Danny awoke with a sleepy grumble, rubbing at his eyes before he buried his face into his pillow. Despite my overwrought nerves, I smiled and caressed my fingers through his hair as he clung to the last vestiges of sleep. I almost wished I was as blissfully unaware of what was happening in the world around me. They say ignorance is bliss.

But I knew the realities that waited for me outside of my bedroom.

I hadn't slept in three days.

I blinked and shook my head. No, I hadn't slept in four.

Everyone had tried to get me to sleep. They had told me that everything would be fine. Yet, no matter how much I longed for comfort of unconsciousness and longed to give into the urges of my weary body, sleep would not come. Dark circles had formed under my eyes and my entire body felt leaden. It took all of my focus to put one foot in front of the other.

Yet I coped – just.

"Come on sleepy head, it's time to get up. They're all waiting for us to have breakfast." I murmured softly, stroking Danny's back gently. All it earned me was a grunt before my son's little body rolled away from me.

Signing loudly, I pushed up from the bed just as a knock sounded at the door. My heart skipped and it took every last part of me not to race across the room and throw open the door. I had done so for the first two days after Lucius disappeared. Each time I had felt a brief moment of hope and relief – maybe he had finally returned - only to be followed by bitter disappointment as my hopes were crushed once more.

"Yes?" I called out shakily, locking my knees together to stop myself from repeating the heart-wrenching cycle once more.

"It's me miss, I've just come to help you get ready." A muffled voice called through the wood.

"Oh." I paused and looked down at the creased gown which clothed my body. I hadn't even bothered to change for bed; I had known that sleep would not come while I worried about those that were missing. "Come in."

The handle jostled but the door did not open. "It's locked."

I blinked and stared blankly at the door for several long seconds, my mind working much slower than it usually did. Then, when her words finally translated into some comprehensible form, I staggered over and unlocked the door.

The woman waiting on the other side smiled as she stared up at me. Her eyes roamed over my features, probably taking careful note of my complete disarray before she dipped into a small curtsy. In that brief flash, before she bowed her head in respect, I saw pity in her gaze. It didn't sit comfortably.

"I've told you not to do that. I am no one important." I muttered, stepping aside to allow the young woman to step past me.

"Of course, milady." The woman muttered, nodding her head as if in acceptance. I knew that tomorrow morning she would do exactly the same.

Even though I knew I wouldn't like the answer, I couldn't stop myself from asking, "Any news?"

The young woman looked away, refusing to meet my stare. That action spoke louder than any words ever could. Still, after gaining her composure, the smaller woman turned and gave a sad shake of her head. "No news, milady. A search team returned a few hours ago but they have nothing new to report."

Each word caused my stomach to sink even further. I couldn't stop hope for a different outcome from finding its way through the creases and into the forefront of my mind. I wanted Lucius to come back safe with all of the other missing guards. But what I wanted never really factored into the grand plans that were set out before me.

When an abundance of deep red fabric was thrust under my nose, I raised a brow at the woman before me.

"You need to get dressed up, milady. There are 'guests' waiting in the throne room." She bowed her head apologetically.

I sighed loudly and took the dress with reluctance. "Who are they?"

"I do not know milady. I was just told to help you get ready."

Rubbing a hand tiredly down my face, I sighed. "Very well. Can you ask the healer here later? I think I'll have to take her up on the sleeping draught if I am to be of any use to anyone."

"Of course, milady."

I didn't even attempt to correct her again. It would not make any difference. Instead, I walked to the adjoining bathroom, stripped and then stepped into the shower. Turning the water on to the coldest setting, I yelped as the first sprays pounded into my skin, shocking my system and clearing away some of the cobwebs which were each to cloud my mind.

Only when I was clean and cold through to the bone, did I step out and allow myself to be put under the thorough attentions of my maid. I no longer blushed at being exposed; I was too tired to care. Instead I let her work her magic. Helping me into the beautiful gown before drying and pinning my hair into an elegant braided up do. By the time she was done, I looked every part a queen. The only thing missing was a crown.

"You are truly a miracle worker." I praised, taking a last moment to survey my appearance before I met the blushing woman's gaze. "Thank you so much for your help. Do you mind watching over Danny while I attend to guests? You can bring him down for lunch a bit later?"

"Of course, milady."

