Lisa stood by the window, watching a group of children dashing through the garden, swords in hand. She quickly discerned that they were simply playing, and a small smile tugged at her lips. At least something felt normal in this demon kingdom.
"You're awake," a voice resonated from the doorway. Lisa turned to see Beckam standing there, her fiery red hair elegantly curled and secured by an ornate tiara that complemented the color of her gown.
"Do you still feel weak?" Beckam inquired. Lisa gave a slight nod before Beckam snapped her fingers, signaling a group of maids to enter with trays laden with food.
"You need a proper meal, then," Beckam stated. Lisa could sense the hostility radiating from every woman in the room, including Beckam herself. So, why was she pretending to be considerate?
"Thanks," Lisa murmured, choosing to ignore Beckam's façade.
"We never had a proper introduction. I am Beckam, the king's second wife," Beckam declared, and Lisa gave a subtle nod. She had proposed to be the king's bride without realizing he already had two wives.
"I'm Lisa Moonstar," she introduced herself, her gaze drifting toward the lavish spread of food before her. "I'll freshen up first," she added.
What if the food is poisoned? The thought crossed Lisa's mind, but she masked her suspicion with a polite smile. "I really appreciate it," she said.
Beckam nodded, signaling the maids, who left after placing the meal down. "You should freshen up and eat—today is going to be a long day."
Lisa exhaled deeply as Beckam disappeared from sight. "She could have just walked out like a normal person," Lisa muttered to herself before making her way to the bathing chambers.
After cleansing herself and selecting the most modest attire available in the closet, she stepped out of the bedroom, wandering down the lengthy corridor.
Eventually, she arrived at the grand dining hall, where Klaus sat in one of the chairs. A small, involuntary smile formed on her lips as she made her way toward him.
"Good morning," she greeted, but his attention was fixed on the necklace he held.
"About what happened yesterday… I truly appreciate you coming to my rescue," Lisa said, rubbing her palms together nervously before taking a seat next to him. The table was adorned with a feast fit for royalty.
"I would have died," she admitted softly. Klaus finally looked at her, offering a simple nod. She gestured toward the food.
"May I join you?"
Klaus was taken aback by her request. Did she realize that for him to eat, he had to remove his mask?
"If you wish," he responded. Lisa quickly grabbed a golden plate but suddenly hesitated.
"Oh… I'm sorry," she mumbled. "The king is supposed to have the first bite, right?"
Klaus chuckled, amused by her consideration. "Hmm," he nodded, raising a hand to his face and slowly removing his mask. Lisa instinctively curled her toes in nervous anticipation but smiled once his full face was revealed.
"The last time, I was just startled because I wasn't expecting it… I'm not the type to judge," Lisa clarified. Klaus picked up a spoon and began eating, prompting her to follow suit. She had deliberately avoided the food Beckam had offered, fearing it might not be safe.
"I have a question," Lisa set her spoon down after eating her fill.
"Why can't I sense your emotions?"
She could usually feel what others were experiencing, even demons—she had tested it before. So why was Klaus an exception?
"So, you really can perceive emotions?" Klaus mused. He had suspected it, but now it was confirmed—she was an anomaly, a creature unlike any he had ever encountered in history or legend.
"But not yours," Lisa pointed out.
"Hmm," Klaus acknowledged with a nod. She arched a brow, unsatisfied with his vague response.
"My King," a voice called from the doorway. Maradona strode in, her eyes flickering between Lisa and Klaus.
Since when does he share a meal with someone? she thought, clearing her throat.
"I've already selected a group of maids for her," Maradona announced, gesturing toward Lisa. It was her duty to assign maids to any new bride, and Lisa was no exception.
"She will choose her own maids," Klaus countered. Maradona's eyes widened in disbelief. Since when?
"I trust she'll make a wise decision," Klaus added. He had faith in Lisa's ability to distinguish friend from foe.
In the blink of an eye, Klaus vanished, leaving Lisa alone with Maradona.
How could he leave me with this menace? Lisa muttered under her breath before rising to her feet. Maradona, however, stepped into her path.
"You know what you're doing, don't you?" Maradona challenged, her piercing gaze locked onto Lisa's. She couldn't fathom why the king had not only married a wolf but was also treating her differently.
"Of course, I do," Lisa replied coolly, maintaining eye contact.
"You never should have returned," Maradona warned.
"But I did," Lisa countered with a smirk. "And whether you like it or not, you'll have to deal with me."
"You're playing a dangerous game, Lisa," Maradona hissed.
Lisa clicked her tongue in amusement. "You're the queen of demons, and I respect that. But I think you're handling this whole 'queen' thing all wrong. Want some advice from a fellow queen?" she taunted.
Maradona's eyes flashed red with fury, and Lisa had a brief, chilling flashback of the time Maradona and the other demon women had tried to kill her.
"Excuse me," Lisa scoffed, brushing past Maradona and heading toward the garden where she had earlier seen the children playing.
She stood at a distance, watching them, but her mind was clouded with thoughts of the people who had tried to kill her—Davin, in particular.
She had loved him deeply, yet he had betrayed her. All for the Shred Mark. He had intended to end her life, and if Klaus hadn't intervened, her body would already be decomposing.
"A penny for your thoughts?" a deep, gravelly voice interrupted her reverie.
Lisa spun around to find a tall man—easily six feet—with jet-black hair. He was clad in a fitted corset-style coat and carried a sword.
"Wow," Lisa breathed, momentarily taken aback by his striking appearance. His smile was warm, effortlessly charming. She quickly shook her head to regain her composure.
"Lady Lisa?" he prompted, and she nodded. He bowed slightly in greeting.
"I am Prince Ethan," he introduced himself. Lisa's brows furrowed, her lips parting slightly in astonishment before pressing shut again.
"When you say 'prince'…" she trailed off, trying to process his words.
"Yes," he chuckled at her reaction. "I'm your stepson."
Lisa blinked in sheer disbelief. She had a stepson? A grown one? And this handsome?!
"I'm Maradona's eldest son," he continued, and Lisa struggled to wrap her head around it. Maradona had a son this old? Just how ancient was she?
"You seem shocked. But why?" Ethan asked, tilting his head in curiosity.
Lisa shook her head, unwilling to admit how baffled she was. She closed her eyes briefly, focusing on his aura. Surprisingly, there was no hostility—his emotions toward her were neutral, if not mildly amused.
"It's just… unexpected. But wait—how old are you?"
"A hundred," he replied nonchalantly.
Lisa let out an incredulous chuckle. So this man is seventy-five years older than me?!
"What's so funny?" Ethan questioned in amusement.
Lisa bit her lower lip to stifle her laughter. "Nice meeting you, Prince Ethan," she said before walking past him.
Ethan called after her with a grin. "Nice meeting you too, my lady." He waved, watching her retreating form.
"Father really married a wolf… and she's breathtaking," he mused with a smirk.