The best place to go when feeling stressed was the eastern military camp’s tavern. Unlike the western side, it was lively every night. Teeming with on and off duty guards wandering around leisurely. Some of them very drunk, and some obviously keeping an eye out for trouble. Though a mostly upbeat mood was carried around the tavern and camp. Many of the guards noticed my presence and adverted their eyes when I’m near, though the few who knew me wave or smile over to me. Like always, the worn-down shack turned bar was a fun distraction from today’s events.

“Princess! Get your ass over here!”

The owner of that voice was no other than Asha him-self. The only guard who dared to sass me like that, and that was only because we were long-time friends. My favorite drinking buddy had recently become a rookie member of the Royal Guard. His stark white hair and pale blue skin always made him stand out in a crowd. Not to mention his deadly fangs that decorated his smile, even mine paled in comparison. He admittedly, was a very handsome man, radiating strength. He sauntered towards me, grinning ear-to-ear.

“Ah, Asha, what a pleasant surprise.”

Lifting his arm around me he led me to the bar, “Don’t look so surprised to see me darling, I missed my Ravenna’s presence!”

Always the flirt, I playfully elbowed him, laughing I said, “It’s good to see you too, glad you haven’t lost your charm, now go get me a drink.”

Feigning hurt, he left to go find someone to provide on my request. These days there were few people that I tolerate. He was one of them obviously.

Seeing me in the eastern camp was a regular occurrence, especially with Asha. So, no one really paid mind to my presence, all too busy watching whatever bullshit was playing on the televisions or playing games with each other.

………………………………………………

The night passed quickly, with Asha and I talking about anything. Well, Asha did most of the talking while I did most of the listening and drinking. Glancing around at all the empty glasses surrounding us, my stomach warm and full, it seemed like it should be time for me to go. I felt the heaviness in my body as I attempted to stand, telling me it was definitely time to head home.

Asha looked at me, “Darling, it looks like you’ve had a bit much, I think its time to call it a night.”

Handing him my phone I headed to the exit, it was our routine that I gave him my phone and he would call Damon to come get me. Mostly to make sure I get back to my chambers okay and without trying to fight anybody.

Within the hour Damon showed up looking tired and irritated. Asha and he exchanged a few words that I couldn’t here before his arm was around me, dragging me down the path toward the castle. Every time he has taken me back before, Damon tended to laugh at my swaying walk and or drunkard aggressions, but tonight he’s silent. And of course, I knew the reason why, we haven’t spoken since I made him leave my chambers this morning. At this point though, I’m not sure if I’m supposed to apologize for being mean or ask him why he did that.

“Damon,” I looked up at him,” I’m sorry for being so harsh earlier, but I wasn’t sure how to react.”

Instead of answering back he simply nodded his head. With that reaction, I decided to keep quite till we got back to my rooms.

…………………………………………

When we arrived back to my rooms undetected, he laid me in my bed. After tucking me in he left but returned with a glass of water to set on my bed table.

“Do you need anything else Princess Ravenna?”

It almost shocked me hearing my childhood best friend address me properly. But I knew tonight was not the time to try to the have this talk.

“No thank you, you may go now.”

Without another word, he left, leaving me to sleep after an unpleasant day.

. …………………………………

“Get up Raven, I already know you’re hungover, but I don’t care, we need to get you ready.”

First thing to start my day, I’ve got Stella’s shrill voice in my ear, obviously disappointed about my adventure last night.

I groaned,” If you know I’m hungover, did you bring me medication for my headache?”

She huffed and handed me three little pills before ripping the blankets off me.

“Okay, time to get up, I need to get you ready for this afternoons’ meeting.”

“Okay, okay, I’m up.” Jeez.

I got out of bed, yawning and headed over to my dressing area.

Stella promptly started setting up everything, setting things down just a little too loudly gave away that she really was annoyed.

“Raven I can’t believe you made Damon pick you up, especially after you broke his heart that morning.”

Ah yes, that. I almost forgot about the events of last night, even though I was in the wrong both times, in the end that is literally his job. To take care of me I mean.

Sighing, “Yes I know, I messed up and I will go apologize.”

She rolled her eyes,” Yea you will, but later, cause today is a very busy day once again. Now sit still and let me prepare you.”

Today, the Seraph family is sending down two delegates. Their reasoning for planning this meeting with us is to talk of an “alliance that would solve our problems for good”. Whatever that is will hopefully work. The past few years there had been rising tensions between the two territories, and my father, as brutal as he can be, knows best of all, the smartest decision is hopefully to be able to sign a quick agreement at this meeting.

Between Sheol and Zion, was the boundary line. The line was a tall wall that split us and the land in two. So tall in fact, that people from both sides had died trying to cross. And since that was strictly forbidden, to leave the land you were born in, if caught, you would die anyways.