Oracle said as she continued to examine Laina's palm. 

"You mean there was a chance it wouldn't?" 

"It had not been tested before, so it was hard to say." the Oracle explained that based on her inspection, the energy will last for a year. 

Once 365 days had passed, it would be gone. 

"Are there any side effects I need to be careful of?" she wondered. 

The Oracle raised an eyebrow, "You're asking this now? After you've already taken it?"

She could not help but shake her head, "You really do love him very much, don't you?"

Laina could not help but blush as she pursed her lips and averted her gaze. She knew the boost of energy would help her create more elixirs for Dante. Perhaps, it might even have other properties. 

"More than anything," she replied softly. 

Since she had taken the vial, Laina felt better than ever. She could feel the energy coursing through her veins, she had never felt more alive. When the Oracle checked on her healing status the next day, they were surprised to find that she had fully recovered. 

As such, Laina made her trip back to Kinshearth at once. Before she left, she remembered to thank the Oracle and the temple guardians for all of their help. 

"All the best, Your Majesty, "those were the parting words the Oracle gave,

Margaret, back in Kinshearth, made all the preparations for Laina's return. Though it had only been a couple of days, she was excited about Laina's return. She had been worried sick, wondering if everything was alright.

Though they had kept correspondence with one another, it was still different when they weren't seeing each other face to face. Hence, everything had to be perfect. Along with Ethan and the others, Margaret welcomed Laina back to the palace. 

She was greeted with an immediate embrace from Laina. 

"It's...it's good to have you back Lai- Your Majesty," Margaret was caught off guard. 

She was not expecting a hug. She was most certainly not expecting to see Lania with such radiance. Margaret could not seem to recall when was the last time she saw Laina with so much energy, so much like. For the longest time, she had noticed Laina's steady decline, despite her best efforts to hide it. 

She knew Laina's trip to the Temple of the Sun would only make it worse than before. So when Laina returned looking better than she had ever been, she was a little confused. In fact, there was something about her that felt a little familiar. 

Not caring about everyone else, Margaret grabbed Laina by the wrist and pulled her away. Her sudden actions startled everyone in attendance but no one knew what to do or say. However, Kol, Florin, and Thorne followed closely behind.

"Margaret, Margaret!" Laina was surprised by her actions too, uncertain of what to do. 

Margaret did not reply, she continued to pull Laina by the wrist. She brought her into Laina's study room. She was about to close the door when the other three turned up and entered the room. 

"Lady Margaret, is everything alright?" Florin asked.

Kol looked around nervously, uncertain of what to say. He even turned to Thorne, wondering if he might have the answer. As if reading his mind, Thorne shook his head. He too had no idea why Margaret acted the way she did. 

"Margaret, talk to me," Laina asked, her voice filled with worry. 

"There's... there's something different about you," she said carefully while looking into Laina's eyes. 

To Laina's surprise, she saw Margaret's eyes water a little. 

"Moira, I..." as soon as that name left her lips, Laina paused. 

Margaret collapsed onto the ground. She had been waiting for this moment for a very long time. Never in a million years did she expect to hear it from Laina's lips. 

"Moira? Who's Moira?" Kol asked in confusion.

Laina held out her hand to Margaret, helping her to the sofa. As soon as they sat down, Margaret burst into tears. She was inconsolable. 

"I think we should give them some privacy for now," Thorne suggested softly as he turned and made his way towards the door. 

Kol and Florin looked to Laina. She gave them a nod and a look, hoping they would understand. As such, they too followed Thorne out of the room, carefully closing the door behind them. With that settled, she turned her attention back to Margaret. 

With a warm smile, she gently patted Margaret on the back. 

Through her sobs, she asked, "Do... do.. you remember everything?" 

Laina bit her lip. She did not want to disappoint her, but she was not about to lie to her either. 

"No, not everything," she sighed as she shook her head. 

She did not have to look up to know the disappointment that was in her eyes. Laina looked over to Margaret, she placed her hand on her cheek to get her attention. 

"But I know the sacrifice you made. Why didn't you tell me?" Laina asked. 

Margaret looked away, "I can't. I just wanted you to lead a carefree life, Laina. You've always been living for others, it was time you lived the way you wanted."

Laina could not help but smile, "You could at least tell me you were my best friend for more years than I can count. You jumped through so many hoops just to bring me back, I'm in your debt."

Margaret shook her head. She grasped onto Laina's hand, "No, don't say that! I'm the one who's in your debt. You've helped me time after time in the past. I.... I just wanted my best friend back."