After all, a "little forest mouse" wasn't something she planned on being for long.
Liria was still fuming over Enara's smug parting words as she and Daena approached the small clearing where their cabin stood. But the sight that greeted them froze her in her tracks.
There, standing just a few steps from the cabin's door, was Enara herself only this time, she wasn't alone. Two imposing women flanked her, each radiating an aura that screamed "dangerous," as if daring anyone to underestimate them.
Liria's System pinged, almost frantically, but she dismissed it. The appearance of these two women was something she wanted to take in without distraction. After all, she was pretty sure they were about to see the royal demon family up close.
The woman on the left was tall and muscular, with deep red skin that gleamed faintly under the sunlight, as though she were carved from polished garnet. Her eyes were a striking shade of gold, slitted like a cat's, and she had horns that curved elegantly back from her forehead, sharp and sleek. Her long, black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall, and she wore an intricate set of obsidian armor, adorned with ruby accents that matched her piercing gaze. Her expression was fierce and unyielding, the kind of face that could terrify an entire army into retreat.
Beside her stood a woman who seemed to be her opposite in every way: her skin was pale lavender, and her horns were delicate spirals that glinted silver in the light. Her hair was silvery white, flowing down in soft waves that brushed against the back of her midnight-blue gown, which shimmered with stars as if she wore the night sky itself. Her eyes, though soft in color a strange but mesmerizing shade of lilac held an intensity that hinted at vast wisdom and a capacity for ruthlessness.
And between them was Enara, looking as smug as ever, clearly enjoying the stunned look on Liria's face.
Daena stepped forward, her face carefully neutral. "Well, this is quite the unexpected visit," she said, her voice polite but wary. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Queen Verida and Queen Nyssara?"
Liria's eyes widened. Queens? As in, both queens of the Dark Plains? That made them the rulers of the entire demon realm, and, by the look of things, Enara's parents.
Queen Verida, the red-skinned woman, inclined her head, her gaze unwavering. "Daena. It's been a long time."
Nyssara, the lavender-skinned queen, gave a softer smile, though it was still tinged with the kind of poise that only centuries of ruling could grant. "We've come to ask if you might consider… returning home."
Daena's brow furrowed slightly, and Liria could sense the tension radiating from her. "I left the Dark Plains for a reason, Nyssara. You know that."
"We know," Verida said, her voice a deep rumble. "But times have changed. The kingdom has changed. And we need someone of your strength and… influence to help guide the younger generation."
Enara's gaze slid to Liria, and she smirked. "Yes, someone like Grandmother here could teach a little forest mouse some manners, perhaps."
Liria bristled, clenching her fists. "Oh, I don't need lessons from you, princess," she shot back, her tone mocking. "Maybe someone should teach you how to get off that high horse you ride on."
[System Alert: Unwise to taunt individuals with significantly higher levels and royal authority.]
"Oh, shut it," she muttered under her breath.
Nyssara's gaze shifted to Liria, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "And who might this spirited young one be?" she asked, her voice soft but laced with intrigue.
Daena placed a protective hand on Liria's shoulder. "This is my granddaughter, Liria. She's... new to this world."
"Interesting," Nyssara murmured, her lilac eyes never leaving Liria's face. "A human child, in the care of the former queen of the demons? How… unique."
Enara scoffed. "She's hardly anything worth noting, Mother. Just another human brat with more attitude than sense."
"Excuse me?" Liria shot back, unable to hold her tongue. "At least I don't go around parading myself like I own the place. Ever heard of humility?"
Enara's eyes flashed, and she took a step forward. "I don't need humility, little mouse. I am the princess of the Dark Plains, and I have power you couldn't even dream of."
"Oh, I dream about it alright," Liria muttered. "Dream of how I'd send you flying if you tried that attitude with me again."
Nyssara laughed, a light, chiming sound that seemed oddly out of place in the tense atmosphere. "Feisty, isn't she?"
"Feisty," Verida echoed, though her expression showed she was less amused by Liria's attitude than her wife. "But don't let your bravery overstep your sense, child. The Dark Plains aren't as forgiving as this forest."
Liria bit back another retort, feeling Daena's grip on her shoulder tighten slightly in warning.
Nyssara's gaze returned to Daena, a softness in her expression. "Daena… I know you left the kingdom to find peace, to start anew. But we need someone of your strength back home. The Dark Plains could benefit from your wisdom, now more than ever."
"And you're free to decline," Verida added, her tone gruff but surprisingly gentle. "But think of it as a… courtesy. An offer extended by those who still consider you family."
Daena's face softened for the briefest moment, a hint of nostalgia flickering in her eyes. But she shook her head. "I'll have to think on it."
"Take all the time you need," Nyssara said with a smile. "We're not here to rush you. We'll stay nearby until you're ready to make your decision."
Daena's expression shifted, unease evident in the slight tightening of her jaw. "That's… quite generous of you."
Verida's eyes flicked toward Enara, who was currently throwing a smug look at Liria. "In the meantime, perhaps our daughters could get acquainted. I'm sure there's much they could teach each other."
Liria's heart sank at that suggestion, and from the look on Enara's face, she felt the same way.
"Oh, wonderful," Enara drawled, folding her arms. "I can hardly wait to spend time with such charming company."
"Likewise," Liria muttered, glancing sideways at Daena, hoping she'd rescue her from this impending disaster.
But Daena only chuckled, giving her shoulder a gentle pat. "I think it's a good idea. Who knows? You might even learn something valuable from each other."
Enara snorted, rolling her eyes. "I doubt there's anything a human child could teach me. Though perhaps she'll entertain me with her… rustic little skills."
Liria's eyes narrowed, her blood simmering. "Rustic? I'd show you 'rustic,' but I'm not sure your royal bones could handle it."
[Observation: Likelihood of physical conflict imminent. Suggest restraining oneself.]
Liria clenched her fists, resisting the urge to lunge at Enara. "You're lucky I'm feeling generous today."
Verida chuckled, folding her arms. "Seems you've met your match, Enara. Perhaps a taste of humility would do you some good."
Enara's face turned pink with indignation, but she wisely held her tongue, glaring at Liria instead.
Nyssara inclined her head at Daena, a subtle look of understanding passing between them. "Then it's settled. We'll set up camp nearby and await your decision. Take your time, Daena. You'll always have a place in the Dark Plains."
With that, she turned, and Verida followed suit, casting one last look at Daena and Liria before disappearing into the shadows with Enara in tow.
As they vanished into the forest, Liria let out a frustrated sigh. "They're staying here? Does that mean I have to keep seeing her?"
Daena chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Consider it a learning experience, Liria. Even the fiercest rivals can teach us something."
[System Alert: Initiating 'Forced Friendship Quest' between user and designated rival: Enara Valthorne.]
"What?" Liria groaned. "System, don't you dare."
[Quest objectives updated: Establish rapport with rival while maintaining minimal animosity. Rewards: Experience boost, increased skill proficiency.]
Liria let out a long sigh, glaring at the spot where Enara had disappeared. This was going to be a long, long stay.