The three of us spent the next several hours wandering the royal suite, exploring every room as much as we could. It felt like a whole other castle had been hidden behind that magic wall.

After a while, Sebastian took my hand and pulled me back. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I felt the need to check on you. This isn't too much for you, is it?"

I was quickly reminded of my anxiety when I'd first entered the throne room, and how any mention of me becoming the next queen had sent me into a panic attack. But this place, it didn't feel royal. It felt... familiar.

I smiled at him as I shook my head. "No, I'm okay. It feels like... home."

He seemed confused for a moment, then smiled back. "It does somewhat resemble your manor, doesn't it?"

I nodded as Lisa yelled from in front of us, "I found the movie room! Are you coming?"

I looked ahead to Lisa and nodded, then squeezed Sebastian's hand as we caught up to her.

The movie room looked more like a small movie theater. There was a large TV mounted on the wall, with both a DVD and a VHS player. Lined up in front of them were several large maroon recliners.

"Wait," I paused, looking at Lisa. "You said the previous king died how long ago?"

She looked at me, confused by my question. "Well over a thousand years. Why?"

"Then how is it that this technology is in here? I thought only the ruler and those they trust were allowed to enter."

"Yes, that's correct. I'm not entirely sure how the magic works, but I'm assuming that after the king passed, those he trusted were still able to enter and prepare this place for your arrival, as were his orders. And, in keeping up with the times and the background you were foreseen to have, I'm sure the demons who were readying this place for you thought it would be best to bring in the human world's number one source for entertainment." She smiled. "And don't worry. Now that you've entered our world, the magic has acknowledged you as the new heir, and will not allow any entry other than those that you allow."

I nodded.

"Now, with that out of the way, come look at the collection of movies. Surely there is something here that you've seen before and enjoyed."

Hurrying over to Lisa, I began looking through the large selection of movies. There was a little bit of everything, from horror to superheroes to romcoms. Most of the movies, it seemed, were older than I was, but I could pick out a few classics that made me smile.

"This is really cool, Lisa. I'm glad this is here, although I wish there was something a little more...current."

She looked down at the selection of movies again, then sighed. "I see what you mean. I guess when you're able to visit your friends again, you'll just have to swipe some of your favorites." She smiled at me as she made her suggestion, and I couldn't help but smile back.

The three of us then decided to go and explore the rest of the wing. We found a large bathroom; a grand kitchen and dining area; and up the stairs was the master bedroom with the biggest closet I had ever seen, already filled to the brim with fancy evening dresses; a slightly smaller closet filled with regal suits; and a master bathroom.

"The seamstress who made your dress for the ball decided to make you plenty of clothes to have since she already had your measurements. And also because she heard what happened with that vision you had, she was hoping this would help you feel a bit better."

I turned to Lisa, my smile wide as I entered my large closet. I couldn't believe that lady would take the time to make all of these for me. It must have taken ages.

"Well," Lisa said as I walked out of the closet and faced her, "now that you've had the tour, what do you think? Grand, isn't it?"

I couldn't help but smile and nod. It was amazing. I knew the castle was large, even when I hadn't ever properly seen the outside of it, but I'd had no idea it also contained a magic hidden suite. And as large as my room had been, it was starting to feel quite small in comparison, as if going back would only cause me to become claustrophobic. And as bittersweet as it was, it did slightly remind me of home.

"I love it. I can't believe how amazing it is here. It's so well hidden and protected. I'm sure I'll feel much safer here. Thank you, Lisa."

Lisa beamed. "Of course, dear. I strive only to make you feel safe and happy. Once you decide you're ready for your duties, we'll talk more about everything else I have to prepare you for."

My smile fell and I nodded. I couldn't forget what was expected of me. This suite came with a price. One that I had been ready to accept when still human. Even if it had only really been so I could continue living and stay by Sebastian's side, I'd already agreed to do this.

Right?

So why were they all waiting for me to agree for a second time?

Why was I being so selfish?

These questions suddenly bore down on me like a hundred boulders. I didn't know what to do anymore. I wanted to know why they were all being so patient with me, but I couldn't bring myself to ask for the fear that I wouldn't be able to stand the answer. Lisa had told me this place, this world, was in need of a new ruler, someone to save it from the abyss its people were slowly beginning to fall deep into. I had been prophesized to be that ruler, the one that was to be able to reach down into the depths and pull the people back to safety. So why was she so patient?

I brought a hand up to my heart, then looked back at Lisa. "I think staying here would be a great idea. Can someone get my things from the other room and let my friends know?"

Lisa's smile grew even brighter, which I hadn't thought to be possible. "Of course, dear! I'll take care of it at once!"

She was out the door before either me or Sebastian could say another word.