The Dragon King's Heart

Kol felt bad. 

If it was not for him, Laina would still be spending time with King Dante. Because of him, they were now back in Kinshearth. The Royal Healer was brought forth to attend to him. 

"Your Highness, I\'m alright, really," Kol reassured Laina. 

Since there were others around, he did not dare to address her by her name. 

"I know you\'ve got self-healing powers, Kol. But there\'s no harm done in just checking to make sure everything is alright," she replied. 

After the assessment, the Royal Healer gave Kol some medicine paste to apply on his wounds and went on his way. There was still one thing Laina was confused about. She could understand the wounds that had formed around the seal on Kol\'s chest. 

But what about the gash on his arm? 

When Laina asked him, Kol was hesitant to reply. But she was not going to let it go so easily. 

"Kol, don\'t make me order you to tell me," she warned him as she placed her hands on her hips. 

Kol gulped. 

He confessed, "I could not find you. So I had to use… other means to do so."

"That involved blood?" Laina asked, concerned. 

Kol nodded in reply. 

Laina felt horrible. Because of her, Kol actually cut his own arm! This solidified her determination to release him from this master and servant contract they shared. Though she would have preferred to perform the ritual with Margaret\'s assistance, she decided to do it here and now. 

When she told Kol about it, he immediately got down onto his knees. 

"Please, master, I\'m sorry I was not able to protect you efficiently! Please let me continue to serve you and protect you!" Kol begged as he knelt down before Laina. 

No matter what she said or did, he refused to get back up until Laina agreed with him. 

"Kol, what has gotten into you?" She asked, confused by his actions, "I simply want to lift this seal that\'s all. If you wish to continue being my personal bodyguard, I would be more than happy to have you."

Hearing her words of reassurance, Kol looked up at her. He was still a little uncertain if what she said was true. 

"You\'re not going to get rid of me?" He asked. 

"No! Of course not. Kol, why in Kinshearth would you think that?" She replied without hesitation. 

Laina placed both her hands on his shoulders, "Kol, I simply don\'t ever want to see you suffer because of this seal. I don\'t need a magical contract to secure your loyalty to me.

Even if you choose to leave and lead your own life instead of being my bodyguard, I would wish you all the best. 

Kol, I just want you to be free. Free to be your own person. Free to make your own decisions."

Hearing Laina\'s words, Kol had tears streaming down his eyes. He had never known such kindness. His world had been bleak until Laina stepped into his life. At first, he feared she would be just as cruel as his previous masters. 

But Laina and Margaret had shown and showered him with nothing but kindness and understanding. They never looked down on him. They embraced him, almost like family. 

"Kol, you want to be free, don\'t you?"

"Yes, I do."

The ritual was simple.

All Laina had to do was slice her palm, allowing a little bit of blood to seep from the wound and place it upon the seal. Then, she needed to recite an incantation. Laina followed the instructions for the tea. 

All that was left was the incantation. She analyzed it carefully off the scroll it had been written off, took in a deep breath, and began to recite it. 

"Blood on Blood. A contract was forged.

The time has come. For freedom and choice. 

I sever the bond of servitude. I set you free."

Laina felt a warm sensation on her palm. Kol winced a little as he felt as if a fire had been lit on his chest. Within a few seconds, the pain dissipated. The seal on Kol\'s chest disappeared. 

Laina did not feel anything different. Neither did Kol. 

"Did it work?" He asked curiously.

"I think so. The seal on your chest is gone," she commented while pointing to his chest. 

Laina looked down at her palm, the wound had healed too. 

"Let\'s give it a try. Ahem. Kol, I command you to bring me a glass of water," she instructed. 

Both of them stood still, waiting for something to happen. Kol did not move from his spot, closing his eyes as he waited for the pain. But nothing came. Both of them smiled with joy. 

"You\'re a free man, Kol. You\'re free!" Laina exclaimed with excitement. 

She was so happy for him that she gave him a hug. Kol blushed as Laina embraced him with joy. He had never felt this warmth before. Laina patted him on the back as she reminded him. 

"I meant what I said, Kol. You don\'t have to continue serving me if you do not wish to. I\'m sure you have your own life to live, things you want to do too."

Kol shook his head. He knelt down before Laina. 

"Kol what are you-"

"Crown Princess Laina. I, Kol, wish to continue being your personal bodyguard. I am eternally in your debt and I wish to protect you for all of eternity." Kol declared to Laina. 

Laina was pleasantly surprised by Kol\'s pledge of loyalty to her. She had witnessed his growth from the time they had first met till now. She was more than happy to have him as her bodyguard. 

"Very well, Kol, your request is granted. You may remain by my side," Laina declared as she helped Kol to get back up on his feet, "But, you did have something you wanted to do, did you not?"

He nodded, "Yes, I want to save those who were like me."

She was happy to hear that Kol was not only thinking for himself but for others as well. Now that he had the abilities to defend himself and fight for others, she knew he would be able to achieve anything he put his heart into.

"I will help you."