Girl Talk

Meanwhile, back in Tyrell's room, Marl was preparing to depart for his house. "I must take my leave, Yuna," Marl said, putting away his things. He took great care to replace the stoppers for each of the empty vials he had Yuna consume earlier. "The contents of my house got shifted around when the demon lord carried it here. I must go clean it up, then I will be ready to start my research."

The demoness watched the mage as he secured his satchel and headed for the door. "If you need anything please let me know," Tyrell said to the mage. "I would also like for the queen to remain as herself for as much as possible."

Marl paused at the door studying the demoness for a long moment, "I will," he finally said and he hastily ducked out of the room.

Yuna and the demoness watched the mage make his escape before turning to one another. "Tyrell...Why is Joe acting so protective of me?" Yuna said sitting up and eyeing the demoness closely. "We hardly know each other, but his actions are over the top. He clings to me like a lost lover."

Tyrell listened to the queen patiently, her hands clasped behind her. Yuna's eyes narrowed on the demoness's back as she turned away, "He gets so emotional when I upset him…," Yuna continued, "Something isn't right here...We're practically strangers! Whatever his feelings are for me, I don't feel the same towards him."

"My lord," Tyrell said slowly, "has lacked a proper upbringing. His status as demon lord came suddenly and it has given him a few...Abnormal quirks." She spun on her heels and faced the queen. "He has read many books on the subject of human relationships. Having sent his minions, far and wide, to fill the library with human text." Her lips curled in distaste at mentioning the books, but when her focus was back on the queen her composure showed nothing but respect. "He is trying his best at having a normal relationship with you. At least that is my belief."

"I see." Yuna said, crossing her legs. She propped her chin on her hand, elbow resting on a raised knee. "I think I have heard of that in my studies," Yuna muttered aloud in thought. "I remember learning about it in the academy when we were discussing human behaviors and their causes."

"Ah-hah!" Yuna said suddenly, straightening and slapping her hands together. "Having a terrible childhood can cause someone to be emotionally immature and unstable. That would explain his constant tears!"

"Yes," Tyrell said, "ever since he took his vengeance upon our father, and became the demon lord, no one has dared to cross him. No one denies him. That is of course, until you came along."

"Look," Yuna said, leaning forward and grasping her knees in annoyance. "My childhood wasn't great either, but I still learned how to control my emotions. I am not going to pity him, because of his terrible origins. I am more curious about you. How can you serve him so diligently, when you just admitted to me, that he killed your father! Do you not hate him for that? For taking away your parent?"

Tyrell's brow raised as if the concept had never crossed her mind before, "I do not hate my lord, he only acted as a demon should," she said. "Although, that was one of the few times in his life that he actually behaved like a demon."

Yuna exhaled a heavy sigh and threw her hands into the air, giving up on that route of questioning. Demon culture was obviously far different from humans. She flopped backwards onto the bed and chose to cast a more direct line in order to get a straight answer out of Tyrell. "Tell me about Joe," Yuna said. "I am married to him after all, tell me all you can. All I know about him right now is that he is an emotional pervert."

"He is not your average demon," Tyrell said walking around the bed. "A demon should always value themselves above everyone else. Place their personal goals at the top of their priorities." She stopped at Yuna's head and bent at the waist when the queen refused to move. Instead they locked eyes with one another.

"My lord, however, has always cared more about his subjects than himself," Tyrell whispered, not wanting to reveal the lord's weakness, but this was the queen. Yuna was unique. "He conquered this piece of land ages ago, so that we could establish our own kingdom." She stepped away as Yuna rolled onto her stomach, her back to the windows.

Tyrell inhaled a deep breath and continued with more confidence. The demon lord's string of odd behaviors was a chip on her shoulder, and one she was grateful to share with the queen. "We demons were a nomadic race. We stop aging once we reach adulthood. We live long lives. That is why a demon should never care for the lesser races. Their lives are short. Gone in a blink of an eye."

"But he cares about humans?" Yuna said.

"Yes, for some unknown reason," Tyrell said, shaking her head sadly. "My lord is obsessed with creating a 'lasting peace' with the lesser races. He honestly believes we can learn from each other and benefit from one another. As a demon, these beliefs run contrary to our very core."

"Yet you still follow him and serve him?" Yuna said.

"In demon culture, rule is determined by strength," Tyrell said, lifting a finger to make a point. "In that department, no one has ever compared to the lord. If he wished it, he could wipe the world of all life in less than a day. Sadly, the lord would never do such a wonderful thing. He refuses to use his power. Refuses to end the lesser creatures' lives. That is why I say he is not a demon."

"That was actually really helpful," Yuna said. "It let me know a lot about him, and about you, or rather demon kind in general. If you hate the lesser races so much, why do you take such good care of me? I know you held back during our training. You could have killed me."

"You are the queen," Tyrell said as if the answer should have been obvious. "I am sworn to your service. My thoughts about the lesser races do not come into play here. Besides, you are neither human nor demon. I know not what you are, but you have the same markings and wings as the lord. You should never consider yourself a member of the lesser races."

Yuna thought about what Tyrell told her and after a while she came to a conclusion. She exhaled a heavy sigh for what she was about to say next, "I'll try not to be so hard on Joe," Yuna said. "I will give him a chance...He sounds like he might actually be a decent guy. That does not mean I am going to be sleeping with him though! Or bathing with him...But I will try to be nicer and not yell at him before I let him explain everything first. Of course, if I do not like what he says, I am going to speak my mind."

"That is all I can ask of you my queen," Tyrell said with a bow. "By the way, Elvin came in and checked on you while you were unconscious. She left a note for you. I did not open it, so I have no clue as to its contents." She handed Yuna the note.

Yuna sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. Opening the note and reading the letter.

The note read: If you are reading this note that means you survived! Yay! I am so happy! That is unless it's not Yuna reading this note, then shame on you! This is Yuna's note! If you are Yuna though please continue reading! All the demons here seem to really hate the humans and other races, yet they are nice to me because they say I am your pet. So please let them continue thinking I am your pet. I do not want them to be mean to me. Also please come to my room tonight there is somewhere I want to show you. I do not know what day you will wake up so I will be waiting every night until you come. Please do not keep me waiting too long!

Yuna folded the note and put it on the chest next to the bed. "I am going to visit Elvin tonight," she said to Tyrell, "can you guard me from afar. I don't know if she will be comfortable with you there."

"Of course, my queen, if that is what you desire, that is what shall be done," Tyrell said. "The hour is already getting late. We should go to the dining hall and have a meal prepared for you."

"Okay, let's go eat," Yuna said, rising to her feet. The two of them left the room together and made their way to the dining hall.