Rearing Demons
Chapter 108: Bad Feeling

Chapter 108: Bad Feeling

"Baby, stop running around like that!"

The bright city of Freau was bustling. Everyone was out, either shopping, eating, or just hanging out.

Willow had come out with her daughter, Xia, for some shopping. They were buying new clothes, trinkets, and other small things. Plus, staying inside the castle for too long could feel stifling.

"Mom, it’s so boring at home without anyone," Xia sighed, walking back to Willow and grabbing onto her already full arms.

"I know, but aunty and the kids will be back next week. Remember, aunty is pregnant, so grandma needs to help her, right?" Willow explained gently.

"Your mom, right?" Xia asked.

"Yes, my mom—your yiyi." Willow held her tiny hand, rubbing her palm gently with her thumb. "You remember grandma, right?"

"I do. Do you think yiyi will marry grandpa?" she asked innocently.

"Aye, don’t say that," Willow lightly scolded her. "Grandpa and yiyi are like brother and sister. Understand?" She sighed, troubled by her daughter’s childish question. "Don’t ask dad that either, alright?"

"It’s just a question." Xia rolled her eyes.

"Not a good one." Willow shook her head. "Anyway, what do you want to eat tonight? Anything special?"

"I don’t know..." Xia played with her mother’s hand, groaning in complaint. "I want dad. When is he coming back?"

"Baby, he’ll be here in a few days. He’s busy with work, remember?" Willow sighed softly. Julian was the Crown Prince and had many responsibilities. The current king was getting old, preparing to retire, so Julian was constantly sent to other cities to help with their defenses, especially with frequent beast hordes and similar issues.

"He’s always busy. He’s never here when we want him," Xia pouted.

Seeing her daughter act this way, Willow kissed her small palm gently. "It’s okay, my baby. He always brings you candy and toys, doesn’t he?"

"That’s not enough, though." Xia sighed.

"When he returns, I’ll tell him clearly, ’No more leaving. Xia wants you to stay, so stay.’ How does that sound?" Willow smiled.

"Yeah, tell him that!"

"Alright, I will." She chuckled softly. "Now, let’s finish shopping. Grandpa is waiting for us at home, right?"

"Okay."

The two continued moving from stall to stall, gathering whatever they needed. Despite being royalty, the Freau royal family never acted superior. Instead, they remained close to the citizens.

"Princess Willow, how are you?" an old stall owner greeted her warmly. He had little hair, completely white, circling his head like a crown.

"Mr. Hill, I’m doing well," Willow smiled. "How is the Mrs.? Is she getting any better?"

The old man sighed. "Sadly, she’s still in bed. The medicine you helped us acquire is keeping the pain low, but we’re struggling to find a solution."

"I’m sorry to hear that." Willow shook her head. "I’ll send a few doctors to help her out. I’ll also ask my husband if he can obtain some medication."

"Thank you." The man gave a slight bow. "Truly, ever since you two sisters arrived, Freau has become much livelier and peaceful."

Though Willow and her sister Vilis came from royalty, their homeland was a much smaller kingdom where everyone was interconnected. They brought these values to Freau, which was new but warmly accepted by the citizens.

"As long as I can help," Willow smiled softly. "May I take these two dresses here?"

"Of course." He packed the two pretty dresses carefully.

"How much?" she asked.

"You know it’s always free for you," he gently insisted.

"And you know I’ll never accept that," Willow shook her head firmly but kindly. "You run a business, and I’m a customer."

"Alright, just seven copper," he conceded.

Willow smiled and handed him the amount. "Thank you."

"Take care, Princess. You as well, little one!" He waved at Xia, who was distracted by the various stalls.

"Say bye, Xia," Willow reminded gently.

"Bye-bye!" Xia waved cheerfully.

"Bye-bye." He smiled back warmly.

The two walked around a bit more. Although they’d already purchased enough, Willow still enjoyed looking for anything new or interesting. There wasn’t usually much to do, so shopping with Xia was her form of relaxation.

Hours passed, and Xia began to complain.

"Mom, let’s go home now. My legs hurt." Xia stomped her foot impatiently.

"Alright, alright." Willow smiled, softly shaking her head. "No more shopping. Let’s go."

One of the stall owners offered large bags that Willow could place all her items in. Even though she needed three bags, it made carrying things much easier.

Though she could have brought servants to help, Willow always preferred shopping alone with Xia, as it felt more genuine and enjoyable.

As they walked back toward the castle, Xia pointed at something unusual ahead.

"Mom, what’s that?"

"Fate’s Whisper?" Willow read the bright purple banner aloud, puzzled. It had colorful pink and blue curtains, with the nameplate outlined in gold. It was a beautiful and unique stall she’d never seen before.

"Want to check it out, Xia?" Willow noticed her daughter’s excitement despite her earlier exhaustion.

"Yes!" Xia said eagerly.

"Alright, let’s go see." Willow smiled, sharing her daughter’s curiosity.

