Royal Mystery

Chapter 7: Alex

 Ivana returned to the palace, still eager to retreat to the comfort of her clan. Lately, the tensions of this place had been wearing on her nerves. But that wasn't her immediate concern, right now. If Sera discovered she had sneaked out without informing her, she'd be in big trouble.

As she hurriedly slipped into her room, mindful of the late hour, she closed the door behind her and leaned against it, sighing in relief.

"Welcome, your majesty," a voice spoke from the darkness.

"Ah!" Ivana exclaimed in shock as Sera emerged from the darkness, igniting a lantern that illuminated the room and revealed her familiar face.

Queen Ivana held Sera in high regard, seeing her as both a motherly figure and a friend, even surpassing her own late mother. However, she despised seeing Sera angry with her. In the past, Sera would discipline her if she misbehaved as a child, but since Ivana's coronation as the queen of the demon clan, their roles had somewhat reversed, though not entirely. But the only person that is allowed to shout or punish her is only Sera, and Sera alone.

"Oh, it's you," Ivana replied calmly as she made her way to the bed.

"Where did you go?" concern etched on her face. "Why didn't you ask me to accompany you?"

"Sera, you're always worrying. Why can't you relax and enjoy life?" Ivana added with a smirk.

"I suppose you find it amusing, but you don't understand how many people look up to you, our clan, and especially me. Yet, you act as though your decisions won't impact any of us," Sera emphasized.

"Sera, do you think I wanted to be the queen of the demon clan? All I desired was freedom, but all of you constantly remind me of my duties, of the expectations placed upon me. Sometimes, I wish I were dead," Ivana replied, her voice tinged with resignation. "That's all I ever wished for, to just die."

Sera's expression softened as she listened to Ivana's words, sometimes forgetting, the queen never did have an easy life at the beginning . She moved closer to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Ivana, I understand it's not easy for you. But you have a responsibility to our clan, to our people. They rely on you, they believe in you," Sera said gently.

Ivana sighed, feeling the weight of her responsibilities pressing down on her. "I know, Sera. But sometimes, it feels like I'm suffocating under the weight of it all."

"I know it's overwhelming, but you're not alone. I'm here for you, always," Sera reassured her, her voice filled with sincerity.

Ivana managed a faint smile, grateful for Sera's unwavering support. "Thank you, Sera. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Yeah, yeah, stubborn girl, where did you go off to?" Sera questioned, still not completely trusting her.

"I just went for a stroll, to see the scenery, you know, normal people stuff," Ivana replied, meeting an eyebrow raised. "Oh, they said that he had left before I reached there, to a place that nobody knew."

"Why do I get the feeling like I still don't trust you?" Sera said, her suspicion evident.

"Why would I lie to a sweet friend like you?" Ivana added with a smile, she knew her smile could never deceive Sera.

"Alright! No problem, you will eventually spill the complete truth," Sera emphasized.

Ivana lie comfortably on Sera's lap, a soft smile playing on her lips. She looked up at Sera with a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I am a good girl," she said with a playful tone, her words a gentle reminder of her sometimes childlike demeanor.