I wake up from my sleep. I sit on the bed and recall last night. Meeting with Dlak in the garden and accidentally hold him like a lover. My face flushed. I never have any psychical contact with other men. But he...never mind.
Then a knock came. 'Come in'. I say. Melli came to the room. She bow. 'Good morning, your majesty. I hope you had nice sleep'.
Yeah very nice sleep. 'Yes. Thank you. You don't have to call me your majesty. Just call me Heyeri'.
Melli hesitate. 'As your wish, Lady Heyeri'.
I smiled. She feel uncomfortable for just say my name directly. So she call me 'Lady' with my name. I think it's okay.
'Would you like to have breakfast in the garden. his majesty is also coming'.
'Alright, i will come'. I could like to avoid Dlak after yesterday. But my heart say to me go. I don't know why.
i got dress in white pink dress and Meili did my hair in braid. my long brown hair is silk to do a good hair style. But I like simple. Meili escort me to the garden. Although, i know it's way. But she told me it's rule to escort royal family to be escort. I walked in the hallway. my heart is thumbing so much that I can't hear my foot steps in this silent hall. what is happening to me? It's like I am going to propose my crash. Absolutely, I am not. calm yourself Heyeri. It's just a breakfast dine. I am just doing my job as his bride.
I reached to the garden. as always it's filled with colorful flowers. I head to the seat in the garden. it is decorated elegantly. but my all attention is to the tall figure siting on a chair at left side of the chair. the mask is visible on his face. Dlak. the one who brought me here. The one who will be my husband and the one who decided my fate. My destiny. 'Good morning'. I said with a bow. on my other side, Meili bowed too. thank god, she is here or I will be nervous as hell. 'Good morning. I hope your sleep well'. he say with his usual calm voice. 'Yes'. I say. i am half lying. from that event, i was wide open to process what was happened. it's just a simple holding.
But I was so flashed. I sleep well after my processing. for the relief and the conversation. I sit on the chair opposite of him. Still nervous. Meili is standing much far from here. there are bread, cream, chocolate and tea. a question snaped in my mind. Do demons eat normal food like human?
'I order to prepare simple breakfast. I hope it's goes with you taste. If you want any thing particular, you can ask'. He say. 'No, it's okay'. I said with a smile. but how came he going to eat if he put on his mask? 'um, would you mind first to start'. I said. I am curious about his face. If he going to eat. Then...he will remove his mask. Right? 'Alright, if it my queen wish then...'. he put his mask aside from his lips. Gosh. Is it my imagination? he didn't put off his mask completely. But his lips is enough to tell how elegant he can be. white face like snow and lips are lite orange. I stare at his lips. My mind is overwhelming of thoughts how he can be look. And the lips are so..... I pinch my hand. stop thinking weird stuff Heyeri. But my face is flushed. I hope he didn't notice. He took a bite. His lips are moving while chewing. No no no don't stare or I will loose my mind. I took bite of the bread. To distract myself. And yep. It's work. Oh my god. it's so good. I ate many breads in the human city. But I never eat such a fresh bread. It's refreshing. I hear a soft chuckle. I snapped from my imagined world. did I hear right..... Dlak leaning closer on table gazing at me with smile. he didn't uncover his face but lips are revel, yet he looks like a man who is enjoying seeing his lover's eating. 'Wh-what?'. I said. I feel embarrass.
'I am just seeing how you drawn in your fantasy world by eating'. he say with teasing tone. He is....teasing. how? If anyone heard this they will called me dumb like anyone can making joke. but Dlak is a king. I know that kings are cold blooded. yet he is joking.
'I apologies for my behavior'. I say. I really don't know what to say in this station. 'Don't apologies. You are free to do what you want. After all, you are the queen here'. I didn't expect to hear this.
The next minutes, we ate in silence. I glancing at him sometime while eating. He really is elegant. ' Why you didn't resist when I said you to leave?'. He said suddenly.
'If I resist, you would brought me anyway'. I said while drinking tea.
'Yes, I would'. He say. 'But it would be more boring if you had begged spare exchanged with another thing. But as I expected you really is a interesting girl, Little Lily'.
I nearly chocked the tea. I thought him as a cold demon but he is more than cold. But I heart skipped a beat after hearing the word 'Little Lilly' from his mouth. But never mind. Interesting. Seriously? Is he thinks everything a game?
'A-anyways, Than may I have the honor to visiting the town and it's people. As a queen, it's my job. Aren't it?'. I said bravely I can. Translate: I want to go out. Not staying in this castle whole day. my one side, wants to escape from here for some time and, my other side is curious about this place. 'You may. But obviously, you will have guards. I know it will be uncomfortable for having some stare but I hope for your safety. My queen'. He said. 'I appreciate your concern. I accept'. i don't want to argue now. Although, he is right.
