I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 68: Can I come with you?

One week later.

Elysia sat on the edge of the fountain in the castle's courtyard, her violet eyes scanning the vibrant blooms that now adorned the once-bleak surroundings. It was hard to believe how much had changed in just seven days.

When Malvoria left, the castle had felt cold—its towering stone walls and endless corridors echoing with emptiness. But now... now it felt alive.

Soft drapes in shades of cream and blush billowed gently in the breeze from open windows.

Light pink and beige roses, freshly cut from the castle gardens, sat in delicate vases along the hallways and grand staircases, their subtle fragrance weaving through the air.

The dark, oppressive atmosphere had been lifted, replaced with warmth and elegance. Golden candelabras lined the walls, their flames casting soft, flickering light that danced across polished floors.

Plush rugs in muted pastels covered the once-bare stone, their intricate patterns adding texture and comfort.

Elysia's lips curved into a small, proud smile as she remembered the process of bringing this vision to life.

I didn't think I had an eye for design, she thought, letting out a soft chuckle. But the maids had quickly reassured her. Every decision she made, from the soft fabrics to the carefully chosen floral arrangements, had been met with enthusiasm.

The castle staff, who had once moved through the halls like shadows, now buzzed with energy. They had thrown themselves into the project wholeheartedly, helping Elysia bring color and warmth to every corner.

The funniest part had been the constant speculation about Malvoria's reaction.

Elysia chuckled, recalling a moment from two days ago when one of the younger maids had placed a delicate, rose-patterned vase on a grand mantelpiece and immediately gasped, covering her mouth.

"Oh no," she had whispered dramatically. "What if Her Majesty incinerates this on sight?"

Another maid had chimed in with a grin, "Or worse, what if she actually likes it?"

The thought had sent the group into a fit of giggles, and Elysia had laughed along with them.

She couldn't deny that part of her was curious and maybe a little nervous—about how Malvoria would react when she returned.

Would she be furious? Amused? Or would she... not care at all?

Elysia shook her head, brushing the thought aside. It doesn't matter. She's not here. And I did this for me. For all of us.

The past week had given Elysia something she hadn't expected—purpose. She wasn't just a figurehead anymore, drifting aimlessly through the castle. She had made decisions, taken action, and seen the results.

But even with the castle transformed, a restless energy still buzzed beneath her skin.

I need more than this, she thought, her gaze drifting toward the training yard where the demon soldiers were mid-drill.

Their movements were sharp and precise, blades clashing rhythmically as they sparred. The soldiers trained from dawn until mid-afternoon, pushing themselves relentlessly.

But thanks to Elysia's insistence on providing proper meals, they were stronger than ever.

She had personally spoken to the castle's head chef, ensuring that nutritious meals were prepared and delivered to the training yard each day.

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At first, the soldiers had been skeptical, but now... now they eagerly awaited the break when steaming plates of hearty food would arrive, giving them the energy they needed to push through the grueling hours.

Elysia watched them with a mixture of admiration and envy. At least they get to do something real. Something that matters.

Her fingers tapped restlessly against her knee as she considered the idea that had been nagging at the back of her mind all week.

I've never left the castle.

The realization gnawed at her. She had been in the demon realm for months now, but her world was confined to these walls. The thought of venturing beyond them was both thrilling and terrifying.

As the soldiers finished their drills, their laughter and chatter filled the air. Elysia stood, smoothing the folds of her dress, and made her way over to them.

The soldiers, seeing her approach, straightened respectfully, though many of them offered friendly smiles.

Over the past week, Elysia had earned their respect—not through rank, but through genuine kindness and interest in their well-being.

"Training looks... intense today," Elysia commented, her tone light.

One of the soldiers, a tall demon with a scar across his cheek, chuckled. "It always is, Your Majesty. But it's a bit easier when we're not starving halfway through."

Elysia grinned. "I'm glad the meals are helping."

"They are," another soldier chimed in, wiping sweat from his brow. "Honestly, I don't know how we managed before."

Elysia's smile faltered slightly as she toyed with the hem of her sleeve. She hesitated, then finally asked, "So... I heard some of you talking about going to the demon villages after training today."

The soldiers exchanged glances before nodding.

"Yeah," one of them confirmed. "We usually head down there to unwind after a long session. The villages have some great taverns."

Elysia's pulse quickened. This is my chance.

"Can I come with you?" she blurted out before she could stop herself.

The group fell into a stunned silence. Several soldiers looked at each other, unsure of how to respond.

"Uh..." one of them started awkwardly. "I'm not sure that's... allowed?"

Elysia crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Why not? I'm the queen."

"Well, yes," another soldier replied cautiously, "but... it's not exactly... safe?"

Elysia scoffed. "I'm not asking for a royal procession. I just want to see what's outside these walls. I'll be fine."

The soldiers exchanged wary glances. Finally, the scarred soldier rubbed the back of his neck, looking thoughtful.

"We'd have to keep a low profile," he mused aloud. "The villages can get... rowdy. And if someone recognizes you..."

Another soldier's eyes lit up with an idea. "Let's disguise her."

Elysia blinked. "Disguise me?"

"Yeah," he grinned. "No one would suspect the queen to be wandering around in common clothes. It could work."

Elysia's heart raced with excitement. Finally. A chance to see the world beyond these walls.

"Let's do it," she said firmly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The soldiers chuckled, already brainstorming how to pull off the plan.

This is exactly what I need, Elysia thought, a smile tugging at her lips. A little freedom.