I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 67: She’ll be gone for two weeks

Time had a strange way of moving when left to its own devices. Elysia hadn't realized how quickly the hours had passed since Malvoria left her room.

Morning had slipped away like a thief in the night, and before she knew it, it was already time for lunch.

The grand dining hall felt emptier than usual despite the company. Elysia sat at the long, polished table alongside her father, Thalor, and Zera, whose usual sharp gaze flicked between her plate and Elysia with an unsettling intensity.

The air between them crackled with unspoken questions, unresolved tension from their previous conversations still lingering like the faintest wisp of smoke.

Elysia sighed softly, pushing the food around on her plate. The silence stretched painfully, broken only by the occasional clink of silverware against porcelain. It was suffocating, almost unbearable.

Where is she? The question burned in her mind, unspoken but persistent.

Malvoria's absence was glaringly obvious. The Demon Queen, with her sharp wit and ever-present smirk, had become an undeniable presence in Elysia's life—one that was now notably missing.

Finally, unable to take the silence any longer, Elysia cleared her throat softly and glanced at one of the servants standing quietly nearby. "Where's Malvoria?"

The servant, a young demon with nervous eyes, hesitated for a moment before bowing slightly. "Her Majesty left this morning on a mission. She'll be gone for two weeks."

Elysia froze, the weight of the words sinking in like a stone dropped into still water.

She left?

Zera's eyes gleamed with something close to satisfaction, though she said nothing. Thalor's expression remained neutral, though his sharp gaze flickered briefly to his daughter, clearly gauging her reaction.

Elysia's thoughts spiraled into a whirlwind of possibilities. Two weeks. Two weeks without Malvoria's watchful gaze, without the constant reminder of their complicated relationship. Two weeks to think, to plan, to... breathe.

What does this mean?

Her mind raced. Was this Malvoria's way of giving her space? Or was it something more deliberate—perhaps a chance to test Elysia's loyalty, or worse, a subtle way of saying, Do what you want. I don't care.

The thought stung more than Elysia expected.

But with that sting came something else—a flicker of opportunity. With Malvoria gone, the possibilities stretched before her like an endless horizon.

She could explore the castle, learn its secrets, and maybe even find a way to gain control over her own fate. For once, she wasn't tethered to Malvoria's presence, and the thought both thrilled and terrified her.

Zera, noticing Elysia's pensive silence, leaned in slightly, her voice low but tinged with unmistakable satisfaction. "Two weeks," she murmured. "Plenty of time to... reassess things."

Elysia shot her a warning glance, but Zera's grin only widened slightly.

Thalor, ever the composed monarch, set down his goblet and regarded his daughter with quiet curiosity. "What will you do with this time, Elysia?"

The question hung in the air, heavier than it should have been. Elysia didn't have an answer—not yet.

After lunch, needing to clear her mind, Elysia decided to take a walk through the sprawling castle grounds.

The corridors stretched endlessly before her, each turn leading to another grand hall or quiet courtyard. The castle, for all its grandeur, felt... cold. Impersonal. Like a fortress more than a home.

I'm the Queen of Demons now, Elysia thought, the title still feeling foreign and strange. But what am I supposed to do?

Her role felt undefined, like a character placed on a stage with no lines to speak. She wasn't a ruler—not really. Malvoria held all the power, all the control. Elysia was merely a symbol, a figurehead with no real purpose.

But maybe that can change.

An idea sparked in her mind. If she couldn't control her fate entirely, perhaps she could at least carve out a place for herself within the castle. She needed something to do, something to make this place feel... less foreign. Less suffocating.

Maybe I could... redecorate?

The thought surprised her, but the more she considered it, the more it made sense. The castle was imposing, built for war and intimidation. But it lacked warmth, lacked any sense of hospitality or comfort.

If I'm going to live here, I might as well make it bearable.

Determined, Elysia made her way to the one person who could grant her permission for such an endeavor—Veylira, Malvoria's mother.

Finding Veylira's office wasn't difficult. The older demoness had a penchant for luxury, and her chambers reflected that perfectly.

The doors to her office were adorned with intricate carvings, and the faint scent of jasmine lingered in the air.

Elysia knocked softly.

"Come in," came Veylira's smooth, melodic voice.

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Taking a deep breath, Elysia pushed the doors open.

The room was as extravagant as she expected—plush velvet drapes, gilded mirrors, and a large desk covered in scrolls and delicate crystal ornaments.

Veylira sat behind the desk, her red hair cascading down her shoulders, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she looked up.

"Elysia, darling," she greeted, her violet eyes gleaming with curiosity. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Elysia offered a polite nod. "I... I wanted to ask you something."

Veylira's smile widened. "Oh, do tell."

Elysia hesitated for a moment before gathering her resolve. "I was thinking... while Malvoria is away, maybe I could... redecorate the castle. Make it more... inviting."

Veylira blinked, then let out a soft, delighted laugh. "Finally! Someone with taste."

Elysia raised an eyebrow. "So... you're okay with it?"

"Absolutely," Veylira replied, leaning back in her chair. "This place has been dreadfully cold for far too long. It could use a bit of charm."

Elysia felt a small spark of relief. "Thank you."

Veylira waved a hand dismissively. "Do what you like. Honestly, I'm curious to see what you'll come up with."

Elysia nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips. As she left the office, a new sense of purpose settled over her.

Maybe this is a start, she thought. Maybe this is how I find my place here.

But as she walked through the castle, her mind drifted back to Malvoria.

Two weeks.

What would she do with the time?

And more importantly... why did the thought of Malvoria being gone leave such an unsettling ache in her chest?