We finished our breakfast and give bye to each other. I sigh. Well, it really was a long time. His voice still aching in my ears. I shake my head. Alright! I need to visit the city now. I need to know about it very well. So that I can have some clue if needed. Also, I don't want to stay here much. If I stay a little longer in this boring castle without internet. I will get explode. I got in my room. Meili give me a brown clothes attached with hood. like the people in my dream..... I shake off the uneasy feeling. 'What's this?'. I questioned. 'It's a hooded-outfit for cover up your human appearance. His Majesty gives it for your safety'. ' For safety?'. 'Yes, it's not safe for you to revel yourself now. I hope you understand'. she say. it's a bit...much. Having guards with me, eyeing me like a strange person and now wearing this type of clothes. But on the other hand, it makes sense. It not save to going a crowd town without protection. Is royal family have to surrounded themselves with that much bodyguards?
I widen my eyes at the view in front at me. There are 8...15...50 guards?!
what the heck?! Why he hired so many guards?! Is he crazy?! I freeze for see this seance. I do know that royal society have guards. But that much. Meili come beside me and said.
'His Majesty hired 50 royal soldiers for your protection . I know how are you feel about it. But for your protection, it's necessary'. 'B-but that much? it's crazy. He can hired two or three guards. But royal soldiers...'. he just didn't hired guards. But royal soldiers! 'I don't think we need that much soldiers. please, retreat some of the-'. 'I apologizes for the interruption. But his Majesty did this for our queen's safety. I hope for your acceptation. Her Majesty'. I startled by the sudden voice. I look at side where the voice came. Long tall man, wearing exclusive uniform. Pale ruby green eyes, long black hair which is hanging on his waist. Meili face becomes grim. I didn't saw much expression on her face. Her grim face is first expression beside her cool face. the man approach me and bowed with a smile on his face. 'I express my greetings to her royal majesty. May you bless by the land's tradition'. He said formally. His smile is looks like genuine. But his eyes is telling opposite.
'And you are?' I asked. 'I am sorry for the late introduction. I am Panlack Hiroishium. May you can call me Pan. I am aide of his Majesty. I summoned here for a letter his Majesty wrote for you'.
He handed me the letter. I open it. It was not much long.
' Dear Little Lily, I apologies for not able to see you leave. There is a urgent meeting I have to attend. I hired some well- trained guards for you. I wanted to hied more of them. Then, I thought, it will dramatic for you. If you need more you can tell Pan. I hope for your safe journey. -Your future husband Dlak'.
I wanted to punch him. He is lucky not came here or I really going punch him. Dramatic? yes...super dramatic. He wanted to hired more?! I was burning with anger but then I hear a chuckle. Pan smiled at me mockingly. I was cursing Dlak for hiring so many soldiers. I forgot that Pan and Meili is here. So embarrassing. 'Mr. Hiroishium, you standing in front of her Majesty. I hope you didn't forget'. Translate: behave yourself. Meili said with calm tone. Is she angry? 'Oh! I apologies for my behave. But, surely I am not forget about it. Miss'. The last sentence he referring to Meili. She roll her eyes and bring them normal that I feel like it was my imagine. 'No. It's nothing to be apologies. It's time for going. I bet you goodbye'. 'Of course her Majesty. I hope you have a nice trip'. He say. 'Thank you'. Me and Meili go into the carriage. The conversation was formal but I feel like he don't see me like a queen. Far then like me. 'Please be careful around him. He is not someone you see as who he is'. Meili say. 'You don't like him'. 'You can say. He don't know his manners around you, her Majesty'. 'Don't worry. I can protect myself '. I say. She look at me with concern face. 'Seriously, I can. I will protect myself no matter what'. I said confidently. I have to. I don't want to weak I want to be stronger. I will.
'There are many people in this land that don't like you. We never had a human queen in our kingdom from thousand years. They can try to down you'. I smiled. Yes, who will accept me as a queen. A human being. She hold my hand gently and said. 'No matter what happened. I will stay by your side. I serve you as my master after all'. I like this about her. She don't talk to much. But her comforting and calm voice always encourage me. I hold her hand back. 'Thank you, Meili. For staying by my side and talk for me back there'. She smiled. 'It's not much. Don't thank me'. She don't have much expression but her smiled face always refreshing. '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 look at me with surprised expression. 'I am just a servant. There are many nice friends your Majesty can have'. I know she is hesitating. A servant and a master friendship. People of royal birth could never imagine but I am not from royal birth. This type of rules doesn't allow me. 'There are not many understanding and protective friends like you. I can see in your eyes that how kind you are. So don't hesitate. Let's become friends. Shall we?'.
