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Archdemon Empress Luna

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"It's been given to me by my father since I was young." Apollyon began. "He said that it belonged to him, but I have no idea that it was from the Summer Courts."

From the outside, Vinca Inn appeared delightful and warm.

Still, she saw too many people coming and going at the door as she heard joyful music, entertained voices and lovely tinkles of laughter from the inside drifting into their ears across the street.

Hard planks and tree trunks made up most of the large building's structure.

Luna noticed that the travelers ahead of them were tossing coins at the wooden box near the doorman's shoes and her brows wrinkled with worry as she examined the wooden box looming closer in her vision.

They didn't exchange the coins she brought from the Spring Courts to the currency in the Summer Courts.

Apollyon's sister took her job as a messenger too seriously because she only delivered the message without carrying money with her when she was supposed to be part of the Summer Monarchs and a unique princess.

Apollyon, who she currently held hands with as they walked side-by-side towards Vinca Inn, pulled her behind him and gave her a mischievous smile.

He let go of her hand and entered the premises with confidence as if it was his god-given right.

Her lips parted in surprise for a second before she pursed her lips and assumed a haughty expression, praying that the armed faerie sentinel wouldn't ask her money just like what he didn't do to Apollyon.

What else would she give him that was of value?

Luna and the armed guard's eyes met, and he nodded his head in acknowledgment, gesturing to the metal doors inside the inn.

Apollyon offered her his arm as they walked around the vast space, which was also packed with many people.

Aside from the bedroom, the Vinca Inn also had a dining room and a cosy tavern.

Luna sucked in a breath with amazement as she looked around, momentarily forgetting all else.

Marble pillars embellished with bright red flowers and vines supported the upper floor as candelabras hang on the ceiling.

Several long tables are occupied by what seemed to be one large group of people getting together.

The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who clearly enjoyed something more intimate.

It was as lovely inside as that of the outside.

Vinca Inn was larger than expected.

A summer aristocrat must have owned this.

"The armed guard didn't ask you and me for money." Luna's brows furrowed as she regarded Apollyon. "I don't know why we were exempted from the entrance toll."

"Members of the nobility are exempted from paying fees at any inn or hostel."

"Ohh. The armed sentinel must have assumed we are royals from our appearance since the merchants we met at the marketplace insisted we wear the garments they made even if we haven't paid them yet. They forced us to play our part through the attendant's help."

"Yes. On the outside, we looked capable of paying for the lodging and other amenities. No matter where you go, appearance always mattered to indicate status. Even if you are the richest Empress from a faraway Realm, if you dress shabbily, you will be treated like shit by the people who didn't know you." Apollyon said.

"Sad truth."

"Ah. You didn't know, wife." Apollyon's touch lingered as he caressed her forearm. "I forgot that I hadn't brought you to any inns or taverns on the Spring Courts."

That made her curious—not angry but strictly interested. "You didn't bring Lilith or any other girls in there?"

Apollyon winked. "If you count Prince Aspen as a girl since he has feminine features, then I would count that as a 'yes."

What had Apollyon eaten that he was extremely flirtatious today when she thought he was having ear-splitting headaches?

Luna knew.

But she wasn't going to mention that.

"I'm alright with Prince Aspen." She gave him a slow smile. "You are sure you didn't take Lilith, Elisabeth, or any other girls there and having fun without me around?"

He raised an eyebrow, serious. "Are you jealous?"

She tugged at his arm so he could bend a little to hear her whisper, "Just making sure you are still mine."

"I am." He placed a hand over his heart and Luna could feel the sincerity even just from his tone. "There's no need to be jealous. I should be the one who should be jealous—" Apollyon caught himself and waved a dismissive hand.

"Nevermind." He exhaled a frustrated sigh. "I don't want to remember."

Luna grimaced.

Her poor husband must have remembered her secret and he was forced to live with that fact every day. Time wouldn't heal but it can only make it bearable. She didn't like making her husband suffer or watch him like this.

"Brother." Princess Sapphire popped up beside her. "I left the cat at the stables. Pets aren't allowed in Vinca Inn, so I have to leave it there."

Luna thought that it was common for the Summer Fairfolk to have wings instead of their ears.

Princess Lucia must be a special case.

She observed that the merchants at the marketplace didn't treat her like royalty even if they recognized her as Summer Princess.

Why was that?

Luna was still glad that the Fair-folk at the Marketplace didn't bully or mistreat Princess Sapphire for being different. But she could tell there was something odd in the family dynamic of the Summer Monarchs if they were sending their teenage daughter on dangerous missions as a messenger.

It was either Empress Ourania trusted her daughter's powerful Fae Magic enough to keep her safe, or… she didn't care if Princess Lucia died.

Honestly, Luna wouldn't be shocked if it was the latter.

Empress Ourania didn't care about her son Apollyon either.

She must have heard the news from the Spring Courts that her son was alive and well—clear from any demonic possessions—the first time Prince Aspen visited the Vampire Realm for Luna's Coronation or that time where Apollyon visited the Spring Castle or the Celebration at Ostara.

Apollyon's mother had so many chances to meet her son, but she didn't take it since she was detached from her son's growth.

'What a heartless mother!' Luna mused as she gritted her teeth in anger. 'What did she want with Apollyon now?

'What changed her mind?

What made her reach out?

Did she want to meet her son, or was it only because of his grandfather—King Oberon's wishes?

"What about Xerxes?" Luna asked Princess Sapphire as she tried to get rid of the resentment clouding her thoughts. "What if he ate other animals at the stables?"

"You're Highness." When Luna looked over her shoulder to see where that unfamiliar voice came from, her gaze fell on the young man who meditated, sitting on a rock as cascades of water fell down his back in Princess Sapphire's memory.

He had light blond hair almost covering his tanned face.

He had a scar just under his left eyebrow running across his almond-shaped amber eyes and ending on the bridge of his long nose. "I am Xerxes."