FALLEN ANGEL: MARRIED TO THE DEMON KING
Chapter 59: THE WIT OF A DEMON QUEEN (2)

Chapter 59: THE WIT OF A DEMON QUEEN (2)

Arella squinted her eyes slightly. She knew that this was an opening that lady Seraphine was creating for her family to get closer to the royal family. However, she did not mind helping her.

After all, she had planned to get close to her either way, what better way than to allow such a delectable fruit fall into her lap.

Echo, sensing his master’s change, looked up at her with a huff.

Only he knew how sneaky his master actually was.

Arella leaned back on her chair slightly, amused at Echo’s huff. It was as if he knew how she was thinking of exploiting the poor fruit that had given itself to her. Her decision was swift, and she turned to Solenne who had been standing slightly behind her the whole time, "Send for the fabric, it should be with the king. Inform him that I ask for it for a few moments."

Solenne bowed deeply before hurrying from the garden. The other women exchanged curious glances. They had not even been aware of such an occurrence in the South. Lady Immera had busied herself with her tea, as if the situation did not interest her in the slightest.

Lady Seraphine’s expression was one of carefully veiled satisfaction, and she raised her cup up to her lips to hide the smile that Arella had already seen. She did well to maintain her composure though, Arella could give her that.

"You are very gracious, your majesty," Lady Seraphine said after finally schooling her expression, "I hope I can be of assistance."

"Sometimes the smallest of threads can unravel the biggest of mysteries," Arella offered. "Can one of you refill these pots with tea," She turned to another attendant. This time three of them bowed and hurried to do as Arella had instructed.

"Indeed, every detail matters in such situations." Lady Immera finally contributed.

The garden fell into silence save for the soft clinking of teacups and the teapots being brought to the garden. Echo, still lounging next to the table, flicked his tail lazily, watching the proceedings with quiet interest.

Moments later, Solenne returned, carrying a small intricately carved box. She approached the table and gave a small curtsy to all the noble ladies before placing the box before Arella. "Here it is, your majesty. The king also gave this together with the box." She handed a small note to Arella who opened it.

It read;

*My queen. If any of the demons are being disrespectful, feel free to burn their clothing. I hear most of it is very expensive. Since you aim to uncover secrets with regard to this fabric, I also advice you to consider unraveling the threads around my heart.

*Yours, Varziel*

Arella felt her cheeks warm, despite herself, and she quickly folded the note, slipping it into the folds of her sleeve. She cleared her throat in an attempt to regain her composure. However, the other demons gave each other knowing smiles and Lady Darvia even groaned mentioning something about couples being the absolute worst.

Arella nodded to Solenne in thanks, before opening the box. Inside was the fabric in question, neatly folded despite its small size. Some of the women stood slightly from their positions, trying to get a glimpse of the fabric.

Arella simply took it out of the box, and handed it to Lady Seraphine who was, thankfully, not seated too far from her. "The texture ... it is coarse," Lady Seraphine pressed the fabric between her forefinger and thumb, rubbing it, "yet it is also sturdy, almost like it is meant to withstand wear and tear." She turned it over in her hands, examining the stitching, "And this stitching -- it is strange, not like any embroidery I have ever seen."

Lady Aphinea, who was seated next to Lady Seraphine also ran her over the fabric, then she tilted her head, and frowned thoughtfully, "It feels too practical to be purely decorative. Perhaps some sort of uniform?"

"I once saw a merchant from the eastern territories with coarse, heavy material used for transporting goods. This feels similar but the craftsmanship is far more superior." Lady Seraphine added.

"Perhaps it is used for transportation purposes then?" Lady Darvia tilted her head, her pink curls bouncing, as she spoke.

"Although it is rough, the material is still smooth," Lady Seraphine explained to the younger demon slowly, "The threads are impossibly fine and tightly woven. I doubt I have ever seen anything like it before."

"I can say for certain that I have never seen or worked with this fabric in particular. I doubt it would make a good gown. The material would for sure chafe whoever wore it and it would not look good for the light and airy gown designs for the demon realm."

"So you are certain it does not come from the demon realm?"

"Yes, your majesty. At this point, I am sure that I have never seen it before."

Arella nodded, her thoughts racing as she allowed the fabric to be passed around the table. She was sure that this material could not originate from the angelic realm, that was a certainty from her point of view. To transport material, angels used the lower quality fabrics similar to those that they used to make their robes. It was not the sturdiest, but it was a better method to use the reject materials rather than disposing off of them.

Now, the only other place she had to wait for information from was from the human king. Her letter had yet to be answered, but she was sure that he would assist her.

After all the demons had taken their look at the fabric, it was handed over to Arella who carefully placed it back to the box. "I would like to ask you all to keep this matter strictly confidential. The king does not want to bring panic to the common folk, especially with the coronation so close by."

"The high lords may use this opportunity to try and destabilize you before you even become queen." Lady Immera quietly pointed out.

Arella nodded, "Correct. In the process, they will try and make the king look like he unfit the rule and it will give them more power."

"That is only on the side of the high lords who oppose the king." Lady Aphinea said, "I know you are yet to learn about the demon realm and the division of power. Whoever adviced you to invite us made the right decision."

Silently, Arella thanked Velmoria for making her work easier.

"True, I heard that you burned Lady Erashin’s hair. The Erashin family was absolutely furious once she returned home, and I hear they have been going around slandering your name and saying how all those who had talks of being betrothed to the king are next to incur your wrath." Lady Seraphine advised, "You have to be more careful on how you handle them."

Arella laughed, "What about Lady Erashin?"

"She has not left her chambers since she left the palace. Rumor is she is too ashamed to leave their home." a demon who had been quiet the entire time spoke up.

If Melasva did not come as Arella had instructed with her designs, Arella would burn her fingers off next.

"I simply treated her as so because she was disrespectful," Arella shook her head, "I do not understand why such rumors are flying around, and she only left the palace yesterday."

Lady Darvia crossed her arms over each other, "Hmph, I have never liked her, I say good riddance."

Her petulant action caused everyone seated around the table to chuckle softly.

The suns slowly set in the horizon, casting a golden glow across the garden as the tea gathering drew to a close. The warm light softened the sharp lines of the demons’ features, blending their differences into a harmonious tableau. Arella noted how at ease they seemed, their earlier tensions melting away with the laughter and conversation.

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