It wasn’t that the queen didn’t trust her brother’s words about Sada, nor did she not have any doubts about the demon herself, it was just that it was something she hoped wasn’t possible.

From young, the queen had been ruthlessly brought up by her father, and her life had been strictly managed by him. It had even gotten to where she was a little scared that she would be trapped in the castle forever, and she’d become nothing but an emotionless being, who couldn’t feel anything for another person.

Friends, especially ones who were non-demon, were something she had never had. And that was why having someone like Sada by her side was a blessing - one she would never take for granted.

He had been with her since they were children, meaning they had grown up together. Whatever hardships she had been through, he was there to comfort her. And when something good had happened, he would be there to celebrate alongside her.

Being her subordinate was one thing, but he could also be counted as her best friend. So thinking he could’ve possibly betrayed her was like a knife that cut deep: one that was scorching hot and would leave behind a mark for all eternity.

It was late afternoon by the time Asteria was finished completing her queenly duties for the day, and it was hard for her to find somewhere to relax.

Wherever she went there would be a subordinate, or colleague, wanting her attention, or ideas on something or other. A dull ache was forming behind her brows, and it was easy to tell that a migraine was in store for her that night.

All she wanted was some time to herself. A little peace, but that was something hard to come by these days. What with the betrayal of the royal family, and an old friend suspected of being the perpetrator.

Sighing, she slipped away from the hubbub plaguing the castle and went to the lake that was far away on the grounds. Here she could watch the swans dance on the waters, and breathe in the fresh air, well as much as it would get in the dusky demon world.

With trailing skirts and a smile on painted lips, she hummed a tune that her mother had used to get her to sleep when she was just a baby. Once she was alone, it was safer for her to remember the woman that had given her life - away from her angry father and a brother who pretended that such a woman had ever existed.

Thinking melancholy thoughts, Asteria found herself lost within them, so she wasn’t expecting to be brought back to reality by the castle’s guest, Orion.

And just like that, all the negative thoughts were swept away in the passing wind, leaving her with a peaceful feeling that she hadn’t felt in a long time.