Chapter 237: The Annual Meeting, The Queen Agenda, and Faelyra’s Nanny Problem
Chapter 237: The Annual Meeting, The Queen Agenda, and Faelyra’s Nanny Problem
The journey from the depths of the Thalassar Domain to the Kitsunegawa Territory was not a short one, nor was it simple.
Water gave way to mist.
Mist thinned into air.
And eventually, the quiet pressure of the deep faded into something far lighter—something scented.
The Kitsunegawa Territory had a way of making everything look intentional.
Even the light here felt arranged — soft and golden, filtering through the tall windows of the private establishment’s top floor in long, deliberate columns that caught the dust motes and made them look like floating embers. The ceiling was high, the walls panelled in pale wood that carried the faint, sweet scent of the territory’s orchards.
Aurelixa had rented the entire floor of the establishment. Faelyra wasn’t the least bit surprised at that.
Fox demons moved between the tables efficiently.
Their fur ranged across every shade — white, amber, deep rust, one with fur so dark it looked almost black — their tails moving in controlled sweeps behind them as they set down plates and refilled glasses without disturbing the air.
The room Aurelixa had rented was expansive, its walls lined with wide, open panels that allowed the evening air to drift through in soft currents. Sheer drapes shifted gently, catching the light in a way that made them appear almost ethereal.
Low tables were arranged across the space, each surrounded by plush seating layered with silk cushions in deep, rich tones.
At the center of the table sat a tiered arrangement of exotic fruits, stacked and fanned with an artistry that suggested the kitchen staff had strong opinions about presentation.
Velinfruit gleamed at the base, their jade surfaces polished to a shine. Above them, split open to reveal their deep violet interiors, were moonsplit figs — a Kitsunegawa specialty that only grew along the northern forest edge, their flesh sweet enough to ache and threaded with thin silver veins that dissolved on the tongue.
Nestled between them were small golden orbs the size of a child’s fist, called dawnpeel — their skin translucent enough to see the amber liquid inside, which ran warm when bitten into, tasting of honeyed spice and something faintly smoky that lingered pleasantly at the back of the throat.
Golden skewers held pieces of grilled meat glazed in a dark, glossy sauce that released a slow, mouthwatering aroma into the air. Bowls of steaming dishes sat beside them—some filled with rich broths that carried hints of spice and something faintly sweet, others layered with thinly sliced vegetables and meats that had been arranged in intricate patterns.
There were desserts too.
Pastries filled with creams that changed flavor with each bite, crystalline confections that melted instantly on the tongue, leaving behind a lingering warmth.
And drinks.
Rows of them.
Crystal glasses filled with liquids of varying colors—deep reds, pale rose and golds, iridescent blues. Some sparkled faintly. Others carried a slow, swirling motion within them as though they were alive.
The drinks were mostly alcohol.
Faelyra reached for a dawnpeel and bit into it.
The warm amber liquid ran immediately, catching at the corner of her mouth, and she pressed the back of her hand against her lip before it reached her chin.
She chewed slowly.
Her eyes closed for just a moment.
"This is extraordinary," she said to no one in particular.
No one responded because Aurelixa and Seraphielle were already arguing.
It was unclear when it had started. It may have started before they sat down. It was possible it had started in the corridor on the way up, or perhaps simply as a natural continuation of every interaction they had ever had.
"I’m simply saying," Seraphielle said, swirling her glass with elegant disinterest, "that the arrangement could have been more inspired."
"The arrangement," Aurelixa replied, her voice smooth and very controlled, "was designed by one of the finest presentation specialists in the Kitsunegawa Territory."
"Then perhaps the finest presentation specialist in the Kitsunegawa Territory should consider a different vocation."
Aurelixa’s ears twitched.
Ysera pretended like Seraphielle did not exist.
She reached for a piece of grilled meat and ate delicately as her glass was refilled.
The Hellfire Territory had the best food, but the other territories also did pull their weight.
She had just finished drinking when her eyes lit up.
Then she leaned forward and gestured for the women to lean in.
Aurelixa’s argument died mid-breath.
Seraphielle’s glass paused halfway to her lips.
As they all leaned in to hear what was being said.
"Should we," Ysera said, lowering her voice, "start inviting the queen to these meetings?"
There was a beat of silence.
"The queen?" Faelyra repeated.
"Yes," Ysera said. "I am very certain she would enjoy this."
Faelyra stared at her.
"Ysera," she said slowly, "are you not scared of the queen?"
Ysera considered this.
"I am," she said simply.
"And that," she continued, "is precisely why I like her. And why I want her here." She settled back slightly, though she kept her voice low. "She has also never been properly shown around the demon realm since she arrived. Not once. We could show her around. Take her somewhere."
The table was quiet for a moment.
Seraphielle set her glass down and exhaled through her nose.
Then she said, "I hate to admit this. Especially when the idea comes from a fox demon."
Aurelixa’s ear twitched.
"But," Seraphielle continued, "that is not a bad idea."
Ysera nodded like she had expected nothing less.
They all eased back in their seats, a new kind of quiet settling over the table.
Aurelixa reached for her glass.
"I would enjoy spending more time with the queen," she said, almost to herself. "I didn’t have nearly enough time during the ball."
Ysera nodded. "Exactly."
Seraphielle examined her nails. "As it happens," she said lightly, "I have already been spending time with the queen. Quite a bit of it, actually." She paused, letting that land. "And even right now, as we sit here — Velira is with the queen."
Faelyra’s head turned sharply.
"Really?" she asked, eyes wide.
Seraphielle nodded with satisfaction.
"Aziren and Zayrion are with the queen as well," Ysera said with an eye roll. "I dropped them off myself this morning."
She looked at Seraphielle.
"So perhaps don’t feel too special about it."
Seraphielle scoffed. "I never said I was special."
"You implied it."
"I stated a fact."
"With implication."
Faelyra looked between them, then turned to Ysera. "You’re not afraid? The king—"
"The children are there because the queen enjoys having them around," Ysera said. "She was the one who told me to leave them even after finding out they had tricked her into inviting them." She reached for another fig. "The king is a separate matter."
Faelyra exhaled.
"At least your children are manageable," she said. She set her dawnpeel down. "Zayrion is a trickster. Aziren is fire. Velira is—" she gestured vaguely at Seraphielle, "—hers." She folded her hands on the table. "My children are something else entirely. I cannot even find the right word for what they are."
"Disasters, perhaps," she said after a thought.
Seraphielle raised an eyebrow. "Have you still not found a nanny?"
Faelyra laughed.
It was a short sound. Not entirely humorous.
"Every single one of them quits," she said. "The moment they understand what the twins are actually like — they leave." She picked up her glass. "All of them."