One hour ago [Writer's narration] At the dark hallway.
Meili is walking in the dark hallway. She is holding a notebook and a pen that Heyeri needs. She sometime look at it. She thought how Heyeri will look like when she is in study. She might look like a topper student attached in her HomeWorks. At that thought, she chuckles. She realizes and quickly made herself compose. It's not a good thing for a maid think like this. She realizes when the last time was she laughed like this. A smile come across her face. She never thought she will laugh at the thought of someone. But that little happiness didn't last long.
'It's a rare thing to see you smile. I guess she have some qualities to make you smile'. Pan walked in front of her. Meili stopped in her trace. She didn't expect to run into him. She bow her head slightly. 'Are you mocking her Majesty'. Meili said something really bold. She covered her mouth. She realized what she said. But she couldn't help it. It's her first time saying something like this. She thought he would kill her now. But she didn't regret what she said, even though it was very direct to say. She shut her eyes. Not wanting Pan to see her hesitated. Pan laughed. Like he heard some kind of jokes. Meili open her eyes in confusion. 'My, my. Are you being afraid of what you had said. Don't be. I am not some typical noble who would kill a maid for asking something bold'. Pan said while calming himself down. Meili got a bit surprise. 'Anyway, I will not take much of your time. Her Majesty must be waiting for you'. He said. He walked pass me when I open my mouth. 'Why the lord told me about there would be something happened to her Majesty?'
She can't understand about it. When Heyeri was walking at the hallway and encounter an illusion. Dlak saved her before there would come more harm. Before that, Pan meets with Meili and informed her about the upcoming situation of Heyeri. He stopped in his trace. Not looking behind he said with smirk. 'I wonder why. I guess you can say it a kind of method for something important. My demonic ability is stopped by his Majesty for a week. So, don't worry. There would be no bad dreams for your master'. Meili eyes got widen. She look back but he already left. Meili's heart is beating fast. An uncomfortable tension raised in her. She clenched her collar. She lowered her head. She look at the pen and notebook. She noticed the cut. It healed. As a demon she can heal any small wound but the scent of the ointment gave by Heyeri is still there.
'And don't be formal. Your are not my servant. You are a friend to me. I hope you stay by my side as a good friend. Not as servant'.
She remembered her words back then. Nobody, ever told her to become friends. She was so hang in her duty she forgot the most important part in life. She thought that she don't care. But now it feel different. When she informed that Heyeri was collapsed. She rushed to her room without thinking and opened the door before do knock. Although....she witness quite a private situation but she don't regret. It was her first time forgetting the common manners of a maid. She was surprised of herself. She did talk arrogantly on the king's aide. The second strongest noble demon of this land.
She still remember of that day.
'Your are chosen as the personal maid of the future queen. His Majesty personally acciende you'. Butler Alferd said to me. I was so shocked. Not because as I chose for the queen but the thought of that his Majesty brings a human as his bride. It is very sudden. After ascending on the throne, he never took any concubines. He even rejected the marriage with the vampire princess. Now, he decided to marry a human. As if he was waiting for this. 'Due to of debt, she will marry his Majesty. I hope you can carry your duty well as the personal maid of the future queen'. 'Yes, I will'. She simply said. But she is worried. What will be the future of the demon land. Is it a sign of down fall or start of a new era? She don't know.
Dlak
The servants are cleaning the mess now. The criminals body disappeared without a trace. 'Such a old method to apply for leaving not evidence. Tough, it was unexpected for them to died in front of his Majesty'. Pan said. They were indeed killed by the real culprit. Probably to shut their mouth. 'It is bad that we can't have some more words from them. I guess it couldn't be helped'. Mith sigh as he said. 'So, what did you see? Mith'. I asked. 'Well, from what I witness. The real culprit did hide their identity. They must had erase their face from their mind. So that we can't find them'. He said. 'So it's indeed the manipulation of mind'. Pan said. 'Indeed, it is the work of the vampire clan. Just as you suspected, your Majesty'. Mith said. 'Did you saw any piece of them?'. I asked. Mith smirks and said, 'Yes, a very interesting piece'.
Mith give me a tiny container. The one I gave him with the letter. 'The hint is in here'. He said with a smirk.
'Then, I shall take my leave, your Majesty'. He said. I nod. 'Thank you for your corporation'.
Heyeri
I am writing some important information that need to remember. There are some difficult words here. I need to memorize and try to understand them well. I am writing the key points from the length I had read. As I writes them down, I picture it in my mind how the whole revelation went. Demons fight for their rights and freedom. Fighting just for a good living. They had to sacrifices many for the freedom. Just the thought of it makes my body shiver. It must have hard for them. Demons have emotions like us humans. When I first heard of demons. I thought they would be a creature of something terrifying. But now, after meeting with Meili and others I think it's not that bad. Although everyone here is mysterious. But they are also kind in their way.
I glance at the balcony. It is open. Cool winds are coming from it. I look at the notes. Maybe, I should take a small break. It's already been fifty minutes.
