Vexena leans back in her throne, head resting against her curled fingers, a long, irritated groan slipping from her lips.
"I am not in the mood for demon-land politics," she mutters. "Keeping this place from tearing itself apart is stressful enough."
Eris, standing tall and calm beside the throne, bows slightly. "Forgive me, my Queen, but there are new reports. Lady Sylareth is up to something."
Maribelle blinks from her nearby velvet chair. "Syraleth? The one Vuvi killed… She's back?"
Eris nods grimly. "Not only alive, but active. She's calling her old retainers and contracting infamous mercenaries from across the Demon Lands."
Maribelle tilts her head. "A revolt?"
"No," Eris says firmly. "She wouldn't dare. Even Sylareth knows revolt against the Queen is suicide. She could crush the Demon Lands in a day if she wanted."
"I could," Vexena sighs, brushing invisible dust from her gown. "But then I'd have to rule a smoking crater. What's she after this time?"
