A Demons Heart [Nanatsu no Taizai / The Seven Deadly Sins]

5. A Prince And A Mother

"My, the Queen has returned!"

"How wonderful!"

"I'd like to serve her today!"

"Don't decide things on your own! I'm in a higher position so I will do it!"

"Don't be so greedy! You get to serve Prince Zeldris often enough!"

Meliodas stopped beside one of the many kitchens of the castle, overhearing their conversation. The Demon Queen remained a famous personality and is adored by a mass of nobles, servants including even commoners. The blonde was not aware that his mother had returned to the palace as he realizes that he could ask her for advice on how to reconcile with June. 

"Good, Lady Helle and the Queen are in the backyard. We will prepare breakfast."

"Understood!"

Meliodas marched to the garden as soon as he heard her location. 

"You know I heard that she will be coming soon. The chosen one..." 

"Really, no way!? But we shouldn't let the prince hear this..."

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The maid was together with the free-spirited ruler combing her messy hair and eyeing her dress with concern. 

"My Queen, you shouldn't display yourself like that."

"Heh, but I like how the wind blows when I dress lightly." the black-haired gently smiled before her emerald eyes darted to her beloved son. "Mel-chan have you come to greet me?" she beamed as the servant kneeled down promptly.

"Welcome to the garden, your grace." she greeted submissively while he nodded and addressed her.

"Helle, please give me a moment with the Queen," he demanded politely. She rose and agreed calmly.

"I shall inform the chef to prepare two meals." 

"Do as you like," with that she left. The black-haired beauty pulled him on a seat grinning widely.

"I am so happy to see you! To think I would depart when you return! I was devastated! And yet you will have to leave again soon..." her face saddened. 

"Mother..." he could never bear to see her lose that bright attitude she constantly displayed.

"Next time you have to message me earlier before you return! You never inform me about anything when you are out there! I don't like that!" she scolded in a tantrum. Most of the time she liked to act like a child and forget her surroundings. The Demon Kings' enemies didn't think much of her besides being a beautiful female, only a handful of people knew the depth of the power she held, even excluding most of her closest servants. 

"I got it. I will try to improve," he replied gently. In her presence, his attitude changed and he became softer. It was a weakness in his eyes but one he would bear with pride. 

"No trying! You will do it or I will come and visit you! It has been a long time since I was on a battlefield. Fufu, maybe I should invite Cu-chan and Cha-chan! Yeah, that would be fun! Just like then when I left the wheat and darkness. Exactly like..." she already imagined it figuratively but was stopped by Meliodas.

"I will write to you so please don't do that. That would lead to great turmoil. You know that the old man does not want you to fight anymore and your presence will only lead to irregularity in the balance." he reminded with concern while she sat down like a kid you stole the candy from.

"Mel-chan is soo mean! I want to have fun and you say no! Soo mean, I just want to spend time with my lovely son..." she wept facing him with her back.

"Alright alright, the day after tomorrow is my last day, let us do something then." Instantly, she turned around with a triumphant expression making the blonde slowly close his eyes in defeat. The black-haireds' manipulation skills were still flawless. 

One of the servants brought two cups and left in a hurry.

"So, you wanted to talk with me, didn't you." she sipped her tea with a smug face. He almost forgot why he came here in the first place.

"I had a fight with June of sorts" he began calmly.

"Ah yes, the indict with Isabella-chan," she revealed with a wry grin.

"Did she tell you!?" he expressed attempting to conceal his shock.

"No, but I have my own way of knowing. Soo, continue," she stated dryly.

"I want to... apo..." it was difficult for him to articulate this unfamiliar term. It seemed to be easier thought than said.

"Oh, so you want to apologize. How very mature of you, my dear." she praised and continued "I will offer you all the help you need. Then tell me what you have in mind~" 

"I only need one thing." he raised his head.

"Yesss~?"

"You have to invite her to a certain place then I will '....' " 

"How lovely! I will do it! Count on me, fufu," she tenderly stroked his blonde hair. 

"Thank you."

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Both of them breakfasted together when Zeldris passed the garden with Cusack.

"My lady, have you returned?" the pinkish-haired stated when the Queen looked up cheerfully.

"Cu-chan! Good that I meet you here I..." he halted expecting her usual greeting "Zel-chan!!!" She stepped up and hugged him tightly. "I have missed you!"

"Mother... don't do this in public!" he tried to break free in vain. 

"Oh but this is my private garden and I have the right to cherish my sons at any time! So don't be so bashful,"  she explained with all seriousness.

"I-I am not bashful!" he broke free avoiding eye contact as she wore a smug expression.

"My lady, prince Zeldris is right. It does not conform to the custom." the pink-haired remarked when the Queen held her head high and slightly gazed at him. 

"Dear Cusack, I think I did not hear you clearly.  Would you be so kind and repeat it?" the air around the garden thickened as even Meliodas felt unwell.

"Nothing. It was nothing my queen." he kneeled down recognizing this personality instantly. 

"Good. Then let us drink tea together everyone, okay?" her kind demeanor has rapidly like he never said a thing. There was a rumor going around in the palace: Never ever stop her grace from spending time with her sons as it would turn into a trauma later on.

-Chapter 5 END-

Next Chapter: The Prince And June