So, I went to execute that guy’s plan, but there was a problem.

Once I got back to the ball, the demons were nowhere to be found. They weren’t in the same place they used to be. So, I started searching all over the palace for them.

I squealed as someone grabbed my shoulder from behind.

“Whoa! Calm down!” The female behind me said.

Turning around, I saw Melli.

“Oh, Melli! You scared the heavens out of me!”

“What’s the problem?”

“Oh, wait! We’re apparently on the same team, so maybe you can help me.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Do you know where the demonic queen is?”

That made her smile.

“Oh, I see. Yes, I do know where she is. Spymaster told me to keep an eye on her. She is in one of the gardens. Come, I’ll take you there.”

She turned around and started walking, so I followed.

“You have to go back to your master, huh?”

“Yes. I don’t want them getting any ideas.”

“Tell me, how long have you been working for the spymaster?”

“What kind of spy would I be if I told you that?”

“Haha! You have a point there. So, is it any fun?”

“Depends on your idea of fun. But it’s not romantic, nor exciting as you may think it is. Most of the time, you’re dealing with obese nobles.”

“Dealing, huh? Well then, you must be glad that you’ve been given to the Goldy.”

“I’ve already said that he didn’t lay a finger on me.”

“But that makes it so much more exciting, right? He’s not just yet another easy male. He’s actually an achievement.”

“You think so? Sure, he’s handsome as a god, but I don’t see why all the girls are so eager to get together with a demon. I’d expect them to be more careful about it.”

“It just so happens that most of the girls who are chasing him are from merchant families. And those merchants happen to trade with the demons. Only a few of them are allowed to partake in such a trade. Only those who have a proper noble heritage have the right to do so. And, since Goldy is influential with the demons, those merchants hope they can get some unfair advantage. Get a better deal.”

“Over the backs of their daughters.”

“Everything for a family. You should know that better than anyone else. Besides, it’s not like the girls are hating it. On the contrary, they are very enthusiastic about it, are they not? And Goldie’s rejections turned everything into an exciting competition.”

She stopped, pointing her finger towards the place not so far away.

“Go right around that corner, and you will find your queen.”

“Thanks, Melli. You were a huge help! You’ve got no idea just how much you’ve helped me here! I owe you one.”

“Don’t thank me yet. Not until everything is resolved. Now hurry, time is running out.”

“Ok.”

“And don’t forget that the hedge on the left is leading into the labyrinth. You may need it.”

“I know. I’ve used it many times before.”

“Good luck.”

She walked away in a hurry. Back then, I thought she just didn’t want to be seen.

So, I went on and, indeed, the queen was there. However, not all the demons were with her. Mun-Hee and the raven-haired guard Anna were the only ones there. They were in a very animated conversation with five young timkik females, none of which I could recognize.

“So, female talk, huh,” I thought as I approached them.

And indeed, that was the case.

“Oh, so that’s why he’s avoiding us!”

“Yes. You ladies are lovely, and only a mad male would ignore you,” the queen said, “He’s not gay and is certainly interested in you, but he’s a hero for a reason.”

“Oh, I see. That makes sense.”

Ignoring the useless conversation, I noticed that Anna was the only one not interested in taking part in it, even though she was sitting right next to the queen who appeared to be so invested in it. The stern look on Anna’s face made it clear she wanted to stay out of it, so no one bothered her for it.

I couldn’t deliver my message to the queen without interrupting them, so I decided to notify Anna first. Besides, she’s her guard, so it only made sense to do so.

“Oh, here comes your slave, your majesty!” One of the timkik girls said as I took a seat next to Anna.

“She’s not a slave anymore!” The queen said, “There are no slaves in our lands.”

“You have no slaves?”

Ignoring the conversation once again, I sat close to Anna and leaned in. I went for the top of her head first, but then I remembered the humans have their ears on the side.

“Miss Anna, I have discovered something very troubling,” I whispered.

“Go on,” she responded in a low voice, not bothering to look at me or take the stern look off her face.

“I decided to take a stroll around the castle after the conversation with my friend, and I’ve discovered something disturbing. I’ve heard some guests talking about an assassination attempt on the queen.”

“Hmm, you did well. We’ll act now and talk about it later. You’re dismissed.”

She stood up, much to the surprise of the timkik girls.

“My queen, we need to go. Jens is asking for your help in a matter.”

The queen’s mood soured noticeably: “Well, if that’s the case …”

“Please don’t go!” One of the girls jumped in, “The negotiations won’t start anytime soon! We’re really enjoying this conversation!”

“Yes, yes,” the other one nodded her head vigorously, “You’re a fascinating person, your majesty! Talking with you is a real pleasure!”

“You need to go, my queen! Jens needs you right away!”

“Well, if it can’t be helped …”

“Please, stay with us for a little while!”

“Just a little more!”

“Ladies, I enjoyed our girly talk, but I have duties to attend to. I promise I’ll get back to you as soon as I check what is going on. I also enjoy your company, so I’ll make sure to get back to you.”

The girls eyed each other nervously as the queen stood up.

“Pretty please?” One of them tried for the last time.

“Don’t you worry ladies, I’ll get back to you.”

The queen turned to go, and I followed, when in the next moment I heard commotion right behind me. Turning to take a look behind my back, I saw that one of the girls had stood up, outstretching her hand while leaning over the table, but Anna caught it firmly.

And in her hand, there was a dagger.

“You fool!” One of the girls screamed, “We could’ve had a second chance!”

“Jump her now!” The one caught screamed back, “Before she escapes! They can’t stop all of …”

Anna’s punch in the gut interrupted her, forcing her to bend over in agony and drop the knife.

“Go!” Anna yelled at us without turning her head. The queen grabbed my hand before I’d even realized what was going on, and we started running, with Mun-Hee following us right behind. All of a sudden, I realized why the demons are so obsessed with skin-tight clothing. I was so glad the dress they gave me was shorter than usual because there was no way I could’ve run in a long, fluffy, timkik dress.

“What about Anna?” I asked.

“She’ll manage,” the queen said. I wasn’t so sure of it, but it wasn’t the time for an argument.

The commotion behind us turned into feral screaming as we turned the corner. There, we saw a group of timkik nobles running towards us.

“Oh good, the help is already here,” Mun-Hee said.

But luckily, I realized what was going on: “No, they’re not here to help! Quickly!”

Now it was time for me to yank the queen’s hand.

“Where are we going?” She asked, “I don’t see any other way out.”

“There’s one. Let me find it.”

I ran my fingers along the hedge, finding a gap quickly. It was completely unnoticeable, but I’ve already used it several times before.

Luckily, the garden we were in just a few moments ago happened to be one of my favorite places in the palace. It’s secluded, and there are several gaps in the thick hedge nearby where you can do your business uninterrupted. But that’s also why I never thought the demons would be there, so I didn’t bother checking it out before Melli showed up.

“Close your eyes and don’t let go of my hand,” I said as I pushed through the gap.

“Mun-Hee, don’t let go!” The queen said in turn.

As we pushed through the hedge, there were only two things on my mind.

First: “I hope the guys chasing us haven’t used the labyrinth before.”

And the second one was: “This is nothing like the plan I was presented with!”