The second prince of Aurelia actually dared to make decisions for his own huntress right in front of her. Isn't he afraid she'd come to despise him? What stunned the elders even more was Emma's reaction. Emma doted on that Aurelia prince so much that she simply let him speak for her, and even agreed that he was right. The Elders turned toward Drake, who stood silently behind her. All were Rank 11, noble Drakonid bloodlines, yet Drake wasn't half as composed or decisive as Lucien. Look at His Highness Lucien's poise. Now look at Mr. Smith… Sigh. Thero and the other Elders could only keep sighing to themselves before he finally spoke, helplessly."Ms. Tibarn, if you wish to return, we certainly won't stop you. Nor do we have any right to." He glanced awkwardly at Drake. "It's just that Mr. Smith… is not in a good state right now." Emma looked at Drake. The moment he met her eyes, Drake reached out and grabbed her hand. "Emma, don't leave me here alone." Drake wasn't just confused, he was downright dangerous. If left unattended, it wouldn't take long before his mental power spiraled out of control and he self-destructed. Lucien sat beside Emma, silent. He could stop Thero from pushing other males toward her, but he wouldn't interfere with Emma's decision about Drake. After all, Drake had once been her bonded match before the dissolution. Emma hesitated, her gaze softening."Emma, please don't abandon me, okay?" Seeing her falter, Drake held her hand tighter. "I'm begging you, Emma. I'll behave, I swear. I won't cause you any trouble." When has this once-dominant man ever been so humble? Watching him like that made Emma uneasy. Not pity, just the feeling that he shouldn't have fallen this low. After a pause, she turned to Thero. "I really can't stay in the Aquadome. But if you're willing and you trust me, Drake can come back with me." "Yes, we are, we're more than willing." Thero didn't even need to think. What's there to think about? If Mr. Smith stays, he'll die. "Ms. Tibarn, please remain in the Aquadome for one more day. I'll have everything arranged. Tomorrow morning, Mr. Smith can depart with you."The Chitinid swarm had just been repelled after losing several Rank 11 powerhouses, so they wouldn't be returning anytime soon. None of the Elders objected to Drake temporarily leaving the Three Domains. Emma and her group also needed time to make preparations. "Then it's settled," Emma said. "We leave at first light." Hearing he could leave with her, Drake squeezed her hand tighter, joy lighting his face. Lucien gave them a glance, then said to Emma, "Emma, Silas should be finishing up. Since everything's been decided, let's go wait for him and Remy." Emma checked the time on her lightcore. Silas and Remy should be done soon. She nodded and turned to leave, only to realize Drake was still holding her hand. "Drake," she said gently, "go with Thero and pack your things. Once you're done, come find me." Drake didn't want to go, but Thero was waiting, and Emma was watching him.He had no choice but to nod reluctantly. "Emma, wait for me. I'll be quick." Thero shot Emma a grateful look, then dragged Drake off. Mr. Smith finally had a chance to stay by Emma's side. He'd make sure to teach him how to win her favor, and maybe even return as her true mate. Watching the two leave, Emma tugged Lucien along to check on Silas and Remy. They had just arrived when the palace doors swung open from within. Silas stepped out. A small, deep-blue fruit lay quietly atop his head. "Emma," he greeted with a smile, striding toward her. "Mommy!" Remy spotted Emma and happily bounced off Silas' head. Back atop Silas' head, his vines had grown longer, each jump launching him even higher. It made Emma's heart jump with him."Remy, don't bounce so high! What if your vines snap and you fall?" If he hit the ground, he might get hurt. Hearing her voice, Remy instantly settled down. "Mommy, I won't bounce anymore." Silas chuckled, rubbing the little fruit's round form. He said softly to Emma, "It's alright. I'll protect him. His vines won't snap." "Yeah?" Emma reached out, brushing the tiny fruit on Silas' head, which was plumper than before, and laughed. "As long as it's safe, Remy can bounce as much as he wants." "Awoo!" Remy yipped and gave one small, delighted bounce.