A mission for the ball night

"No grandpa, Minerva is my pupil, she's under me and…"

"You're my grandson, Vincent. Stan, prepare a room in my quarter for Minerva. I could teach her more about hunting and skills than you my boy because I'm your grandfather. I've been living here for a long time." The old man was persistent on allowing Vincent's guest to stay with them.

Vincent rolled his eyes before looking at the red hair in his embrace. So petite and beautiful. Sometimes Vincent would wonder why he fell for her at first sight because he didn't believe in such love.

"Alright grandpa, let me escort her to the academy," he said to his grandparents and then walked away with Minerva.

***

Getting into the carriage with Minerva, Vincent shut the door before focusing all his attention on her, a smug smile playing on his lips while staring at her.

"What?" Minerva asked while looking out of the window, enjoying the green scenery outside as the carriage sped by.

Vincent exhaled and leaned on his seat, the soft cushion dipping due to his weight. "I wonder what my grandparents see in you to have them change their mind;I mean you live in the palace, specifically their quarters."

Minerva shrugged before pouting her full lips, "I guess that's my charm," she replied, shifting her attention to the man beside her. Minerva was yet to believe that she was sitting beside the crown prince of Redshire kingdom who few had the opportunity to even set eyes on.

"Hmm. So kissing you is part of your charm?" He asked to see her turn stiff at the question.

"Ahem! I don't know," she answered shyly, subconsciously moving a little towards the window to lean on it.

After a few minutes of silence in the carriage, Minerva asked, "what happened to all the dragons living in Redshire? From what I've read in books, this kingdom is their home and what about shifters? I can't imagine any human here turning into a beast."

Vincent threw her a sarcastic glare before sighing indifferently. Some things and histories are meant to be kept a secret but with the girl beside him, he wasn't sure he would be able to hold himself from telling her. Not to talk about what happened in Blueshead was still clear in his mind.

She might see herself as a normal girl and everyone else but Vincent was sure there's something about her worth unburying. From her hair color to her father's sudden death to Blueshead on fire and the men who imposed themselves as pirates just to trap Minerva in a huge net was something.

"When you get to the Hunters Academy, you'll be taught the histories of Redshire and the other dragon's kingdom."Saying that, Vincent hit the carriage lightly for it to come to a halt. Opening the door, he steps out leaving Minerva inside. "A carriage would be sent to pick you up from the Academy, I'll see you soon, Minerva," he bowed with a smile and she returned it with a toothy grin.

The moment the carriage disappeared from his sight, Vincent started walking deep into the woods with a solid expression on his face. Below his eyes, a brown patch like scales appeared for the briefest moment before turning normal. Opening a tunnel, he steps inside before shutting it.

Vincent went deep into the tunnel and soon, light came into view at the end of it. Clattering of swords and the roaring of men became loud. At the end of the tunnel was a large clearing among the hills with upto two hundred men training.

"Your Highness, good morning, hope you had a pleasant night?" A man with chestnut hair greeted, politely. He carefully handed a parchment to Prince Vincent who immediately read what's written on it. A smirk crossed his lips and his eyes connected with a pair of dark red eyes.

"Tell Stan to make the west wing quarter prepared for our new guest," Vincent ordered the chestnut haired man who gave a ninety degree bow before scurrying away to deliver the Prince's request.

A tall enigmatic man with inky black hair majestically walked towards Prince Vincent with a serious expression on his face. His handsomeness was perfectly crafted with patience as he fit into the spot of a Greek god just like Vincent.

"Grand Duke Elathan, my pleasure having you grace us with your presence," Prince Vincent said with a small bow to the intimidating man.

"It has been a while Vincent, no need for formalities. Last time I was here for your birthday, it was chaos." The man said with a shrug before smirking at Vincent who couldn't help but chuckle.

"I guess so, Your Grace, I believe you brought your sweet wife?" Vincent asked.

"Of course, she's enjoying the scenery very much," Grand Duke Elathan Louis replied with a smile before patting Vincent's shoulder. "You should get a wife soon, boy."

Vincent shot him a dry look, "you spent hundreds of years before meeting Aurelia, Louis, I'm just starting life," he complained.

"I know but at least I spent those years waiting for her to be reborn," said Louis with a smile on his face as if he was recalling something in his head.

"I see, that's what you get from being immortal, or the devil's son or a demon, which are you?" Vincent asked.

Louis shrugged, "you can call me any."

"Louis!" A female voice called a petite lady rushed towards them.

"Your lady requested your presence," Vincent said with a laugh and Louis shook his head before leaving to meet his wife.

Another man marched towards Prince Vincent and gave him a curt nod which the prince immediately understood. Together they went by into one of the tents which were having few of the men who went with his highness to Blueshead. At the middle was a table with maps draped on top of it. Compasses, charcoals, rulers and others were lying on the table also.

"Your Highness!" The men chorused their crown Prince.

"Let's get serious," said Prince Vincent who then took his seat at the head position of the table while the others remained on their feets.

"Last night, there was another trespassing by the cat people in the northern part of Redshire. Eye witnesses claimed these people didn't hurt anyone but were after something," said the head bodyguard.

Vincent raised his head, throwing a short glance at him before looking back to the map on the table. Picking up the quill, he marked some spots on the map with a faint red mark.

"Tonight after the dinner ball is over, we're living in Groove town which is located in the north of Redshire. This way we would be able to stay on their trail and know exactly what they're looking for," said Vincent as he leaned his back on the chair.

One of his men suddenly raised his hand.

"What is it Phillip?" Vincent asked the man who looked frightened.

"I'm sorry to say this but I believe they're after something very precious. The cat people have been very loyal and obedient for the past five decades without crossing their boundary into the dragon's land. I think something brought them here," said Phillip and everyone nodded to what he just proposed.

"I see," remarked Vincent. "Tonight, we're about to find out what," he then stood up from his seat to leave the tent when he paused, "and Phillip, be early."