"Thank you." I said again, reaching out a hand to open the bedroom door, but I quickly stilled. "I can't believe how rude I am being. I didn't even ask your name."

"I take no offence milady. You have a lot on your mind." The young demon murmured demurely ducking her head in deference.

I shook my head and felt self-loathing build up within me. "It's inexcusable. You've already helped me above and beyond any duty. You have my gratitude even if I have been a remiss in showing it."

"My name is Greta."

I smiled warmly, "It's nice to officially meet you Greta."

With those parting words and a last glance at the boy still clinging on to sleep in my bed, I hastened away knowing my son would be in safe hands.

**

The throne room doors were open, waiting for my arrival. I nodded at the demons standing on either side of the doors, before drawing in a deep breath and tilting up my chin. Placing one foot in front of the other, I strode into the throne room to a barrage of sound. Only a dozen demons occupied the space and there were no guards to watch over them within the throne room. With so many search parties out looking for Lucius, the numbers were spread a little thin.

A divide had formed down the middle of the group. Their voices rose as they argued with one another. I didn't have to know what they were shouting about. The anger and animosity rolling off of them was enough to tell me a brawl could ensue all too soon.

Strutting past the group, I walked to the front of the room with my heart thump, thump, thumping within my chest. My palms felt clammy but somehow I managed to keep my nerves from appearing on my face. When I stepped up before the thrones, I waved at the guards standing by the doors. The doors slammed shut a moment later.

The demons did not even notice. They were two involved in arguing with one another. And at the back, with an ugly smirk on his face was Terran. Considering his revulsion for humans, he was dressed in very modern formal attire. It would have looked elegant on a human but the impressive effect of a three piece suit was lost by the odious nature of the demon wearing it.

When no one seemed to take note of my presence, I drew in a deep breath and then, as loud as I could manage, I shouted. "Silence."

As if a switch had been flipped, the demons froze, their voices tapering off at the interruption. Then, one by one, they turned their heads towards me. Terran drew back a lip and sneered as he met my gaze, his disgust drenching the atmosphere around him in a ugly stain I could almost see. I raised a brow in his direction before levelling a hard stare on all of the demons before me.

"Now that I have your attention, I suppose I should ask for an explanation for your rude intrusion." I stated, glaring down at them all.

As if a damn had burst, they all surged forwards, shouting as they waved their hands or talons in the air. I held up my hands firmly, glaring down at them all. They soon lapsed back into silence. "That is enough of the theatrics. As far as I am aware, there were no audiences scheduled for today however you have all entered into the palace uninvited and acting like unruly children. You will talk one at a time or I will have you all escorted out until you can act in a more civil manner. Is that understood?"

When they remained silent except for a sneer from Terran, I nodded my head approvingly. I somehow managed to keep my face calm even if I was questioning my decision to accept Lucius proposal as I faced into the angry hoard. Battle was so much harder than diplomacy. It was easier to slice down known enemies than to attempt to come to a civil agreement.

"Now that is agreed," I stated before taking a seat in my assigned throne. My eyes skipped over its larger companion. The sight of the empty seat weighed heavily on my mood. Still I managed to plaster a smile upon my face. "We'll start with the lady in the blue. Tell me what brings you here."

The older demon, with lined features and sagging skin, stepped forward. She made a great show of proudly arranging her skirts around her and bowing her head politely. There was a shuffle of steps and then a second later the elderly demon was sent sprawling on the floor as she was struck on the side of head.

Terran wasted no time in filling her spot, pausing only to wipe the end of his cane on the fallen demon's clothes. And then he lifted his gaze up to me and I struggled not to fidget under the burning hatred dwelling with his stare.

"Where is Lucius? Demon politics is nothing to do with you half breed." He sneered, his supporters nodding their heads as and murmuring their agreement.

"You step out of line." I warned, glaring down at him.

"You step out of line by sitting yourself on that throne and thinking yourself a ruler. You are not my queen and you have as much right to rule as that pretender."

I refused to rise to his bait. It didn't take a genius to figure out that Terran had his eyes on the throne and not in an admiring fashion.

"I won't ask a third time. Where is Lucius?" the demon spat, his spittle flicking through the air and splattering the dais at my feet. "He has not been seen for several days and he had missed several important engagements. People are starting to wonder if our Lord has gone...missing."

He drew out the long word, his eyes watching me carefully just waiting for a show of weakness.