I stand up and goes to the balcony. Indeed, the wind is cool and refreshing. I sit my hand on the stand as I feel the winds. When was the last time I felt so refreshing. I can see the city lights clearly beaming at night. Bright various lights like golden, red, blue are beaming beautifully. The night sky is clear. Some stars are visible, the moon is not in full shape, but it looks beautiful. I close my eyes as I feel the warm breeze. My nerves are claming down now.
I open my eyes and look down. Suddenly in a quite distance, I see a white long something. A shadow? A animal? A...man? As I focus more, I see a tall white man's figure. Oh, it must be the guest that Dlak had meeting with. I guess he is leaving. He seem like an angel.
The figure man walking to a carriage. He suddenly stopped. After a couple seconds of silence, he turn his head at my direction. My eyes widen. Wait, did he sense me that I am here? I couldn't see his properly because of the distance between us. I feel like...he is smirking. Like a predatory gaze looking at the prey. Ready to haunt anytime. I feel a bit uneasy. I step in the room hurriedly. I close the balcony door as I stand at there. I look down on floor. I snap my face with both of my hand. I shouldn't distract. I sit down on the chair again. I pick up my pen and started writing again. I need to my best to study hard. If I really have to become a queen. I need to have proper knowledge of the kingdom first. I try my best to study again but my mind couldn't shake off the feelings earlier.
A door knock came from the door. Oh, it must be Meili. 'Come in...' I said. Not looking at the direction at the door. 'Is it dinner time already, Meili? I will have it after finishing this page'. I said.
'You shouldn't push yourself much hard, little Lily'.
A familiar husky voice came from my right side. I flinch. Looking at the way directly. Indeed, Dlak is right beside. He is so close. Leaning on my side. 'Oh! Your Majesty, Pardon for my rud--'. As I try to stand up but then I scramble of the chair and was about to fall but Dlak hold me smoothly.
Well, this is embarrassing. Why I am scramble at the wrong time. It's mind of remind me of hat garden time. My face flushed. 'Are you okay?' He said. 'Yes, thank you'. Dlak help me to stand on my feet. 'Be careful, you just recovered. Hitting your head after an injury is not good'. He said. Still holding my hand. I nod. He then look at the books on the desks. 'Well, I thought of doing some studying then doing nothing...'. I explained nervously. I wonder if he is mad at me. Going in the royal family's library without his permission. 'I see'. I see? He just said that. 'You are not mad?' I asked. 'Mad for what?' He asked staring at my direction. 'I mean, I entered the royal family's library without your permission'. I said. Averting my gaze. Then I feel something cold on my head. 'Didn't I told you can do whatever you want here? If you want to study or need to go to the library. You don't have to get my permission but don't push yourself too hard. Alright?' He pats my head. I am surprised. His touch is gentle and careful. Despite his cold hand his touch is warm. 'Yes, I will'. I said in a low voice.
'Would you like to go with me to a place?' He asked. Staring at me from his mask. 'Where to?' I asked. 'You will know when you get there'. He spoke. Is it a surprise or something? I am curious. I should accept his invitation, and it would be nice to go for surprise instead of reminding in a room. Besides, I want to know more about him.
'It will be my honor'. I said. Accepting his invitation with smile and gratitude. He moves his right hand forward and placing his left hand on his back waist. 'Then, allow me to escort you, your Majesty'. He spoke. Bowing his head. Wait, this position...he is respecting me. That said, king do not bow their head rather everyone has to. 'Why...are you bowing for me, you Majesty?' I asked. I am stunned. 'You are my queen. We will bow to be husband and wife. I think, A king's bow most deserves his queen'. He said something I didn't expected. I don't know how to react on this. I stare at his mask. He thinks of me that I deserve such a valuable respect. But, am I really deserve it? I am not...someone special.
I put my hand on his hand. I bow my head as well. 'Thank you very much, your Majesty'. I smile. 'Let us be going then'. He said. I wonder what kind of expression he is making now. Too bad I can't see it.
He took me at the back door of the castle. Is it another exit way of the castle? He opens the door and inside I see stairs going down somewhere. It is pitch dark inside. I can't see anything there. He moves his right hand and then a golden small light appear over his hand. Wow, it looks so magical. It would been nice if I can make such a beautiful thing. He turns at my direction. 'Would you like to hold it?' 'Um, I would...love to'. I am surprised again. He is allowing me to hold a piece of magic of him. 'Open you one hand'. He instructs. I do as he said. He moves his other hand beside the right hand. Then he slowly moves his right hand apart from his other hand. My eyes get widen as I see The small light gets apart from each other and become two. The size is small.
It's felt like I am seeing a fantasy movie. He then gives the one light on my hand. Oh my, I can't believe I am having such a dream like experience here. The golden light glowing over my hand brightly. 'It's beautiful...'. I spoke. Dlak nod. 'It will light up the path on these stairs. So, you won't be tripped'. He spoke. 'Let me hold your hand in case'. He spoke. I nod. Holding his hand. His grip is firm. My face flushed. Agh, why am I blushing of it? We go down on the stairs. Indeed, the small light giving much light then I expected. It seems like a small hallway. It smells muddy. I can only see is ancient bricks in two side. The wall is so close that it feels like I would be crush at any moment with it. Dlak hold my hand as he led me down. I stare at his back. I really want to know where he is leading me, but I should be patient.
