Twenty one

The judge considered the guard's testimony, finding it coherent and supported by evidence. "What you say makes sense, and you have evidence. So..."

Clara interrupted, attempting to find a loophole. "Wait, judge, Lucy is not part of the royal family. So she can't do anything to me," Clara argued, hoping to evade consequences.

Lucy's face registered concern as she realized Clara's point held weight. She turned to Alana, seeking a solution.

Alana rose from her seat, determination radiating from her. "Your honor, she is a member of the royal family because I marked her with my seal, and we had a daughter together," Alana stated confidently, gesturing towards Eloise.

Alana revealed the mark on Lucy's neck, and a magical circle appeared, verifying her claim. Eloise chimed in, speaking up with innocence and honesty. "I'm here too," she added, reaffirming her role as a testament to their bond.

The judge acknowledged the evidence before him. "Yes, she's royalty in this case. So, Clara, if you have nothing else to prove your innocence, you'll receive a prison sentence," the judge declared, his decision final.

Clara turned to her lawyer, the weight of reality crashing down on her. The lawyer advised her to come forward and confess, warning her of the consequences awaiting her otherwise.

"Well, I admit I did it, but you won't catch me," Clara retorted defiantly, her resolve unyielding. She made a break for the exit, but the guards swiftly intervened, apprehending her.

Clara's protests filled the air. "No, you can't do that to me! I'm your queen!" she exclaimed, desperately clinging to her former status.

The human royal family intervened, their disappointment evident. "No, you can't. From now on, you're not a royal member. Guards, please take her away," the human royalty commanded, severing their ties with Clara.

The King of humans addressed Alana, empathizing with her daughter's pain. "Sorry, we didn't know she was like this. Your daughter must have suffered so much," he apologized, his words laced with remorse.

Alana's father reassured them, his voice carrying a sense of closure. "Don't worry. Everything is fine now," he assured them, providing solace.

Alana couldn't contain her anticipation any longer, seizing the moment to voice her desire. "Can I now marry the one I love?" she asked, hope filling her voice.

The King of humans responded affirmatively, upholding their agreement. "Yes, of course. The contract is not broken between us. We will always be at peace with you, despite everything," he assured Alana, ensuring her happiness.

Alice, overhearing the conversation, expressed surprise at Eloise's heritage. "Oh my, Eloise, I didn't know your mother was the demon queen," Alice remarked, her astonishment evident.

Eloise shrugged off the revelation, focusing on their next task. "Don't worry about it. Let's just drop the ring off at its owner's house," she suggested, eager to fulfill their responsibilities.

Alice agreed, acknowledging the importance of the task at hand. "Yes, let's do that," she concurred, ready to embark on the journey.

They made their way to the owner's house, where they fulfilled their duty. Eloise offered a prayer for the reward before bidding her farewell.

Eloise returned home, announcing her arrival to her mother. "I'm back, Mum," she greeted Alana, feeling a sense of comfort and belonging.

Alana and Lucy exchanged knowing glances, aware that the time had come to share something significant with Eloise.

In the quaint living room, the atmosphere was tense as Amber entered. Eloise turned her gaze towards her mother, anticipation evident in her eyes. "Well, we have something to tell you that's important," Lucy began, her voice filled with a mix of nervousness and hope.

Eloise turned her full attention to her mother, curiosity and a hint of anxiety evident on her face. "What is it, Mum?" she inquired, her voice laced with both anticipation and trepidation.

Amber, took a deep breath and stepped forward. "From now on, we're going to live together," she announced, her voice holding a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Eloise's eyes widened in surprise, disbelief etched on her face. "What, really?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with both shock and a trace of resistance.

Lucy nodded, her expression displaying a mixture of resolve and empathy. "Yes, it's true," she confirmed, her voice gentle yet firm.

Before Eloise could process the situation fully, Alana, entered the room, adding to the complexity of the situation. "Don't forget me, I'm moving in here too," Alana interjected confidently, her voice holding a touch of defiance.

Eloise's brows furrowed as she tried to comprehend the sudden changes unfolding before her. "Amber, I want... but you know I don't want you," she stated, her voice revealing a mix of conflicting emotions, including reluctance and uncertainty.

Alana's voice grew determined, a touch of stubbornness evident in her tone. "What do you mean no? I won't. I'm going to live here, so stop," she declared, her words carrying a sense of insistence.

Eloise turned to her mother, her gaze filled with a mixture of confusion and frustration. "Mum is do something; she can't stay with us," she explained, her voice tinged with a hint of helplessness.

Lucy's voice held a note of understanding as she responded to Eloise's concerns. "You could accept it anyway, Eloise. She's your mother," she suggested, her voice attempting to impart a sense of acceptance.

Eloise sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Well, I'll try, but I won't promise anything, okay?" she acquiesced, her voice conveying a blend of resignation and a flicker of hope.

Amber, still grappling with the practicalities, interjected with a practical question. "Yes, but where am I going to sleep?" she inquired, her voice laced with a touch of apprehension.

Just as the conversation seemed to reach a momentary pause, Grandma entered the room, her presence adding a new dynamic to the already intricate situation. The room seemed to hold its breath as Grandma's voice resonated through the air. "You can sleep in my room from now on," she offered, her voice gentle yet resolute.

Eloise's eyes widened in surprise, concern evident in her voice. "But where are you going to sleep, Grandma?" she questioned, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and worry.

Grandma's expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering across her face. "Don't worry about me, dear. I'm going to leave, so good luck to you," she revealed, her voice carrying a touch of bitter-sweetness.