Demina groaned, pulling the covers over her head and flipping over as the curtains were pulled open. Bright, beautiful sunlight streamed through her window.
“Good morning, Demi!” Avelyn sang out.
“What is it?” she moaned, “Do you know what time it is?”
Avelyn grinned. “Yes. It happens to be ten. You missed breakfast. I grabbed something for you.”
Demi peeked out from under the blankets.
“Why are you waking me up so early?” Ava laughed.
“Lord Ean wants us to go to the Abbey. He needs us to take a message to his fiancée.”
“And...it’s too early.”
“It isn’t that early, Demi.”
Demina rubbed her eyes, blinking.
“I know, I know. I just...didn’t get to sleep until late.”
“Oh? Why couldn’t you sleep?”
“Just...thinking.”
“About?”
“Chase...and Castiel...and what if.”
“Oh, Demi...”
Demina waved a hand dismissively, smiling tiredly.
She really didn’t want to talk about it.
“I’ll be fine,” she sighed, grudgingly throwing the blankets off. Avelyn put her hands on her hips, staring at her friend sternly.
“Demina, if you need to talk about it then...”
“I will talk to you about it. But right now, I need a few moments to get ready,” she said, yawning. Avelyn relaxed, once again smiling.
“Of course. I apologize. I will go out to the horses awhile,” Avelyn replied. Demina watched Avelyn leave. No sooner had the door shut, did she flop back onto bed, eyes closed. It would only be just a few more minutes... Avelyn opened the door again a moment later, having forgotten to tell Demina something.
“Demi, we need to...” Avelyn shook her head and let out a soft laugh. Oh, Demina. She drew the blankets over her. She looked so young when she was asleep. So untroubled and uncomplicated, but still a rascal. Avelyn quietly left, gently closing the door behind her. With the message and picnic lunch in hand, Avelyn rode away from the palace. It didn’t take long to get to the Abbey and she was slid off her horse and rang the bell at the gate. A nun quickly ran to gate, greeting her with a large smile.
“Hello! I am Sister Hilde.”
Avelyn smiled in return.
“I’m Princess Avelyn of Impreza. I have a message for Lord Ean’s fiancée, Lady Janel. Is she here?”
The smile never left the nun’s face.
“Of course! Right this way!”
Sister Hilde talked a mile a minute as she led Avelyn to where Lady Janel was staying.
“Thank you,” Avelyn said as they reached the door.
“You’re welcome!” the sister chirped. Avelyn turned and knocked on the door, getting no answer. Avelyn knocked several more times but got no answer each time. Sister Hilde slapped her forehead.
“Oh! That’s right! Lady Kara said she was going to the market today. You can leave it under the door if you would like.”
“Are you sure it would be alright?”
“I’m sure.” Avelyn nodded and slid the note under the door.
“Would you like a tour?”
“Uh...that would be lovely?” Sister Hilde beamed and led her through the Abbey. After having seen everything, she stopped a door.
“I have saved the best for last. This is one of our most sacred treasures.” She pushed the door open and Avelyn strode in. Her mouth fell open in a very unladylike manner.
“That’s...the Sword of Saint George! It was used to slay the ten-headed dragon in the Valley of Gaernum!”
“Yes...this Abbey has protected it for years. It is said that it hold the secret to destroying the dragon race.” Avelyn was awed.
“My father told that story so many times when I was a little girl.”
Hilde smiled.
“Do you want to know another secret?” she whispered, “I’m not really a nun.”
Avelyn looked up, eyes wide. Before her, stood Sister Hilde but she no longer wore the nun attire. A sly smile lit her face. Next to her stood a giant and next to him stood...Raquel. Raquel smirked.
“ ’Ello, chica.”