After a few minutes of walking. We come in front of another door. Dlak turn off the glowing light and it became suddenly dark. I can't see anything. Just as I was going to say something, suddenly a ray of bright blue light came on my face. I blink. 'You can look at it'. Dlak spoke calmly. As I look at what is in front of me, I am shocked. Outside the door, I see a garden. No, not a normal garden. Navy light blue sky. Wide full moon lighting the place beautifully. Many colorful flowers and butterflies are everywhere. A small river flowing beside the brushes. I step in the place as I look at it. Wow, it feels like I am in a beautiful painting. I didn't think I would see this kind of place after crossing from a dark place. I keel down and look at the beautiful flowers. 'I never thought I would see such a beautiful place in here'. I spoke softly as I smile. Dlak come beside me. 'I am glad that you like this place'. He spoke softly. I didn't see this place around. It is deep inside and Meili didn't told me. No lights in the stairway. I look at him. 'Is this place only your Majesty know?' I asked. 'Yes, it is. You are quite a nice observer'. He spoke. Not surprise by my question.
I notice a hut across the lake. 'Is that...a hut?' I asked Dlak. 'Yes, no one leave there. Would you like to go there?' 'If it's not much trouble, then I would like to'. Today I am demanding very much. I hope he don't think me weird. 'Follow me'. He spoke. Moving forward. I follow him. I see a small bridge on the lake. We climb on it and arrive on the other side.
Now, I can see the hut clearly. A simple hut. Made with bamboos. Like a village hut. I am kind of surprise to a normal hut here. Dlak open the door and light the room with his small magic. He places the small light on flame lamps. Oh my, a normal dining room, in the right side, there is a window kitchen. In the middle, a table and four chairs are standing. A small bed on the left hand beside the table. Some old era painting hanging over the walls. It's felt so nostalgic. Like an old distant memory. Three windows are open. 'Would you like to eat something? You might be hungry walking so far'. He asked. Standing in front of the kitchen. Wait, is he going to cook? 'No, I am not that hungry'. I forced a smile. My stomach growl loudly. I am flushed. Seriously, why a time like this. I really want to hide myself in a hole now. Dlak chuckles. Wait, Dlak chuckles?! I look at him. I can't see his face, but he indeed laughed.
'You can't hide it. You didn't eat dinner. Let me make you some light cuisine for you. You must feel surprised to see a king cook. You can rest aside; cooking is like a hobby for me'. He spoke. He voice is light with joy. My heart feels strange. What kind of feeling it is? Happiness? Relief? I don't know. I can't name this feeling. 'Then, let me help too!'
I am arranging the table now. I look at Dlak. He is cutting vegetables. I insist on helping him in cooking. At first, he didn't give me the chance but after becoming stubborn. He accepts. But he just gives me the task of arranging the table. It is so easy. He gives me easy work because I am hungry. Can't win with him in argument. I suddenly realize one thing. I look at him and look at around. It felt like we are truly a married couple. A normal couple. Although, we did not marry yet. After couple of minutes. We sit on the chairs. Facing each other straight.
'I try to make your country's food. It's not much but I hope you will like it'. He spoke. I look down at the foods with wide eyes. A piece of Cheese chocolate cake, Ice vanilla milk tea, Thai chicken soup.
No, it's weird if my mouth starts watering. 'Then I will start'. I spoke and pick up a spoon. First, I try the soup. 'Oh, my god, it's delicious'. The texture, the armor and the spices are all mix well and cooked nicely. 'I am glad you like it'. He spoke. I taste the other items. I can't beat him in cook. This is amazing. He is staring at me. I notice he isn't eating. 'Your Majesty will you not going to eat?' I asked.
'No, I made the foods for you'. He answered. It's not fair. He made this food by himself, but he didn't spare some for him. 'Please have some. I can't just eat all by myself'. I spoke. I forward the cake on his way. 'No, I would rather deny. I am pleased just by seeing you eat happily'. He spoke. Clearly not going to eat by himself. 'If you don't eat. I will not eat either'. I spoke stubbornly. He silent for few moments then sighs. 'Alright, if that's you want'. He picks up a spoon and moves his mask slightly over. He brings the spoon under his mask. I stare at his movement. He is not going to take off his mask.
I am curious how he looks but I think it's not the right time to ask. He put the spoon on the table, fixed his mask and turn at my direction. 'You know that we will become husband-wife soon'. He said suddenly. 'Yes, I do'. I spoke. I am well aware of it. 'So, I think we should know each other better first. Marrying a stranger must be uncomfortable for you'. He spoke with a calm voice. I am a bit surprised. He is really considering the marriage and even think of knowing each other. I thought he don't care much about this marriage. He actually doesn't want me to trap in an unpleasant cage. I suppose. 'I... actually want to know you too'. I spoke. Turning my head down. He didn't speak for few seconds.
'I hope we can have a better communication. Well then, you can ask whatever you want to know'.
to be continue