Before Demyan left, he sent Luka with Mirko on an important mission back to Lush Lands. They were surprised, they wouldn't join him for now. He pressed them to leave immediately. To the drawing room, he went to face them alone. Demyan stopped before the closed door and took a deep breath before entering.
His parents were seated opposite a wealthy-looking young lady. She had hair red like fire and eyes green like two emeralds. She was covered in gold jewelry, to the point even her hair accessories were made from this precious metal. Her light green dress looked heavy and overdone with decorations, flowers, frills, and bows.
Sava gave him a stern glare and ordered him to sit down next to that young lady. As soon as he did in the other corner of the same sofa, she inched closer to be right next to him. It unbelievably annoyed Demyan. What was her deal?
The queen in a decent, but pretty blue dress followed Demyan's every move. She hoped, her son won't cause any trouble this time. Sava introduced the girl to his uninterested son. "This is Countess Livia from the southern part of our country. I chose her to become your fiance." After that sentence, something inside Demyan broke.
"What was he saying? How could he? Why?!" Yet, Demyan's face didn't disclose any emotion or doubt. "Nice to meet you, countess!" He turned to the lady and kissed her hand. She was flattered and squealed in delight. "Dear father, could I talk to you in private?" The King frowned. He expected him to throw a fit.
They both left the room. Sava didn't take any look at him, because he probably would use his sword again. Demyan with a calm demeanor began to ask questions. He tried to not upset Sava. "Father... what is this about? A fiancee? Why that suddenly, if I may ask you..."
Sava kept calm as well. "I need our bloodline to continue. When you disappeared, it dawned upon me, that we have no heir. It was on my mind already before, but didn't really pay attention. I already conducted a search for one, but when you weren't coming back I had a bad feeling and sent out a request.
As soon, as you would return I will wed you to the lady of my choice. This one comes from a wealthy and influential family, so it will be only beneficial for us, to strengthen our position as the imperial family."
Demyan wasn't amused by this political marriage proposal. "And what, if I refuse?" Sava glared at him right back putting his hand on his sword. "I dare you to!" Demyan's eyes fell on the handle and back to Savas's face. He had no other choice, just to agree with that arrangement.

The next day in the evening, Luka together with Mirko returned. Demyan was eagerly waiting for them. He hoped they were successful. Luka annoyed entered as first. "When I agreed to work for you, I didn't expect to be a moving henchman."
Demyan's eyes darted towards Mirko. "Could you all acquire it?" Mirko grinned. "To the last piece... All are here!" He handed him over a small magical box. "But, before you use it, we should make some space for the new furniture." Demyan nodded and stepped aside so they could get into action.
Luka glared at him. "Again? Why do we have to do all the heavy lifting." Demyan pointed at himself and then at them. "Prince... Servants. What is hard to understand?!" Luka had enough and it made him shut up.
After some time they were done emptying the bedroom. Demyan put the box in the middle of the room on the floor, carefully opened it, and jumped back. It was all the furniture from Petrona's apartment.
Her scent filled the room making Demyan relaxed. It brought happiness to him. He couldn't leave it there, he had to have it! What he didn't see, because he was with the back to the guys, even Luka soaked in her smell.
They pushed everything into place and Demyan walked around touching the pieces of furniture drowning in memories. Demyan asked them both to leave him now alone. Mirko and Luka bowed and left to their rooms.
He opened the closet, where Petrona's clothes and uniforms were still hanging and run his hand through. He lay down in the bed and pressed his face into the pillows. He hugged them and imagined he was hugging Petrona. He didn't know how, but soon he drifted into the dreamland.
The next morning he was woken up by the boys. Most of the time he is up and ready, but this time he is still lying in bed sleeping. They both were surprised. Mirko laughed about it, but Luka kept a serious face. He understood him. Luka missed her the same way as Demyan.
The door flung open and in the middle stood Livia. Luka and Mirko had no clue who she was, but still behaved politely, took a step aside so she could enter, and bowed as well-mannered servants they played.
Demyan was displeased seeing her in his bedroom. She acted like she owned this place. She was much more arrogant and daring. "Good morning my Prince! Why does this place smell like wet dog and human?" She covered her nose with her hand.
Her head jerked to the side, where Mirko and Luka stood. "Oh, I understand now..." They both glared at her. Demyan stood up from the bed and asked her to leave. She waved him off and came closer to the bed. "Eww! Even the bed reeks human... but this is different." Nonchalantly Demyan splashed into her face: "Well, it was made by a female human, so of course it smells, like the owner."
What Demyan didn't realize was a slight smile he made by remembering Petrona. Unfortunately, Livia noticed it. It made her raging mad. "Why do you keep something with such a horrible stench?"
Luka had enough. "Who the hell is she?" Demyan was caught off guard. He didn't have time to tell them, what happened yesterday. He had to come clean.

"This is Countess Livia... my fiancee." Rage filled Luka's body. "WHAT?!" He rushed over and grabbed Demyan by his collar. "How could you?!"