This is going to be easy

After that quite awkward situation with Riley, I couldn't help but smile at the little cute moment we had. Riley was taking a bath, so I decided to leave her to her privacy and head to my former room to get a shower. As I walked down the corridor, the castle's familiar grandeur felt comforting.

The rich tapestries, the gleaming marble floors, and the subtle scent of incense were all reminders of my upbringing and the weight of my responsibilities.

When I reached my former room and opened the door, I was greeted by the sight of Ciara, my big sister, lounging on my bed with a smirk on her face. Her white hair and red eyes gave her an air of authority and mystery, and her little horns added a touch of demonic charm. She wore a verry classy suit, as usual, looking every bit the badass warrior she was.

"Well, well, if it isn't the coldest sister in the kingdom," Ciara teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "What brings you here, Seraphine? Didn't get enough of Riley's company?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "I needed a shower, Ciara. Unlike you, I don't spend all my time teasing others."

Ciara laughed, a rich, melodic sound that filled the room. "Oh, come on. You must have something juicy to tell me about your new 'perfect match'. Don't hold out on your dear sister."

I sighed, shaking my head. "It's nothing, really. Just a bit awkward. She's... different."

"Different how?" Ciara's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Do tell. I'm dying to know how the future queen handles romance."

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. "She... didn't take too kindly to me holding her in my sleep. We ended up on the floor."

Ciara burst into laughter, clutching her sides. "Oh, that's priceless! The mighty Seraphine, reduced to a clumsy lover. I wish I had seen that."

"Enough, Ciara," I said, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity. "I need to take a shower."

"Fine, fine," she said, still chuckling. "But don't think this is over. I want all the details later."

I shook my head again and headed to the bathroom. The hot water was soothing, washing away the tension from the morning. As I stood under the stream, I couldn't help but think about Riley.

Her cold demeanor was understandable, given our past, but there was something about her that intrigued me. I wanted to get to know her better, despite the barriers between us.

After my shower, I dressed in my usual attire: a black shirt and black pants. Simple, efficient, and ready for anything. When I stepped out of the room, Ciara was still there, leaning against the doorframe with that same smirk on her face.

"Your lack of style is really flagrant," she commented, eyeing my outfit.

I rolled my eyes. "What do you want from me, Ciara?"

She handed me a sheet of paper, her expression turning serious. "Here, this is a mission you should take care of."

I took the paper and glanced at it. The mission was straightforward: to get rid of some thieves causing trouble in a nearby village. The details were precise, outlining the location, the number of culprits, and their recent activities. "This is going to be easy," I said confidently.

"You say that now," Ciara replied, her tone cautious. "Just be careful, okay? Even simple missions can go sideways."

I nodded, appreciating her concern. "I will. And thanks for the heads-up."

As I walked past her, she added, "Skipping breakfast and lunch again? You really need to take better care of yourself, Seraphine."

"I'll eat when I get back," I assured her, though I knew it was a promise I might not keep. My mind was too occupied with Riley and the mission ahead.

Making my way through the castle, I felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The mission would be a welcome distraction, but my thoughts kept drifting back to Riley. Her scent, her presence, everything about her was overwhelming. I needed to focus, to prove to myself that I could handle this, both as a leader and as someone worthy of her respect.

The castle grounds were bustling with activity as I left for the mission. Guards were training, servants were busy with their tasks, and the air was filled with the hum of daily life. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil in my mind.

The journey to the village was uneventful. The path was familiar, and the scenery was beautiful in its own rugged way. The mission itself was straightforward: the thieves had been terrorizing the villagers, stealing livestock and supplies, and causing general havoc. It was my duty to restore order.

When I arrived, the villagers greeted me with a mix of fear and hope. They were desperate for help, and I was determined not to let them down. I gathered information quickly, learning the thieves' patterns and hideout location. It was a small group, but they were well-armed and cunning.

The sun was setting as I made my way to their hideout. The forest was thick and dark, the perfect cover for their operations. I moved silently, my senses on high alert. As I approached, I could hear their voices, laughing and boasting about their latest haul.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the clearing, sword drawn. "Drop your weapons and surrender," I commanded, my voice cold and authoritative.

The thieves looked up, startled. There were five of them, all rugged and battle-worn. They exchanged glances, then the leader stepped forward, a sneer on his face. "And who might you be?" he asked, his tone mocking.

"Seraphine, future queen of the demons," I replied, my gaze steady. "And your worst nightmare if you don't comply."

He laughed, a harsh, grating sound. "Big talk for someone alone. Get her, boys."

The fight was swift and brutal. They were no match for my training and skill. I moved with precision, disarming and incapacitating them one by one. The leader put up the most resistance, but even he fell quickly, his arrogance no match for my determination.

With the thieves subdued, I bound them and led them back to the village. The villagers were overjoyed, their gratitude overwhelming. It was a reminder of why I did this, why I fought so hard to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.

As I left the village, my thoughts returned to Riley. I wondered how she was adjusting to life in the castle, if she was finding her place. Despite the tension between us, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were connected in some way, destined to be part of each other's lives.

Returning to the castle, I headed straight for my chambers, skipping the dining room. I wasn't in the mood for food or company. I needed time to think, to process everything that had happened. The mission had been a success, but it was only a temporary distraction from the real challenge ahead: winning Riley's trust and perhaps, eventually, her heart.

As I approached my room, I saw Ciara waiting for me. She raised an eyebrow, clearly curious about my day. "So, how did it go?" she asked.

"Smoothly," I replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment. "The thieves are taken care of."

"Good to hear," she said, her tone sincere. "Now, about Riley..."

I sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable. "What about her?"

Ciara leaned against the wall, her expression thoughtful. "She's a challenge, isn't she? But you seem... different around her. More human, if that makes sense."

I frowned, not entirely sure how to respond. "She's... complicated. And our past doesn't make it any easier."

"True," Ciara agreed. "But sometimes, the most complicated relationships are the most rewarding. Just don't give up on her too easily."

I nodded, appreciating her advice. "Thanks, Ciara. I won't."

After our conversation, I decided to take a walk in the garden to clear my mind. The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the flowers and trees, creating a serene atmosphere. As I strolled, I noticed Riley sleeping on one of the benches. She looked peaceful, her light brown hair gently tousled by the breeze.

I approached her quietly, standing close to take in her features. Her presence was captivating. Leaning in slightly, I whispered to myself, "I'm going to wake her up."