Chapter 40: THE STUDY
Velmoria laughed as she walked from behind the settee. It was a full-blown cackle that sounded evil even to Arella’s ears. She arched a brow as she listened to Velmoria’s laughter unfold, echoing somewhat ominously in the grand chamber. Even Echo, who had been nodding off, shifted slightly to peer at Velmoria for a few seconds before shutting his eyes oncee more.
"Is it that amusing?" Arella chuckled.
Velmoria’s tail swished as she looked at the queen in a somewhat different light. "Your majesty, do you have any idea what you have done?"
"Ordered clothing for the King and I? Was I not supposed to?" Her sarcastic tone made Velmoria laugh once more.
"Your majesty, Melasva, is the child of one of the high lords. She was one of the strongest contenders for the spot of queen."
"And so?" Arella tilted her head. "She is not the current queen, is she? Yet she is disrespectful. I thought demons were really strict about ranks and all that shit."
At her words, Velmoria laughed once more. "Your majesty, I thought angels were supposed to be the epitome of purity; where did you even learn such language?"
"Try staying in the human realm for a hundred years. Takes the purity away. Practically strips it off of your bones." Arella patted Echo’s head twice, and the creature immediately took its head off and stood on its paws. It stretched, opening its large mouth wide to yawn, "Shall we go to the study, or do I not have enough time?"
"This way," Velmoria gestured to the door. As they walked to the door, Velmoria continued to speak, "If anything, your majesty, the demons are a prideful bunch, the high nobles more so. They will strip you piece by piece if you seem even slightly weak. I am glad that you are strong enough to fend them off yourself."
Arella felt a chill run down her spine, and she turned back to Velmoria just as they were reaching the door. The demon looked so innocent that Arella could have sworn there was a dark halo above her head.
"Is something the matter, your majesty?"