Chapter 139: The Realm Rejoices
Chapter 139: The Realm Rejoices
Elyn’s POV
As usual, what woke me up the next day was the knock at my door. Rin came flying through the window in her raven form, while Vaelory used the door because, obviously, she’s human and cannot use the window.
Azerion was nowhere in sight. Given how tired he was yesterday, I wasn’t surprised he wasn’t in the room.
"My lady!" Rin said excitedly as she shifted back, her normal features taking over.
"That’s too happy for this morning," I grumbled, my fingers rubbing against my throbbing head.
"It’s a happy day, my lady!" Rin said excitedly as she moved to open the door for Vaelory to walk in.
Vaelory gave her a look. "Why is there a halo over you, like you’re excited or something?"
Rin rolled her eyes. "That’s because I am excited."
Vaelory made sure there was space between them as she walked further into the room. I noticed her maid dress was different—it looked more like what Rin was wearing, and the material wasn’t the shiny one from Alethryn. This fabric was different, and whoever did the sewing did a good job. Unlike yesterday, when she wore something that was likely meant for a succubus, this was more her class.
It was modest, just like Vaelory was. And I don’t know why, but I think it’s just perfect for her. No—not think. I know. It was obvious how perfect this dress was for her.
"We’ll keep your excitedness to yourself," Vaelory told Rin, who rolled her eyes again.
"No wonder you’ll always be human—"
"I’m always going to be human," Vaelory cut in.
Rin rolled her eyes. "People choose to be exciting creatures, but you chose to be human."
"The queen is also human," Vaelory said.
"Yes, but she’s a better human than you are. If all humans were like her, then it would be better," Rin replied.
Vaelory paused, tilted her head as if in thought, and then, to my surprise, nodded in full agreement.
"I can’t argue with that," Vaelory said.
"See? But anyways—" Rin turned to me fully now. "My lady, you are famous."
"Rin, I don’t understand what you’re saying," I told her.
"My lady, every demon in the realm is rejoicing right now. News of what you did to the Duke of the Beast Territory has spread like wildfire. Demons are rejoicing in the streets because he’s stepping down from his position," she said excitedly.
I frowned at her. I had no idea how—okay, I think I know. Morthen, Naviel, and I had worked tirelessly to get the other children back to their homes. We had also made sure to track down everyone involved in the trafficking and destroy every safe house.
Kaelthar couldn’t even lie because of the truth serum I had given him, so that worked in our favor—but it was also one of the reasons I was so tired.
"I’m glad the families are happy," I told Rin.
"It’s not just the families, my lady. It’s the whole realm. You see, most people wanted the Duke of Kaelthar to step down because they always felt he wasn’t good enough, and it got worse after his husband died. But now that he’s no longer in power, everyone is happy. They’re rejoicing in the streets, praising your name, my lady—and they don’t even know your name or how you look, but they’re praising you. This is like when the king took over all over again."
That made me pause. "People rejoiced when Zorathys took over?" I asked in shock.
She nodded. "No one is as evil as the king. And no one is as powerful either. When he took over, the demon realm prospered."
"The same lazy Zorathys I know?" I asked, and she nodded.
"The same Zorathys that Kaelthar claimed was not fit to be king?" I asked.
"Well, the Duke—or rather, former Duke—of the Beast Territory believes everyone except him is incapable of ruling. He even challenged Lady Seraphielle once. He tried to kill her too, but her husband and the king didn’t let that happen," Rin said.
My gossip senses tingled, but I put that story aside for another day.
"So everyone is rejoicing?" I asked, and she nodded.
"Yes. And it’s because it’s you, my lady. The demon realm hasn’t seen a queen like you. I’m sure you gave the king a chance to get rid of the former Duke. People would have gathered at the gates by now, but the king doesn’t like that—that’s why they aren’t there. Instead, they’re in the streets and markets, rejoicing. I also heard a statue is being built in your honor once the introduction ball is done."
"Wow," I said in surprise.
"And that’s why Morthen told us to get you ready early, because your lessons start today. The ball needs to be done as soon as possible."
"Morthen didn’t tell me anything," Vaelory muttered, sounding hurt.
"You’re scared of him, of course he wouldn’t tell you. Besides, I’m more competent than you are," Rin said.
Vaelory rolled her eyes. "I’m more competent than you are. I don’t know where you got the idea that you’re better than me."
Rin turned to her. "I never said I’m better than you—although we both know that’s true. I only said I’m a more competent maid."
"I’ve been with Her Highness for a long time. Obviously, I’m more competent than you," Vaelory argued.
"That’s what you think, but I’m the one who dressed the queen," Rin retorted.
"I fix her hair," Vaelory shot back.
"The both of you know it’s still the early hours of the morning, right?" I asked calmly.
They swallowed and turned to me, nodding in sync.
I smiled. "Then do what it is you came here to do. I have a long day ahead, after all."
"Yes, ma’am," they said together.
And that was how my day started. But I should have known from the beginning that things were going to be absurd from how I was woken up.
And again, while I worked my husband to be was sleeping peacefully.