The Demon King's Close Friend

After having breakfast with the Queen Dowager, Quinn, Vincent and Queen Mother walked out of her chamber. Cesar was standing beside the door when they came out, he closed the door and followed behind Vincent. As the three walked away from the court, their servants and guards followed behind them.

When they reached the exit of the court, the Queen Mother stopped and faced them both making them also stop as well as the servants and guards. "Vincent, I will take her with me to teach her the duties of a Queen before the time for the wedding tonight."

"I believe that is the right thing to do." He answered his mother then turned to Quinn. "I will meet you in the throne room for the wedding and your coronation tonight."

"Yes, your Majesty." She added his title since they were not alone and looked disapprovingly at her, but did not say anything.

He turned to the right and walked away with his guards following behind him. She stared at his back as he walked away, he had a commanding aura about him that made all attention go to him.

"Follow me." Queen Mother said taking her attention from Vincent. She turned her head to see her already walking forward with her servants following behind.

She followed her as well to walk beside her as they walked to the left and they walked on a path with buildings on either sides. Queen Mother turned her face to Quinn. "We are going to my courtyard where, hopefully, we will have no disturbances."

"Yes, Queen Mother." Her reply made Queen Mother glance at her with a look that meant she did not like the use of her title.

"Quinn, I told you that there is no need for titles even in the presence of others. Mother is fine, Queen Mother puts distance."

"Yes, mother." She replied just as they rounded a corner on the right.

"We have now entered my court, further than this is Queen Ellen's court and then the concubines of the late King." Queen Mother said as they passed into a garden to a house building beside it.

There was a table and four chairs around it, and Queen Mother went to it with Quinn. She waited for the Queen Mother to sit down before she also sat down opposite her. The servants stood at the entrance to the court giving them privacy to talk.

"Mother, I wanted to know about something before we start." Quinn asked before Queen Mother started explaining her Queen duties to her.

"What is it that you want to know?" She asked with a smile as she looked at her.

"Grandmother was sick, but I thought demons do not get sick." Quinn said as she folded her hands on her lap.

"Yes, we do not get sick, but grandmother was a human first before she became a demon so she gets sick with minor illnesses like colds and headaches. She was also the mate of the late King's father."

"Then that means Queen Ellen used to be human as well?"

"Yes, but she was not the late King's mate. He married her because of political reasons and wanted to make peace with a human kingdom who most them are married to demons now."

"So you are his mate?"

"Yes."

"I am so sorry for your loss, it must be awful to lose your soul mate." She said sympathetically and Queen Mother shook her head still smiling.

"It was years ago and the pain dulls away. Thank you for your concern."

She nodded and Queen started her lesson, "As Queen, you are in charge of all the concubines and court ladies in this palace. Even the concubines of our late husband will be under you as well as Queen Ellen since she does not have the title of Queen Mother."

"That must be why she tried to start trouble earlier."

"Yes, and she also hates me and anyone that gets close to me. You will also be the one to host any celebrations that the palace might have."

"Alright, I used to help mother organize events in our kingdom all the time."

Queen Mother chuckled, "It might come easy to you, but the demon palace is different from your human kingdom."

Quinn nodded in understanding as the Queen Mother continued. "The Queen is also expected to teach young demon ladies to help them learn how to be proper ladies and demons. But since you are not a demon, I will continue giving those lessons."

"Thank you, mother."

"You do not have to thank me, I enjoy teaching those classes. You also have to make sure everything is running smoothly in the palace and beware of Queen Ellen, she is not to be trusted."

"Yes, Vincent also warned me." She replied just as a lady in a peach dress with a servant following her approached them.

"That is also someone you should be beware of." Queen Mother said glancing at the lady then back at Quinn.

She wanted to ask who the lady was, but she was already at the table looking snootily at Quinn with her nose raised in the air. She bowed her head at the Queen Mother, "How is Queen Mother doing? I hope she is well."

"I am wonderful, thank you for asking." Queen Mother said dropping her smile and the lady seemed to notice. She grimaced then glanced at Quinn.

"Hello, who are you?"

Before she could answer, Queen Mother answered, "She is your Queen starting from tonight, give her your respect, Aida."

Aida's face turned into a frown as she looked angry at the way Queen Mother reprimanded. She glanced at Quinn and forced a smile as she bowed her head, "Forgive me, your Highness."

"It is fine, you did not know." Quinn studied Aida as she raised her head.

"May I introduce myself?" Aida looked to Queen Mother for permission, obviously not wanting approval from Quinn.

Queen Mother let it slide since Quinn was not Queen yet and gave her permission. "Yes, you may.".

Aida turned to Quinn, her forced smile still in place, "I am Aida Lance from the dehuman kingdom, and I am a close friend of his Highness."