"He is attending to urgent matter at the moment. A confidential matter than is not for civilian ears." I smirked at the demon before sending a gentle and rather regal smile at the other demons gathered. "Once his job has been completed, Lucius will be here to address any and all of your concerns."

"How dare you talk to me like this? Don't you know who I am?" Terran growled, leaning forwards and thrusting his cane in my direction. "You still haven't told us where he is."

"Nor will I. The task he undertakes is for the protection of you and the rest of the underworld." I replied firmly. "Secrecy is required to ensure the safety of all parties involved. We wouldn't want the wrong person to learn his location. Would we?"

Terran watched me, searching for signs of weaknesses. I stared back, refusing to break or falter. He hobbled forwards, his stench filling my nostril as he sneered in my face. "This isn't over. I promise you, you will regret showing me such disrespect."

"I will wait for that moment. For now, you are dismissed." I waved at the guards stood by the doors and upon my signal they pulled open the doors once more.

"Filthy abomination." Terran growled, striking out with his cane.

I allowed him to think it would strike. I allowed it to get closer than I normally would have. And then, when it was just a moment was from touching me, I snapped out a hand and grabbed hold of the cane. Within two seconds, I had yanked it from his grasp and turned his own weapon against him. I swung it downwards, the gaudy jewelled ended arcing through the air, and then I halted my movements just a hairsbreadth before it could make contact with his face.

Terran flinched as an involuntary squeak escaped his lips.

"I should strike you in payment for what you did to my guest but I refuse to lower myself to your level. You may leave but with a warning. If you attempt to strike me or those I call mine, don't expect me to be merciful. You will felt the sharp of my sword and it will taste your blood." I lowered the cane marginally and jabbed him in the shoulder. "I will keep hold of this and you may leave."

Terran eyes held pure loathing as he spat at me once more, his spittle landing on my cheek, before he strode out of the room. His groupies followed him out with a little less fanfare, their feet skipping over the floor as they struggled to keep up with the demon's furious strides.

As soon as he was gone, I stepped down from the dais and approached the fallen demon and held out my hand. Slowly, with a wary look upon her face, she allowed me to pull her up on to her feet. Black blood dribbled from the wound on the side of her head, and down the side of her extraordinarily unique features.

"Do you need to see the healer? I can call her to attend to your wound." I asked, turning my head towards the guards and waving them towards us.

The old demon threw back her head and laughed. "It's a scratch. It'll be healed by tomorrow, young one."

I nodded my head but still my discomfort lingered. "I'm sorry you had to get caught up in the unpleasantness. Unfortunately he appears to show a particular dislike for me."

"Terran holds a dislike for everyone." The older demon waved her hand and then rearranged her shawl about her shoulders. "You've made him angry now. Don't underestimate him. His bite is much worse than his bark."

"Thank you for the warning. I'll make sure he is monitored." I nodded my head at the group.

Guiding them back out of the throne room, I nodded my head and attempted to listen to their conversation. Apparently Terran's sheep had taken to stealing land and bribing some of the guards to look the other way. I resisted the urge to sigh.

The sound of boot pounding down the hallway reached my ears just a moment before a familiar face rounded the corner. Castiel, his face ashen, skidded to a stop before he collided with our group. He panted in an effort to regain his breath. He looked as if he had been in a fight and had barely made it out alive. His clothes torn to shreds, cuts crisscrossed over his exposed skin and sweat dampened his temples.

Turning to the people at my side, I smiled warmly in an attempt to allay any of their fears. "If you'll excuse me, I believe there is some urgent business to attend to." I lifted my eyes and exchanged a nod with the two guards at the back of the group. "These two gentlemen will escort you out and if you leave your names with them, I will ensure a gift basket is delivered to your lodgings in recompense for my abrupt departure."

Without waiting for a response, I hooked my arm through Castiel's and walked him straight past the group. I bit my lip to stop questions from spilling from my lips. From the way Castiel twitched nervously at my side, it appeared news had finally come but I wasn't too sure if I was ready to hear it.

We rounded a corner and as soon as I was satisfied we were alone, I stopped abruptly. "Tell me." I pleaded. Though I wasn't sure what exactly I was pleading for.

Dread filled my veins when the fallen angel bowed his head and murmured the words I had been waiting to hear.

"We've found him."