Exiled Princess

Chapter twenty-eight

The morning bell rings hollow to my ears as I stare at my breakfast. The dining room is the size of the ballroom, filled with brimming servants, yet I feel rather empty. My mind continuously fizzes around the encounter I shared with a striking, fear-rousing Devil. I'm the one who blew the small splint lightened between us, I shouldn't feel this miserable. I roll my eyes in annoyance as a nonstop-talking Jeon Somi keeps blurting about that 'stable boy' she just met this morning as she started her training lessons.

''Oh, and his eyes!'' she squeals while she daydreams. ''The color of honeysuckle, with a very adorable twinkle! And oh, did I mention what a gentleman he is? You won't believe it! He even commented on my dress, and how lavishly it fit me! Nobody has done that in quite some time, you know? But I knew that one day, I would meet my prince! And here he is, with the smile of a deer...'

I grimace at her for calling her prince's smile the one of a deer's. Jeon Somi needs as much training as she needs for description lessons. I make a mental note for such, and continue glaring at my full plate.

Crimped potatoes, rosy pudding, neat bread, and meat salad fill my silver pot. Jasmine tea is settled beside my breakfast, where barely visible streaks of smoke flee the surface of the drink.

My fingers continuously tap the edge of the long, gold-covered table. Servants keep coming and going as they refill my council's finished fills. I have invited them to my royal table as an act of civility, yet I regret ever doing so more each time they ask for extra fillings. Leonardo; the council member responsible for farming and cropping in my land, even dared to order red wine in the middle of dawn. I didn't voice my frustration or complaints, for I have been astonished at the quick progress they're making. My lands now are chockfull of cheap corn, and vegetables; my army has grown imaginable bigger than it has with their late ruler for decades; and riches are being delivered for the poverty allies as an act of thankfulness for the young soldiers they're sending to my might. The dead fire ruler was oblivious to how his people suffered; endless hungry families, countless demanding brave ones to join the army for an ounce of a penny, and dry, dormant lands. The fifth and fourth Hell had rotten insides for the golden outside it possessed. But I'm having none of that, for I wish for both sides to be as gold as the nonexistent sun in the Hells.

Speaking of the sun, I have missed its optimistic lightness. In the eight Hells, there's no such thing as a ball of fire. Just endless, calm darkness. A darkness that gives you goosebumps for its threatening quiet. It's like a waterless shore before a massive tsunami.

Suddenly, the double doors of my castle fly open. Brisk air immediately invades the warmed halls, and a single panting shifter walks in.

Upon seeing me transfixed at his inappropriate dash, he falls onto his knees.

His breathes come into fast streams, while he rushes to explain, ''My deepest apologies for my rash behavior, your highness.'' he adds, ''I'm the messenger, and an urgent matter has been sent for you.''

I nod my acceptance, motioning him to come closer. A scent of blood, and raw meat leaves him, and I stare at the distance thinking about what poor animal he's eaten. He's a werewolf, after all.

Before he gives me the letter, I dismiss everyone in the main dining room. The council members give me understanding looks that visibly tell me they're grateful for my peace, and leave the hall. Jeon Somi, the loner demon in court, offers me a reassuring smile before following the members. Perhaps she's going to meet the stable boy; Silvai, was his name?

''Give me the message.'' I demand, stretching my arm and opening my hand impatiently. The shifter is quick to obey, hastily moving onto his feet and handing me the scroll.