she look at me with bright smile. 'Is that you want then yes'. she doesn't show but I can feel how happy she is. I smiled too. I feel happy when I see someone happy. that's remained me of Rei. I look out to the carriage window and think about her. I hope she is doing good. I couldn't called her in my phone because of the network out. 'We are here'. Meili's words get me out from my thoughts. I look outside and see a beautiful town. So beautiful I couldn't let my eyes closed. A town with tall house, the house is like ancient wealthy people's, big-small strolls of various item, the people are walking peacefully, not much sounds and a tall watch-tower in the center. I put my first step on the ground. I am spaceless. The smell of this town like vanilla and lemonade. Such a calm atmospheres. I like this type of nice place. Clam, not much sound, peaceful. 'This is the "Alkarled Town". One of the seven town of it'. Meili say. The Land of Larloc have seven town. Maile, Knmerod, Ptlora, Ojspell, Banyour, Wacvet and Alkarled,. The names are hard to remember but it's unique. Meili told me about them. I choose Alkarled for visiting. I will visit them all one by one. I really want to know about it kingdom people and now I am here.
We walked in the aisle of strolls. There are many different people here. They didn't notice us. That's good. I don't want to have unnecessary attention. Not for now. the demon people here have.....horns? some of them. I didn't notice horn people in the castle. Did they disguise themselves as human? 'The people here have horns and many other things? but I didn't saw any demon in castle with this'. I asked Meili. ' There are many types of demons here. Lesser demon, young demon, Demi. the children are young demons. We demon born with special abilities. It awakened by the time of growth. When they come hundred or thousand the power awakened. That called Lesser demon. They will have horns or many other things. Horns are common. In twenty or twenty-five they will be capable to use their power. But they need training too. That's how they become demi. All the demons in the castle are demis but some are lesser demons like me there too. We demons have rank in our species'. Meili finished her statement.
That was huge but I can understand the demons well then before. It has some similarity like human rules. Like we are born and children then become teenager, adult then old. 'I understand. Thanks for explaining'. Well so Dlak is a demi. No wonder he is so powerful. I wander what is he doing now? Attending meeting obviously. No, no not think about him, Heyeri. Let's focus on the town.
We get in many strolls like foods, jewelries and so on. It is really fun to strolling. The people are sincere like humans. That's unexpected. Me and Meili buy some foods, ate it and some tree plants. I want to plant it in the garden. I will ger the permission from Dlak. If he can't give it's okay. I can put it in my room with pot. The foods are delicious too. Not far like castle food but it's okay. Meili go to a market saying she need to buy some things. I am tired so I thought to rest. She didn't want to leave me alone, but I said it will be alright. As I was sitting on a nearby branch and savoring the calm atmosphere, I suddenly hear a child's cry. I jerk my head immediately the side where the sound came. I saw a demon boy was hitting by some elder demon. They look like.... lesser demon. The child's body is red with bruises. They hit the child so bad that some of his body is bleeding by wound. The boy is crying continuously. The lesser demons laughing at him. Hitting more. My blood gets hot by anger. How come they hurting a child?! The child was crying so much that my heart bring hurt. They laughed mockingly. Before I knew, I am standing in front of the kid like a shelter. they look at me with irritated and surprise.
'Hey! stop beating the child. Didn't you see he is bleeding or you lost your sight to see'. I said furiously. I know very well that I am putting myself in trouble. Meili said to me careful and try to avoid demons, but I can't stand the sight of someone beating so badly without reason. And if its child....
'And who you are ordering us! Do you know who we are!'. One of them shout. 'I am not interested to know who you. As I care. But let me tell you one thing. If you try to hurt this boy again. You. Will. Regret. It'. Many people already gathered around us. I didn't see there rection. I do not care what they think. The important thing is now I am here to fighting for this kid. Not physically rather mentally. The boy looks at me teary eyes. His face is fill with scared and concern. I smiled at him. Comforting him silently. then I face them. I still wear the dress Meili give me. It was covered my face and whole body.
'You shit! Looks like you want hit! and what are you wearing such weird clothes. Are you a spy of that damn Millray!'. Another shouted from three of them. Millray? What are they talking about? Before I would think more, one of them run to me and try to hurt me. With a Sharpe knife. Then a piece of memory flushed in my mind. it was just for a second but I feel it like eternity.
