Miriam married the King of Desmond not many months ago, but there's something that's been concerning her. Actually, it's more related to her daughter, who isn't her daughter. That's right. She's not the mother of Soluna but a servant. To begin with, Miriam married the King because of a contract they agreed. Soluna wasn't supposed to be here or as her daughter.

As for now, Miriam stomps her way to the King's office. The papers that stack on the desk are blown by the force Miriam opens the door. The King, including the guards and the King's personal attendant, is taken back by her behavior. Those two guards that stood outside watch the scene, while the King signals his attendant to leave them alone. The door shut behind Mariam as she stepped forward.

"Your highness, I—"

"You don't have to be formal when we're alone," the King said, continuing his paperwork.

"Edward," she corrected herself. "Our contract didn't say you could hire a tutor for my daughter."

"The same as having a daughter." Miriam then went silent as Edward continued, "You didn't tell me you had a daughter. Are you telling me you're going to abandon your daughter and live here? I thought you're a better person than that, Miriam." Edward put down his pen and glared at her. "Or was it all a lie."

Half are true, and the other half is false. Miriam needed to hold her tongue from leaking out her relationship with Soluna, not wanting to explain her status as a servant. If she did, Edward would try to dig deeper. Their true identity, including those they're avoiding, will notice their whereabouts. A low profile is what they need.

"I came here for business. Our business," Miriam reminded him, slamming her hands on his desk. "It had nothing to do to drag Soluna along our problem. We're supposed to fake our marriage until the Crown Princess had her coronation."

"It's already too late. I found out you have a daughter and brought her here," Edward calmly said, continuing his work. "Also, my daughter is very fond of your daughter."

"Did you forget? We're not human. Our growth is different, and you can tell already from all those lessons."

"Ah, yes," Edward nodded, suddenly remembering. "An angel."

"Since she's here, I had a small request." Edward's clear his throat, a sign for Mariam that she got his full attention. "Soluna will not and will never ever participate in any royalty affair. Her future, her marriage partner, none. We angels are already mature at the age of ten. Soon enough, she won't be here anymore."

"Is there more to an angel that I should know?"

"Yes and no. Soluna..." Miriam doesn't know where to begin. Both she and Soluna are looking for someone, which there's a chance there'll be a reunion soon. "She's married," she blurted, telling him the truth of a man they're seeking. Edward's reaction wasn't taking well as he stared at her suspiciously, hoping her to clarify this unknown marriage. "Angels aren't born from the womb of a mother. We still follow the old tradition, creating children by using the energy within us. After an angel is born, their partners are chosen and are set to marriage."

"That's obscure," Edward said, not wanting to believe it. "They're newborn."

"Doesn't make it any different from an arranged marriage." Miriam brushes it off, knowing the human political situation. She continued, "As an infant, we, including me, are aware of our surroundings. We'll search for energy from our other half that is well balanced within ours. If there isn't, we'll wait. Doesn't matter if it takes hundreds or thousands of years."

"You're telling me that Soluna is married, but where's this person? If she's an adult as an angel, she'll be with that man or woman."

Miriam looks distressed, afraid to answer any further questions. "That's a personal affair." Unable to face him, she walked back and forth to refresh her head. "It's complicated because... His wellbeing... I'm forbidden to mention him until the time is right," she sadly admitted when Soluna specifically ordered her to keep her mouth shut.

If the King continues asking and prying. Miriam will have to take action by disrupting his memory, even if it means protecting her lady. She stands still, waiting for his next move.

"I won't push it if it doesn't interfere with our contract." A sigh of relief had lifted off of Mirriam's chest. Edward then asked, "Anything else?"

"Lessons. Also, royal affair," Miriam said, hoping he remembered. "You haven't confirmed our agreement."

The King takes a deep breath then says, "Soluna lessons will be once per day. Any nobility involvement or public appearance, she won't show her face but a drape. Her name will remain the same while staying in her true face."

"Thank you, Edward. I'll be leaving, and sorry for disturbing you when you're busy at most at this time."

Miriam bowed and left the office, letting the attendant back into the room. It was easier than she hoped for. Making a contract with the King wasn't a bad idea when his personality is simple for her to handle.

◆ ◆ ◆

Soluna was already in Miriam chamber, waiting for her on the bed while yawning from a short nap. Miriam was surprised when she entered. When the door closed, a barrier was set, blocking any sound from leaking to anyone's ears.

"How's the meeting with the King?" Soluna asked, laying her head back on the pillow.

"We had a small talk about your future. Your lesson will be less stressful, making it once per day," Miriam answered, sitting beside her. "How about you, milady?"

"Sylvia isn't half bad for a noble human, somehow, mature for her age," Soluna answered with a smile. "Must be the weight of being the future Queen on her shoulder. And as for the Tea Party, it turns out to be fun. Thought it was only eating and drinking."

"I'm glad that you're enjoying yourself." Miriam reached toward Soluna's face, moving her hair out of the way and apologized, "I didn't mean to bring you here."

"No need to feel ashame. The world is wide, and I want to experience it after a long slumber."

Leap out of the bed while Soluna runs to a full-length mirror to check on herself. One-touch on the glass shows their true form. Soluna as an adult, and Miriam with eight wings. Miriam saw what she’s doing, moving away from the reflection in disappointment. The mirror reflects Miriam that caught Soluna’s eyes, seeing her servant move to the other side of the bed.

Soluna saw her pain and got rid of the reflection. To lighten the mood, she changed the subject.

"Next week, Sylvia and I will go to the Crystalline Academy. Her childhood friend, Humphrey, will receive his title."

It got Miriam's attention that she muttered, "The infamous school that taught children the art of magic."

"Also, the Great Sage will be there."

"Are you serious, milady?" Miriam sounds happy, crawling onto the bed and right back to her former position. "If he's awake, then you'll have no problem finding your husband."

"Yes, it's been over a million years since I last opened my eyes," Soluna said, remembering waking up with Miriam by her side. She squeezed her palm, having her vitality flow through it then release. "My powers haven't replenished yet, and I hope I get to see him. I wonder what he would look like now, while I'm stuck as a child."

"Azran, he's definitely looking for you." Miriam usher her then growled, "At least he and his servants aren't being cursed by those ungrateful deities."

"Shush..." Soluna put her index finger on the mouth. "Miriam, you're speaking ill of the almighties. They'll hear you."

"Aren't you the same as them?"

"Once, but now, I want nothing to do with them. Azran is what I yearn for. His name and appearance, maybe he changed them. It'll be hard to find him, same goes with his servants," Soluna sadly said, turning at her servant. "The Great Sage is the only clue we have."

"Can you trust him?"

"I have to because he's Azran apprentice," Soluna sighed, sitting on a chair. "What's more, his wife is a demon. No demon is willingly walking beneath a deity as their leader. The Great Sage will not risk it."

Miriam stares at her lady, totally in shock. She nearly forgot thousand of years ago when all creatures live in harmony. No judgemental of who to love. As for the present time, human and demon relationships are discrimination. Actually, compared to an angel with anyone other than their kind, it's much worse. Could lead to death.

That's what Miriam is feeling now, ever since her wedding. Any angel who recognizes her will punish her for marrying a human, and she hopes it won't cause harm to Edward or his daughter. Maybe Miriam was wrong with the contract. She shouldn't have agreed or started it in the first place.