Aurelia uttered a silent prayer before placing her Bible on her night table. She collapsed into the bed and sighed. "I do hope Cedric finishes Chrunus soon," she said. "I know it takes time to get rid of the false god, but come on!"
Aurelia closed her eyes. "God, please guide my future husband. That is all I wish. Let him return to this world safely."
'I still need to do so much, but I really want him to propose to me soon!' She squealed and used the pillow to muffle her happiness.
However, she knew one thing for certain: as long as she followed God, Cedric would consider her his bride in the future.
She kicked her legs excitedly.
Recently, she had noticed that her thoughts became less and less perverse, despite still wishing for Cedric to lay with her, an act of God she was sure of.
Cedric wanted nothing to do with someone so lustful, yet Aurelia was sure that what she felt now was pure love, with a small hint of lust.
She jumped out of bed and stretched. "I can't sleep!" She exclaimed before slapping her cheeks.
She made her way out of her room and wandered into the palace. Her advisors were granted the freedom to not guard her and enjoy their time tonight.
After all, why would someone who could shatter mountains require protection? There was no blade in the world that could pierce her, other than Cedric's, of course.
She placed her hands in a 'V' shape and slowly walked toward the balcony.
The moon hung above her, and the sky was clear.
Her hands clasped together.
No matter the person, they could enjoy God's creation. She inhaled deeply, inhaling the fresh air.
Then, another earthquake happened, much stronger than the last.
"Please return safely!" She shouted toward the sky.
The clouds started to gather, and a cold wind hit her. She raised her palm up and smiled. "We haven't had rain in a while."
After a moment of peace, she returned to her chambers, quickly dressed herself, and put on a hood before stealthily making her way into the city.
The light rainfall picked up and the dark clouds covered the moon.
However, she did not care about it; instead, she passed the streets where her former bullies gathered, yet this time they were nowhere to be found.
A small smile formed on her face as she made her way to the Golden Cup.
All of her problems were fixed by his presence. From old enemies to even her father's abuse.
Cedric's presence made her feel safe, and her worries were non-existent despite the looming war against the demons, despite it causing serious anxiety in the past.
She approached the Golden Cup's entrance, and she made her way in. Aurelia had made sure that Granny Anna was protected and that the establishment was appropriately funded.
After all, it was her favourite place to eat, beating the palace by a large margin.
The establishment was bustling with life. Multiple new girls who once dwelled in the sewers carried trays full of food and drinks, and the food was constantly delivered from the back of the inn.
Her eyes scanned the gathered people before noticing Anna behind the counter. She approached, her face still obscured by the hood.
"Granny Anna," Aurelia whispered.
"Auri!" Anna exclaimed, her gaze snapping toward the woman.
She gestured for Anna to pipe down before smiling.
The elderly woman leaned closer to her. "What are you doing here? You are a queen now."
She grinned. "I couldn't sleep, so I wanted to come and get some food from you."
Anna sighed. "You really should look after your image, Auri. I know you are powerful now, but I must say that I am a little worried about your complete lack of care for royal etiquette."
"It's tiring. I act like a royal all day, but I really just want to relax a little. That's why I snuck out."
Anna's lips formed a wry smile. "What would your husband think if he knew his wife kept sneaking in the middle of the night?"
Her face flushed red, and she dragged her finger in a circle. "He would understand that I like food and would likely accompany me," she said while pouting.
Anna chuckled. "Don't need to pout, I will go cook you something."
"Thank you granny!" She squealed.
"Don't mention it, it is because of you that I still have this establishment, not to mention the luxurious upgrades you gave me," She said while waving her off and disappearing into the kitchen.
Aurelia leaned back, her eyes moving left and right.
The luxury was understated, the chairs and tables were upgraded to the finest wood, the walls were freshly painted and decorated, and the atmosphere was homely.
It was overall a very pleasant place.
She swayed left and right, absorbing the noises of the bustling inn while humming softly. 'Sounds of life.'
She waited for about half an hour before Anna came out of the kitchen, carrying a bowl full to the brim with her favourite stew.
"Here you go, Auri. Eat up and then go back to the palace, you need sleep."
She giggled. "I know, I know. You are such a granny."
Almost instantly, a wooden spoon found its way to the top of her head. "Bad girl."
"Sorry!" She apologized while slurping down her food.
Granny shook her head before patting Aurelia's head. "You are lucky I love you. I will go back to the kitchen and help the others. Don't dally here when you finish."
Aurelia nodded. "Yes, ma'am," she spoke with a full mouth.
It did not take her long before she finished her food and clasped her hands together. After uttering a silent prayer, she made her way out of the Golden Cup and into the palace.
However, in front of her door, she found Ladios who stared at her with blazing intensity.
She stepped back, a bead of sweat rolling down her forehead. "L...ladios, I was just doing something..." she stuttered like a child caught in a lie.
Yet instead of scolding her, the Angel merely sighed. "Your majesty, you really should notify us when you leave the palace."
She bowed deeply. "I know, I am sorry! I just couldn't sleep, so I went to grab some food."
The Angel nodded. "Please return to your chambers. Tomorrow, I will keep a closer eye on you."
She sighed and bowed. "I understand."
After the interaction, she made her way into her room and collapsed onto her bed, her superior sense still picking up the angel in front of her door.
'Not like I mind their overprotectiveness.' She giggled as her eyes closed.