>> A week after the celebration of the birth of the Queen:

A letter was sent from the Queen while reviewing the piled documents in the study room. Abigor, her attendant and personal chambermaid delivered the said letter.

“Your Highness, a letter from Countess Lilith addressed to you.” Extending her hands to give the letter, Astarte grabs it and looks at the back of the envelope.

Written in a fine cursive letter is her name. “Hmmm...” she mumbled, and cracked the seal made of wax candle with an embroidery of snake and sword.

Opening it, she started reading the letter. “An afternoon tea today, 3 hours from now.”

Astarte mumbled, and place it down the table. “What’s with the letter saying, Your Highness?” Abigor asked.

“She wants to visit me. The countess wants to visit the Queen, but in a casual way.” Astarte answered. “She wants to see her dear niece, huh?”

Abigor nods to respond on the Queen’s reply. “However, she wanted to meet Justine—-the future King.” Astarte added.

“Eh?” with wonder and surprise, Abigor utter out. “Well, I did mention that I chose the King to be on the next throne. That made everyone give a bustle on my sudden engagement, and announcement that the King is a mortal.”

Leaning her back on the chair, Astarte languidly sighs. “I did expect this will happen soon, but knowing her... the countess... that has been seduced mortals by looking into her eyes, I must be wary of that.”

Astarte knows that very well. Though, she hasn’t been meeting the countess much, her mother, the late Queen Juno tells the tale about that kind of ability she possesses.

The Demon race has never been in contact with mortals from their realm, but since Lilith is a primordial demon, her experience in war has been surpassed by anything.

Since the war between Humans and Demons, she has been in the frontlines, fighting for the King. Lilith has been one of the Demons possessing such power that can change everything.

“What order should I give to the servants of His Highness?” Abigor asked.

“This is tough, knowing that Justine hasn’t been used to his surroundings yet. It will be a bad idea if I summon him on the meeting.”

Astarte ponders, as she looks at Abigor. “Well, she’s a family. I want to believe that she’s not scheming something. I want to believe that.”

Abigor didn’t retort, but her hands clenched as she heard the Queen’s thoughts. “I want Alecto to be there to attend us.”

Out of a sudden, Astarte replied with cheery on her tone. “Huh?” Abigor quizzically asked. “Alecto, call her right now. This is an important thing.”

“Right away, Your Highness.” Bowing down, Abigor quickly left the room and looks for Alecto.

* * * *

Meanwhile, the servant named Alecto is currently in charge of prepping the meal for the King in the kitchen. Together with the other chefs assigned to cook for the Queen, she’s at the kitchen island made of wood, placing the food in order for the King.

Her right hand shows the seal, the seal of a servant being a loyal to her master. The wafting scent of meal engulfed over the surroundings, as she placed it all on the wooden tray.

“Alecto...” from the entrance of the Kitchen, a voice heed; making her head tilt to look whose calling.

The chambermaid of the Queen, Abigor. “Yes, Abigor?” the servant calls back. Abigor goes to the servant right after. “The Queen summons you. You’re in need, immediately.”

Alecto nods and leaves the kitchen right away, Abigor follows her.

“I see that you made a pact now for the King to be a loyal servant to him, yes?” as they walked the hallway, Abigor uttered as Alecto halted to look at her.

“...The seal on your hand, only with mortals we can have that. You did want to be with the King that much?”

Alecto grabs her right hand and firmly holds it. “Worry not. The Queen knows that, as well. She noticed that night you open the door of the King’s chamber.”

“...I am in full responsibility for this action. Should I bestow a punishment—-"

“It’s not the reason why Queen Astarte needs your presence, Alecto. Proceed on the study room, please.”

Alecto nods, though she felt hesitated to face the Queen. But the summon is much more important than her feelings, so she proceeds on walking towards the study room.

Arriving at the study room, Alecto excuses herself to come inside, followed by Abigor.

“Your Highness.” Alecto calls. “You’re here, Alecto.” Astarte calls out. Facing the window of the room, her head tilts sideways. Reflecting the light coming from the sunrays, Alecto meets the Queen’s eyes.

“Abigor gave you an idea why did I called you here?” she asked. Alecto shakes her head sideways to respond. “... I see. Since I feel like your loyalty to the King is unfathomable, I want you to be the arbiter between Countess Lilith and him.”

Alecto twitches out as she heard those words. Astarte faces her and stepped forward. “You don’t I will not know what you’ve done, huh?”

Each step makes her heart thumps. Drizzle of sweats formed on her forehead. As Astarte stands in front of her, she grabbed her right hand.

“... Your—-Your Majesty—-"

“I am not upset from what you’ve done; hence, I’m grateful for you to have him as your master. I know you have your duties, and serving him is your job.”

The Queen shows a solemn expression as she looks at the servant. “Proving this seal here is your loyalty to the King himself, and never betray him no matter what happens.”

“You—-you’re not mad at me?” with awe and wonder on her voice, Alecto asked. “I will not get mad over a simple matter, Alecto. As I’ve said, your duty is to serve him. This proves your loyalty, and I know I can trust you with this matter.”

Throughout her mind, the fear of the Queen knowing about this suddenly dissipates. Alecto sighs in relief after heeding those words.

“I, Alecto, servant of the King, will rightfully fulfill this duty. Should I make any discomfort, any punishment can be bestowed upon me. I will take full responsibility, should anything happen... Your Highness.”

Alecto then bow to the Queen right after. Astarte let go of her hands and taps her shoulder. “Go forth, and tell this message to the King. Prepare for a casual meeting with the countess.”

Alecto nods and immediately leaves the room right after. “Your Highness...” Abigor called.

“A servant like her should be kept, at all times. A loyal indeed,” she then turns to look at Abigor. “Yet, I must be wary of her actions. I don’t know if her loyalty will be bound through her true feelings.”

Her voice seemed calm, but shallowness filled each word. Abigor exhales slightly, as the Queen remains silent after that thought left her lips.