The king's eyes

It’s dinner

we are all reunited as a family, in a room that is a little more intimate than before.

We only dine with the court two nights a week now.

Oro makes everyone laugh with his antics, even my father struggles to stay serious to correct his behavior.

He is very admiring of Joan, he sees him as if he were the great sage of the family, the one who knows everything.

It’s kinda true.

Joan has always been brilliant at school, he is an exemplary and friendly young man. Always pleasant and funny, he also knows how to be firm and highly respected… He is perfect.

I know he has a lot of… lovers. But so far, nothing official. He’s enjoying it and that’s good.

I would have liked to do the same, but when you’re a woman... Especially the princess heiress to the throne, well you always have to be careful of everything, because everything is peddled. We are constantly observed and judged.

There were rumors at the time, about Romeo and me.

I didn’t care at all, because the truth is that there was nothing more than friendly gestures, and I was burning for more of him...

"Satine, do you have any plans for this year?” Do you want to specialize in art or any field?"

asked my father.

“Since you mention it, yes I would like to get closer to the demons.

I haven’t seen enough of the underworld, my uncles, and what they have to teach me. I’m done with etiquette classes."

Rarkar and Rikon. We consider them our uncles because they are not much older than my father, and when we see the three of them, we really look like brothers.

“I don’t know Satine… It’s a very different world." He said

"Exactly, that’s what attracts me.

Look, I need to know what I can develop, it’s important to me." I insisted.

"But powers may only arise over time" He added, and I cut him:

"Or experience. Dad, we already talked about this. I am an adult with my own choices."

"Your choices do not involve only you." He said.

"Oh, I’m tired of people telling me that.

Well, I will explain to the people that I am not a frisky queen with my dresses and my lace, but that does not prevent me from getting fully involved in what I do.

I always make sure to be close to them and listen.

They won’t care what I do with my free time because they know who I am and what I do for them.

It doesn’t matter anymore. What matters is that they see that we are people like them and that we care about their living conditions, their health, etc." I said, annoyed.

"Stop. I got the point.

Talk to your uncles, and see what they offer you. Be careful though with these jerks who are not careful enough if you ask me.

And I have something to offer you.

Soon, the annual gathering will take place.

You have taken part in everything we have achieved in recent years, I think you are ready to sit in my place, this time.

I still have to continue to participate from time to time otherwise they will believe that I let go of my responsibilities. In any case, there are always regional meetings for those who ask you about my presence.

So?" He proposed. I didn't expect that!

"I can’t believe it… It’s awesome, thank you!"

"Perfect. I will spread the information."

"Be very vigilant my darling, you never know who you’re going to fall on." My grandma said, worried.

"You know Nana, it’s the same everywhere. And everyone knows who I am, or almost. For those who don’t know yet, well they will find out soon enough." I told her, confident.

That is good news…

Not only will I be able to familiarize myself a little more with the demons, but I will also be able to sit at the annual gathering, to represent our family...

Finally some action. I can’t wait.

Two weeks later

I’m packing my bags.

My uncles are waiting for me in Kortoga. It is a large underground city where they are used to staying at times.

They are never in the same place for very long, but they are always together. They are only a year apart. They almost look like twins, they do everything together.

They seemed delighted to receive me and have a few ideas to offer me.

A new phase of my life awaits me, and I am very excited.

When my uncles landed on my dad and Iris’ wedding day,

they completely ransacked part of the garden...

We made it slightly neater access to the underworld. My guards escort me to the entrance of the passage where two other demon guards await me.

A horned, dark-skinned humanoid demon, as well as a tall, elegant goblin bow to greet me:

"Hello Princess Satine, I am Ragorn, a friend of your uncles and your mentor for the months to come, and this is Kerni who will be your guard underground and will accompany you on your travels."

"Hello Ragorn, Hello Kerni, just calling me Satine would suit me better, if possible. Thanks to both of you for agreeing to escort me to Kortoga.

So my mentor? So like that the uncles don’t want to stick to it I see!" I said, laughing.

I always prefer there to be a hint of humor when I approach someone for the first time. People are often tense in the presence of the royal family, they have unnecessary pressure.

"No, let’s just say they wanted to pick someone more…educational for you." He answered, embarrassed

Well, I don’t think he’s ready to call me by my first name yet, as long as he doesn’t say princess, that’s fine with me.

"That’s perfect Ragorn, thank you for your consideration. Let’s go"

We take place in tanks drawn by two terrabuses. They are like huge moles with very muscular bodies and gigantic, clawed legs. They see nothing but are hypersensitive to their environment, like most subterranean beings. They have an impressive ability to dig in the ground and move through the galleries, they will take us to Kortoga without difficulty.

The underground city is a spectacle…

A huge cavity has been dug to accommodate hundreds of demon residents. The large torches arranged everywhere and the precious stones encrusted in the floors and walls illuminate enough to distinguish all the galleries that feed the city and the inhabitants who wander in the troglodyte houses...

I have already come with my father several times here but each time I am amazed, I love this place.

We approach the largest building in the center which is a bit like the headquarters.

This is where my uncles, their partners, and my cousins ​​live. There are large rooms on the first level for gatherings and meetings, the upper floors are for living quarters.

A few chiefs also live there, including Ragorn, I imagine. It seems to me that I have already met him in the past during our previous visits.

The demons are numerous here, it is difficult to memorize them all.

We enter the main building and head to the great hall. There is a large buffet full of people, of all species.

I didn’t know there would be all these people today, I don’t think it’s like this every day.

They recognize me and all bow as I walk through the room and meet their gaze. I smile at them and greet them back.

I see my two uncles in the background who are waving me over to join them.

"Oh! Hello my big one, so we have a good road? These terrabuses shake us up a bit, it upsets the guts when we’re not used to it."

"It’s sporty indeed, but I survived. Do they let each other overlap? I’d rather that than the cart." I asked.

"Oh, it depends. You can always try but in my opinion, there is a good chance that you will be thrown to the ground in the second." Rikon said

"I really want to try one of these days..." I insisted.

"Hahaha, you don’t waste time, as always. Get to know your underground people and their customs, and take the time. You won’t miss out on an adventure, don’t worry about that."

"Why all these people? Is there anything special today?" I asked, curious.

"Well yes, of course! Your arrival, you future queen of Gameon, we want to receive you with honors!

Everyone wants to see you and talk to you, you’re the star here, the pearl of the family." Rarkar told me.

"Rho… But there are my cousins, and Chérine who has a good place today with you, I was told that she managed her new section perfectly." I said.

"Cherine is doing very well yes, she is older, very serious, and less accessible than you. And the boys don’t get involved that much yet, it’s comfortable when you don’t have responsibilities.

And then you are our access to the outside world, your father too of course, but we feel that you are more in tune with us. So welcome Princess, it is a pleasure to have you at Kortoga.

But it starts strong for you. The leaders’ meeting is scheduled for the evening, you will be with us so that we can introduce you to everyone and see how we can contribute to your demonic education.

A new life begins, my child. I hope you’re hooked up well." He said, teasing me.

" Still !" I answered, laughing

They laugh and take me in their huge, suffocating arms.

It’s time for the big leap.