The Demon Queen's Contract

Chapter 6: A Rude Awakening

I woke up to the sound of someone knocking on my door. I groaned and turned over, pulling the covers tighter a me. It felt far too early to be getting up, and my body ached with fatigue. The knocking persisted, louder this time. But I didn't care and continued to sleep.

I was deep in a dream wh I felt someone shaking me awake. Groaning, I buried my face deeper into the pillow, determined to ignore the intrusion.

"Lady Elara, you must wake up," came the familiar voice of the maid, Anara.

"Go away," I mumbled, pulling the covers over my head.

"It's already a.m.," she said, her tone insistt. "You need to get up and eat."

I cracked op one eye, squinting at the clock on the wall. Elev? It didn't feel like I had slept that long. I buried my face back into the pillow, trying to ignore the persistt voice.

"It's still early," I complained, trying to cling to the last remnants of sleep.

"Early? It's nearly lunchtime!" Anara exclaimed. "You can't stay in bed all day."

"I can and I will," I muttered, stubbornly refusing to move.

Anara sighed. "You leave me no choice."

I felt a sudd rush of cold air as the bed beath me disappeared, and I fell to the g with a loud thud. Groaning, I rolled over and tried to resume my sleep on the floor.

"You can't be serious," Anara said, exasperated. "I'm calling the demon que."

"See? You look perfect," Anara said, giving me a satisfied nod. "Now, let's get you to the dining room."

I followed her down the corridors, my nerves on edge. We reached the dining room, which was just as grand as I remembered from the night before. The table was set with an array of dishes, each one more sumptuous than the last.

But the demon que was nowhere to be se. I hesitated at the door, unsure whether I should sit without her presce.

"Where's the demon que?" I asked, looking a.

"She has work to attd to," Anara said. "Just eat without her."

I nodded and took a seat, the empty chair at the head of the table a stark reminder of Seraphina's absce. I began to eat, trying to joy the food despite the oppressive silce and the watchful eyes of the servants.

The dishes were exquisite—freshly baked pastries, juicy fruits, and savory meats that melted in my mouth. But the solitude made it hard to savor the meal.

As I was finishing my plate, a maid clapped her hands, and the servants began clearing the table with swift efficicy. I looked up, startled. "I hav't finished," I protested.

The maid gave me a cold look. "Don't eat too much. You still have to fit into your wedding dress, which you will be trying on today."

I sighed heavily, pushing my plate away. "I don't want to get married," I muttered under my breath.

Anara gave me a sympathetic look but remained silt. After the table was cleared, she turned to me. "We have to go to town to see your wedding dress. The que will be waiting for you there."

I nodded, feeling a mix of resignation and dread. As we made our way to the castle gates, I couldn't help but wonder what awaited me in town and how much stranger my life was going to get.