Interlude 9

Princess Thea Daemon-fang, heir to the Demon Empire and the first-born child of Emperor Allaric and Empress Lilith, was a half-human, half-demon baby.

Less than a week old, she was no larger than other babies, but her tiny fangs were already starting to develop, something that Lilith had learnt when she was nursing her daughter.

Thea had her father’s snow-white hair and her mother’s ruby-like eyes; she cried less than humanoid young and was awake for longer periods of time, but she wasn’t too different from any other baby.

Which was why the Demon Emperor had assigned four Dread Knights to always guard the princess at any time, whether she was with her mother, her maids, or alone in her crib in the bedroom corner at night on occasions when Lilith went to bed with Allaric.

Happily, Lilith rocked her child in her arms, much to her daughter’s amusement. Princess Thea giggled and laughed and reached out with her hands, actions that made all the women in the room squeal with delight at its cuteness.

“The Princess will grow to be as beautiful as her mother,” Illya said.

“Not just that, but she’ll be as strong as her father,” Noa added.

“I must admit, I am a little bit frustrated that Empress Lilith was the first of us to have a child,” Palma mumbled.

“Even when it’s just us, none of you will call me by my name anymore,” Lilith sighed, before turning her attention back to her daughter. “But I’ll let that go for today because I know they’re all very jealous of me, aren’t they sweetie?” Thea didn’t answer, but the Empress was happy none the less. “I remember father saying that mother used to fawn over me a lot in my younger years, but I think I’m beginning to understand why. Children are cute, at times.” Lilith laughed. “But when they’re your own, they’re the cutest in the whole world.”

“…She’s definitely going to be an overbearing parent.”

“I heard that, Anne-Marie. Just because you’re my personal maids doesn’t mean you can bad mouth me like that.”

“Apologies, your majesty. What I meant to say is that I fear for the young princess’s future with you as her parent.”

“Isn’t that worse?!”

The maids, including Willa, laughed. Even Eva and Rebecca, who had been at a table doing work, joined in.

“Lord Allaric might be worse,” Rebecca joked, taking comfort in the knowledge that she was allowed to do so in private with the other members present. “I seem to recall that Lord Allaric was reluctant to let you hold her after she was born.”

“R-Rebecca!” Lilith became embarrassed and turned red. “A-A-Allaric was just too happy that he had an heir, that was all. H-he won’t be too overbearing for Thea, he won’t…probably.”

“He only let you hold her because you threatened to ignore him for a month.”

“Oh really?!” Noa grinned.

“Why would you reveal that to these people?!”

“In all seriousness though, your majesty,” Eva stood up and smiled reassuringly at her. “Should there ever be any issues or concerns that you have in regards to raising the princess, please do not hesitate to rely on us. While none of us present have ever gone through what you have, we are all yours to command and depend upon.”

“…Thank you, Eva.”

“Oh, but I have a feeling that Lady Thea might have a little brother or sister soon.”

“Eva!”

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Just a short interlude today, I'm afraid - HOWEVER, I bring you good news. After the next chapter, we will be entering into the LAST STRETCH of the Year 2 Arc!

That's right! The grand finale of the 3rd Major Story Arc of The Children of Eris will conclude!