Twenty

"You're only waking up now, Alana," Lucy said, her voice warm and affectionate. "Just sit down, and I'll serve you breakfast."

Eloise and Grandma were already seated at the table, their plates filled with food. Eloise greeted Alana with a smile, her eyes bright with excitement.

Grandma observed the scene, her heart swelling with happiness.

"You two look like you slept well," Grandma remarked, a twinkle in her eyes.

Lucy nodded, her own sense of contentment radiating through her voice.

"Yes, I slept very well," Lucy replied, her voice carrying a gentle warmth. She began serving breakfast to Alana, ensuring her love and care were evident in every gesture.

Alana, touched by Lucy's devotion, returned the smile, her face lighting up with joy.

"I slept well too," Alana said, her voice filled with affection as she met Lucy's gaze.

Grandma looked at Alana and Lucy with a mischievous smile before speaking. "Well, Alana and Lucy, we are going to the castle, and you, Eloise, are coming too."

Eloise's eyes widened in surprise. "To a castle? Why?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Chuckling, Grandma replied, "Ah, you don't know this, Eloise, but Alana is the queen of the demons."

Eloise's jaw dropped in astonishment. "Really? Wow, I thought she was a homeless woman hitting on my mother," she exclaimed, struggling to grasp the revelation.

Alana's face tightened, hurt by Eloise's words. She lashed out, starting to hit Eloise in frustration. "What are you saying?" Alana growled.

Lucy quickly intervened, taking Alana's hand and soothingly saying, "Okay, you guys calm down. Now let's go."

As they arrived at the castle, Lucy commented, "It hasn't really changed here, it's still the same."

Alana nodded, acknowledging Lucy's observation. "Yes, my father likes this decor, so he hasn't changed it."

Just then, Alana's father made his entrance, catching their attention. "You're here. Let's go," he announced.

Alana's mother, entered and took Eloise into her arms. Eloise, confused, looked at her mother with a puzzled expression. "Mum, there is an old lady holding me. Please help me," she pleaded.

Alana's mother smiled affectionately at Eloise. "But, Eloise, I am your grandmother," she explained gently.

Eloise's eyes widened, turning towards Alana for confirmation. "So you really are my grandmother?" she asked, seeking validation.

Alana nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "She's my mother, Eloise, so she's your grandmother," she affirmed.

Eloise's face lit up with understanding and acceptance. "So, you really are my grandmother," she exclaimed happily, embracing the newfound relationship.

Alana's mother beamed, excited to finally meet Eloise. "Yes, of course! I couldn't wait to see you. Do you want some candy?" she offered, extending her hand.

Eloise's eyes sparkled with delight. "Yes, I do," she replied, following Alana's mother eagerly. ( Offering candy is a way to kidnap stupid kid XD )

As Clara arrived and caught sight of Lucy, she was taken aback. "But how come you're alive? I saw your dead body," she questioned, her voice filled with surprise.

Lucy met Clara's gaze confidently. "I am stronger than you think, Clara," she responded, her tone brimming with self-assurance.

Alana, sensing tension, prepared to confront Clara, but Lucy grabbed her hand, her grip tightening. Alana looked into Lucy's eyes, finding solace and reassurance in their connection.

Clara continued, her voice laced with bitterness. "Tell me, Alana, you never wanted me to touch you. You avoid me, and you don't sleep with me. With her, you are so different," she accused, her words laced with hurt and confusion.

Alana's voice grew firm, her love for Lucy evident in her every word. "Clara, unlike you, I love Lucy with all my heart. I only want her. I don't love you, and you... I know you don't love me either. Tell me if I'm wrong," Alana declared, her voice steady and resolute.

Alana's father interjected, the weight of the moment hanging in the air. "Well, since it's clear today and right here, your judgment by the human and demon judges will take place," he announced, his voice carrying authority.

Clara protested, desperation evident in her voice. "But I didn't do anything. You can't do that," she pleaded, hoping to evade judgment.

Alana's father responded sternly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Of course, you are accused of the attempted murder of a member of the royal family. Then you will be judged," he stated firmly.

They entered the courtroom, finding their seats as the judge called for the proceedings to begin. The tension in the room was palpable.

"The victim may begin to speak. We are listening," the judge declared, his gaze fixed on Lucy.

Lucy stood up, her voice steady yet filled with determination. "Clara tried to murder me one night and then ran away right after," she testified, her words resonating with conviction.

The judge acknowledged Clara, pointing to the available lawyer at her disposal. "The accused, you have a lawyer at your disposal right here," the judge informed Clara, maintaining a neutral stance.

Clara took the opportunity to refute the accusations. "Yes, I also declare that I did not commit such an act. She is just talking nonsense. Do you have any evidence for what you are saying?" she challenged, seeking to undermine Lucy's testimony.

In the midst of the trial, the human royal family was also present, observing the proceedings with interest.

Lucy extended an invitation, breaking the tension. "Yes, of course. You can come in," she offered, granting them access to the courtroom.

A guard who was present during the attempted murder entered the room, his presence carrying weight. "Yes, I confirm. She asked me to find information about Lucy," the guard began, displaying the gathered papers as evidence. "We went to where Lucy was living, and Clara shot her. Then we ran away," he revealed, recounting the events.

The judge considered the guard's testimony, finding it coherent and supported by evidence. "What you say makes sense, and you have evidence. So..."