"The will must be stronger than the skill."
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Heaven decided to do something productive with her time, even though her parents had asked her to rest and not think about her goal to become a ruler for a while. She understood their concern, but she couldn't just rest and do nothing. She was becoming restless and thinking of things that only made her feel more worried.
The feeling of sickness returned, and she thought of doing something quickly to distract herself. She touched her necklace to call Ilyas. It didn't take long for him to materialize into her room.
"Lady Heaven." He greeted.
"Ilyas, how are you?"
"I am doing alright, my Lady." He looked at her carefully as if trying to see is she was alright as well.
She smiled at him. "I was thinking of going out and I need you to go with me."
He just nodded. He was a man of very few words.
Heaven wanted to see what the world outside looked like and how people lived. As a ruler in the future, she needed to know her people.
Ilyas knew the outside world and showed her around. He took her to different villages, and she got to see how people lived. Some lived comfortably and others made her heart ache in pain. She witnessed old people and children without homes or decent clothes. She gave them all she had, but she knew more people like them still existed and needed help.
Ilyas noticed her worry and spoke, "there will always be poverty somewhere. You can't save everyone."
Heaven knew that, but she wanted to save as many as she could. She already has a plan, something her teacher taught her about society structure that would help the helpless. She would have to visit him to learn more.
Ilyas then took her to the market. He explained to her how trades worked and what the prices of different items were. This was the first time Heaven walked outside feeling unafraid. With the mark, she knew Zamiel would sense if anything happened to her. It was a bond she didn't have with her parents. They could never sense if she was in danger.
Speaking of bond she looked at the ribbon tied around her wrist. Ilyas noticed it but didn't say anything. Heaven wondered if he knew something.
"Do you know about the ribbon?" She asked as they walked.
"You got married." He said simply.
He knew!
"How did you know?" She asked.
"I only guessed. My parents were different. They didn't only mate, they also got married, and that is how they did it."
Heaven was fascinated. Usually the mating was the marriage in the demon world, but his parents also got married the human way.
"That was thousands of years ago. It is not how you get married today." He pointed.
He was right. According to today's laws and traditions, she wasn't married to Zamiel. Being a princess only added extra rules to how she should get married. If people knew about her relationship with Zamiel, it would be scandalous. Her reputation would be ruined together with her family's reputation. Ilyas probably wondered why she got married this way, but it was embarrassing to tell.
She removed the ribbon from her wrist, not knowing who else could know. She didn't want to have to explain to anyone. But thinking about her and Zamiel brought a heavy feeling to her chest. As if something was squeezing her heart, making it unable to beat rhythmically. She felt sick again and breathing became difficult.
The feeling refused to go away as they walked around discovering new places. At one point Heaven couldn't ignore the nausea that built up, so she ran around a corner and threw up. From the corner of her eye she could see Ilyas standing next to her but not looking at her, which she was thankful for. Once her stomach felt empty and she felt more at ease, Ilyas reached inside his pocked and gave her a handkerchief.
"Thank you." Heaven said taking it away and wiping her mouth.
She took a moment to just stand still and recover. What was wrong with her?
"Are you alright?" Ilyas looked at her, concerned.
"No." Heaven admitted.
She was feeling something in her gut, a bad feeling that warned her of something, and a mix of her dreams and promises came back to her.
Everyone would be in danger because of her, especially Zamiel. The nausea came back and Heaven felt exhausted.
"You don't look well. Allow me to take you back home." Ilyas said.
Heaven nodded, and within a brief moment they were back to her room. Having difficulty standing, Heaven quickly sat down on a chair with a sigh. She looked at Ilyas, embarrassed.
"I can't be a leader like this. I am too weak." She said feeling disappointed with herself. If her muscles were aching before now they hurt after the long walk. She felt weak, exhausted and confused. If she was really honest with herself, then what she truly felt was fear. She was afraid.
Her grandfather was undefeatable. He was granted an eternal life and the power to manipulate and be invisible. His kingdoms were spread over the whole world but couldn't be found by anyone.
That is why he could only be called but never found. Those who joined his cause were said to be given access to his kingdoms through a portal guarded by his most loyal servants. In fact, only loyal demons could serve her grandfather. He had access to every demon's mind except for ancient ones. He would know immediately those who plan to betray him. If they dared.
Her grandfather was not to be underestimated.
"You are only weak if you give up." Ilyas told her.
Heaven nodded. "Thank you for taking me out. I'll rest for a while now." She told him.
Ilyas stared at her for a short moment, then nodded before disappearing. Heaven looked around her empty room. How did her life turn out like this? She was supposed to be happy now. Dancing around in her room, thinking about love and getting married. Not about her grandfather, who was trying to hurt her.
There was a knock on the door, but no one entered. "Come in." Heaven called.
The door opened with a creaking sound and Kate peaked inside.
"Kate!"
"My Lady." Kate stepped inside with a smile on her face. "Her Majesty told me you came back. I am glad you are safe." She said walking further in before a frown settled on her face.
"My Lady. Apologies, but you look awful."
Heaven chuckled. "I have been without your care and this happened to me." She joked.
Kate chuckled. "Now that you are here, I will take good care of you again." She promised.
"I am sure you will."
Since her mother announced that she came back, Heaven thought of going outside her room since she didn't have to hide anymore. It felt like she had been gone from home forever as she walked through the large halls. When she neared the parlor, she heard several familiar voices, sounding both sad and serious.
Slowly, she tiptoed forward and peeked inside. Her parents were sitting with Klara and Roshan. All of them looked disturbed and bothered, but it was Klara who caught her attention. Heaven had never seen Klara with tears in her eyes. She looked like she had cried a lot. Her nose, cheeks and eyes were read and there was so much sadness in her eyes.
What was going on?
"I am sure Zarin will come back. He won't be staying with Lucifer forever." Her father spoke.
Lucifer?!
Zarin?!
Was Zarin staying with Lucifer? Why?!