Someone tries to do the same thing with me in past. But I have no time for this. Before I would think, my body move from there and hold the boy in my arms for not he gets hurt. I fall on the ground with thud. Ouch! my back hurts. I look at the boy who is trembling. Thank God...he is safe. I pat his head and speak. 'It's okay'. My words were small, but he calms himself down. He looks at me and I can see grateful in his eyes. 'What the heck!? H-how came you move so quickly?!'. The man shouted with widen eyes. I can hear gasps in shock from the crowd. Then I feel some hot liquid thing dripping. I touch my face and see on my hand. Oh god.... blood. I feel a cut on my face. It's not deep. I feel a Sharpe pain from it. Damn it!
'Miss...y-your face. I am s-sorry'. The boy mumbled. I smiled. He is worrying about me. 'Don't say sorry. It's not your fault. Are you hurt?'. He nods. I stand up. Ignoring the pain. My back is still hurt. Seriously? My back is hurt like old people. 'You shit! still can stand. I will kill you here!'. He tries to punch me again I was blink for a second then I saw he was a tall good-looking man standing there instead of that man. I blink again. The crowd is looking for more shock and afraid.
'Aghh...seriously. What these damn shits came from'. The tall man said with irritative tone. I look other said. I gasp. The man who was going to punch me, is laying on the ground. Senseless. Looks like...his legs are broken. The other two already retreat from there before I notice. I look at the man with confusion. Tall, good-looking, a bit ruthless. His black clothes are like dark nights. Black gloves and a black hat. Everything is black. Does he like black? anyway, that's not my concern. But why....is he helping me? The crowd had watched me like a show. But he.....
'Annoying...' He sighs. 'I....thank you. For your help. I am very grateful'. I smiled politely. The crowd is already gone. Are they terrified from him? But he did help me so...I don't think he is a bad person.
'Don't mansion it. I just saw you guys were beating so came'. He said with stone face. Then a woman come running at us. She has.... horns. The boy Imme directly rush to the woman's arms. 'Oh! I am so sorry, dear. I told you not to pull off my hand'. The woman said while hugging her child. 'I am okay mom. This uncle and miss saved me from being hurt'. The point at us. The man turns his head away, but I can see a small smile on his face. He pretended like he doesn't care. But I am a nice observer.
'Thank you so much for protect my child. As a mother I couldn't protect him'. The woman said while sobbing. I smiled. It reminds me of my mom. I feel a sorrow in my heart. I hope she is doing well. I kneel down and spoke. 'You try your best to protect your child. Every mother does it. Not everyone is powerful but try your best to protect your loved one with all your will. You might be a captain of a group, but you can be the best member in them'.
My dad said it in my annual examination of primary level. He said it to inspired me. I was kid so I was not quite guessing what he means. And now....I know what he means that day.
She looks at me with teary eyes and nod. 'You're such a nice person. I hope you will happy eternity. You will be perfect mother'. She said while sniffing. A sight pink blushed come on me. 'Oh my! you have a sketch on your face. Are you okay? I nod. 'It's nothing big deal'.
'Sorry for me...'. 'Please don't say sorry'. I look at the kid and spoke. 'don't apart from your mom again. Okay?' 'Okay. thank you miss and you too uncle'. He said and looked at the man. I was so drowning in this conversation I totally forgot he was there. He just nod. Didn't look at all.
The child and his mother leave. I wave at them. The kid me wave me back. Cute..... I look at the man. 'Thanks again for your help'. 'It's okay. Your face has a sketch. It needed treat'. He spoke. 'Thanks for your concern. I am okay'. 'I should leave now. You can take this'. He hands me a small box. It was a healing medicine. ' Thank you but don't need it. It's not deep'. 'It can have infection'. He said not meeting my gaze. 'Just have it.....it's nothing big deal'. He hands me the box. 'Or he will not be letting it slide'. He murmurs something. 'Did you say something'. 'No'. he left from there not meeting my eyes. Such a mysterious person.
'Heyeri! I am sorry I late. There was long line in the mar-. Oh my god! What happened to your face'. Meili came running and saw my cut. 'Oh. Nothing. Just a small cut'. I rub my face. ' It's not deep.....but how came you have such a cut?'. She looks so worried. 'I am sorry. For my recklessness. You got hurt'. 'Don't say like that. It's not in your control. I am fine'. I said smiled. I am really okay. 'But how came such a cut?'. She asked. 'I will tell you later. Can we go back now? I am tried. If you are finished'. Meili look so concern but nod eventually. 'Okay..let's go'. She said. We moved in carriage. She didn't talk after from our conversation. I memorized all happened with me today. The garden breakfast with Dlak, this tour, the rection of my body move, the mysterious man encountered. I sigh.
Today....was really a confusion day.