Approaching, they saw the stall was small but charming. Glittering lights shaped like stars and moons decorated the interior, while a curtain served as the door.

"Fortune-telling?" Willow read the sign listing services.

Inside, behind the pretty lights, sat a single woman dressed in odd attire.

"Little one, are you the one? The seeker of fun?" The woman beckoned with long, painted nails, rhyming playfully.

Xia giggled, and Willow laughed softly as they entered. Xia sat at the table, which had a shiny crystal orb resting upon it.

"Place your hand on the ball, but sit tight—don’t fall!" the woman continued, causing Xia to giggle again.

Willow placed the bags down and helped her daughter put her hands on the orb.

"Oh wow..." The woman’s wide eyes, decorated with bright red eyeliner, gazed deeply at Xia. "Wow, wow, wow."

"What...?" Xia asked excitedly.

"Your fate—it’s so bright. No need to fight. Such a sight!" The woman kept up her cheerful rhymes.

As Xia enjoyed the interaction, Willow admired the decorations. However, something eerie caught her eye.

Behind the woman, a curtain led to what should’ve been a wall but wasn’t. Narrowing her eyes, she spotted a hidden room. Several figures dressed in black cloaks stood silently, unmoving like statues.

What in the world?

Suddenly, one figure slowly turned its head, noticing her stare. It seemed to crouch slightly, coming closer.

"Xia!" Willow called out suddenly, feeling her throat tighten.

She quickly glanced back at the fortune-teller, who was smiling widely. Yet that smile held no joy or sincerity. The woman’s eyes were wide—not naturally, but as if forced. Deep within those eyes, Willow saw something chilling: agony.

"Yes, Mom?" Xia turned, oblivious and smiling brightly.

"I think dad is home now. Let’s hurry back, or we’ll miss him." Willow quickly made up an excuse Xia wouldn’t question.

"Dad? Really?" Xia immediately jumped from the chair, grabbing her mom’s arm. "Let’s go, let’s go!"

"Thank you," Willow said politely to the woman, who still smiled.

Willow looked back at the curtain once more, her face paling. They’re all gone!

She glanced again at the fortune-teller, whose friendly mask had disappeared, replaced by a glare of pure malice.

Without wasting another second, Willow picked Xia up and rushed outside, leaving the bags behind.

"Mom, our clothes!" Xia protested.

"Dad brought lots of new things, so we don’t need these," Willow hurriedly reassured her.

"Really? Did he bring dresses?" Xia asked excitedly.

"Lots and lots of dresses," Willow said, forcing a calm smile, hiding her fear.

Walking quickly back toward the castle, Willow’s heart raced. Even though no one appeared to follow, the feeling of danger persisted.

"Princess, how was your day?" Four guards stood by the gates as they arrived.

"It was fine," Willow said. Approaching one guard, she whispered urgently, "I think someone followed me. Stay alert. Quietly inform the others."

The guard’s expression immediately turned serious. "Understood." He silently signaled his colleagues. "Go inside and rest, Princess. No one shall pass."

"Stay safe," she said softly before hurrying inside.

Once inside, though slightly relieved, Willow’s anxiety lingered.

"Where’s dad?" Xia asked, confused.

"Dad wants to surprise you," Willow smiled softly. "So let’s play a game: pretend we don’t know he’s coming."

"Oh, okay." Xia nodded. "I’ll go to my room."

"No, come with me. Let’s see grandpa first, eat something, then wait for dad in my room." After what happened, she refused to let Xia wander alone, even inside the heavily guarded castle.

"Okay!" Xia nodded, quickly removing her shoes and running barefoot along the mats.

"Baby, what did I say about running around barefoot?" Willow sighed, picking up Xia’s shoes and following closely.

————————————————————————

"Dad." Willow sat beside the elderly king, a serious expression on her face, as Xia quietly ate nearby.

"What’s wrong?" The king’s gentle voice matched his appearance: old, with completely white hair. He never pursued cultivation due to his limited talent, instead dedicating himself fully to governing the kingdom.

Willow described the strange event, sharing her worries and suspicions. "I don’t know who they were, but I’m worried. Could you send a letter to Renri, telling him to return?"

"I’ll do it immediately." The king quickly wrote a note. "Servant!"

A servant entered swiftly. "Your Highness?"

"Send our fastest messenger by flying mount. Deliver this to Renri before nightfall, and ensure a guard goes along."

"Yes, Your Highness." The servant respectfully left.

"Don’t worry, dear. I’ll increase the guards around your quarters," the king assured. "Better safe than sorry."

"Thank you, Dad."

"No need. Now go make your preparations; Xia can stay with me. Renri should arrive tonight."

Willow nodded, then spoke gently to Xia, "Stay with grandpa, remember the game?"

"Got it." Xia sat beside the king. "Grandpa, let’s read this!"

"Yes, let’s read." He hugged her warmly, smiling as they opened a book together.

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