Chapter 60: THE GOODBYES
When the last teacup was emptied and the final rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, Arella rose from her seat. The rays of sunlight illuminated her halo quite beautifully, making her look every inch the angel she was. The noblewomen followed suit, their movements quick in order to not let the queen stand for long on her own.
"It has been a pleasure hosting you all," Arella smiled, her voice slightly warm. Although she had been nervous to meet with the demons, the time she had spent with them had truly been insightful. At the very least, she had made some companions she could at the very least turn to in the demon realm. "I really do appreciate your insights and candor today. I have learned a lot from you all."
The women all curtsied in unison, murmuring their thanks for being invited into the castle. Lady Seraphine and Lady Immera lingered briefly after the others were leaving. "Your Majesty," Lady Seraphine said after the other demons had left. "I do believe it was Velmoria who advised on who you should invite today." Their gazes glanced at Echo, who was being a good mutt and was not moving from his sleeping position.
Arella gave a slow nod, "That is correct."
"We are just a small number of the high lords you have to appease; Velmoria is smart. The king was right to assign her to you."
Arella tilted her head slightly, intrigued by Lady Seraphine’s comment. Demons were all about caste, and Velmoria, being one of the lower castes, had got to have received a lot of hate for just being born. "The king is wise; I notice he keeps smart and useful people by his side," her tone was measured, afraid she might say the wrong thing. "I feel reassured to see that she has garnered respect from others as well."
Lady Seraphine exchanged a glance with Lady Immera before responding, "Respect might be an overstatement. Many of the High Lords will take any opportunity to pull her from the position she is in."
Lady Immera, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke. "Such is the way of the world we live in." Her voice was low, "Especially now that it seems that she is on your side, it is very risky for her seeing as her position has always been unsteady."
Arella tilted her head, confused.