The rest of the tour wasn't nearly as emotionally jarring. I saw the kitchen, the dining hall, multiple large ballrooms and places to entertain guests, and several corridors that I was told would lead me back to my room if I were to get lost. A useless knowledge, I thought, since I could teleport.

We ran into several other demons along the way, most of which I could tell had no intention of hurting me as they gave a slight bow or curtsey. But there were a couple that just stood and stared. When we passed them, I would look at the floor and grip Sebastian's hand tighter.

The four of us eventually made it back to my room. When we entered, Lisa and Evan were no longer there, but my bed was back and there was no evidence that there was ever a fire. When the door closed behind us, I let out a sigh of relief.

Jasmine put her hand on my shoulder. "You made it."

I smiled at her. "Yeah."

There was a silent moment between us all, then Sebastian spoke. "Ladies, a moment, please."

I watched Jasmine and Sarah look to each other, then to me, before nodding. They both gave me a hug, then left the room.

When they were gone, I felt myself relax completely. I'd wanted to appear strong in front of them. I hoped I had.

Sebastian pulled me to him, and it was then I noticed I was shaking. "They just stared at me," I told him. "Why were their stares so cold?"

"They are skeptical about having a new monarch after all these years. I promise you that most, if not all of them, are loyal to you."

"How do you know that?"

"Lisa and I have been having meetings with the staff here, and anyone who was not going to be loyal or was seen as a threat to your safety was removed until they earn their spot back."

"But how-" I started, then stopped, remembering Lisa talking to me about her powers one time. "Oh, right. Lisa is practically a walking lie detector."

Sebastian gave me a small smile and nodded. "Her gift is a handy one. Another reason she's probably the best suited to be your advisor and help you make decisions. She'll be able to tell you if someone is being truthful."

I nodded, feeling calm again. After a moment, I said, "Thank you for taking me around the castle. I really needed to get out of this room before I went insane."

Sebastian let out a light chuckle, pulling me closer. "I only wish I could have taken you outside. The grounds are stunning."

"It's alright. I was nervous enough just wandering the halls. Maybe next time I'll be a bit stronger."

"You've proven yourself to be strong by overcoming your fears and leaving this room today. It is not you I am concerned about. It's the people outside that worry me. The grounds are not as heavily guarded as the castle is. Others tend to find ways to slip in and protest. And with the demon who attacked you still not found..."

I smiled and hugged him tighter. "It's okay, Sebastian. I don't mind waiting. As long as you're here, I'll wait as long as I have to."

He let out a soft sigh, and I felt his shoulder relax as he held me. I wasn't sure of everything that had him so stressed, but I was happy that my patience was enough to alleviate it.

"Thank you," he said. "I truly hope you will not have to wait much longer."

I pulled away and looked him in the eyes. I saw his honestly, and his guilt at being one of the people keeping me locked away in this room. It broke my heart. "Sebastian, I'm surrounded by people I love and I have my memories. I'm okay."

He smiled and nodded, reaching out and cupping my cheek. I nuzzled my face into his familiarly cold hand, then after a moment, he pulled me close and kissed me.

I relaxed and sighed as we pulled each other closer. My arms wrapped around his neck as he kissed me deeply and lovingly. I felt so secure and safe whenever he held me, safer than I ever had.

We broke apart several long moments later, and I stood there, my head spinning and heart pounding, until I cleared my head and smiled at Sebastian, who was smiling back at me.

We stood in silence for a few minutes after that, holding each other, refusing to let the moment end. I felt so safe, so secure. So loved.

Until a knock on the door ruined our moment.

I let out a disappointed sigh and released Sebastian, who frowned and turned to answer the door.

"Sorry to interrupt," Lisa said as she walked in with Evan, Sarah, and Jasmine trailing reluctantly behind her, "but I need to speak with everyone. The matter is quite urgent."

Everyone perked up at that, and my disappointment was forgotten as fear began to build up inside of me. It was urgent? I hated the sound of that.

When no one argued, Lisa continued, directing her words and attention to me and Sebastian. "I've had multiple people come forward and tell me they loved seeing you out and about today, Chrystal. Several of them seemed to have been quite worried about you."

I froze. I could sense I wouldn't like where this was going.

Lisa paused, as though she was waiting for me to reply. When I didn't, she said, "Since so many of the people here want to meet you and see that you are doing fine, I'm considering having you host a ball."

I leaned back and sat on the bed as my jaw dropped.

"A ball?!" Jasmine gasped.

"Are you serious?!" Sarah accused.

"Listen, girls. I think it would be good for her." Lisa turned back to me. "Of course, it is your decision to make, but it would do wonders for the atmosphere around here. You should take the time to meet your staff."

"But you have an ulterior motive, do you not?" Sebastian asked.

Lisa stopped, glanced at Sebastian, then lowered her head in a sigh. "I'll admit, I do. It would be the perfect time for me to test who is loyal and who needs to be released from their positions."

"That demon..." I mumbled, my voice wavering with fear. "You want to find that demon..."

Everyone's gaze landed on me, and I looked up to meet Lisa's. Her professional demeanor disappeared when she took in my anxieties.

"If he were to choose to show himself, I think it would be a good place to catch him."

"Lisa..." Sarah started.

"I am aware of the danger and Chrystal's fears. However, she has to face them. We cannot keep this world waiting for its queen much longer."

"But she's faced enough for one day!"

Sebastian stepped in and placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder. "A ball is a good idea. They take several days to prepare. Chrystal will have time to rest before the event."

"And I can guarantee that with all of our combined power, nothing will hurt her."

Sarah paused for a moment, then lowered her head and nodded.

They all turned back to me. "Well?" Lisa asked. "What do you say?"