Page 24 of Their World

If only life were that simple.

“I will try,” I said and smiled, though my smile was a bit forced.

“I have to go. Be strong, lady!” The boy patted my hand and ran off across the city.

“You like kids?” Zoman asked.

“I was an orphan,” I explained. “In my world, I help as many orphans as I can.”

“That is commendable,” Zoman said softly.

Dhun whined and yipped and Zoman nodded.

“What?” I asked.

“He said we should return to the castle since it is getting late and I agree. We mustn’t worry the king needlessly.”

“Okay,” I agreed and stood. “Will you take me to other cities? To visit the women communities?”

“If our King allows it, yes,” Zoman said and dipped his head to me. “As a demon, you should learn as much as you can about your people.”

“Exactly,” I said with a nod. “Now that I’m here and know my lineage, I want to absorb as much as I can.”

“I’m still watching you,” he muttered, but his face softened as he added, “but there is much you can learn about our ways without it being possibly detrimental should it get back to your world.”

“I appreciate your loyalty to your people and your willingness to teach me as much as you can.” I said and dipped my head to him.

He tsked. “Don’t bow your head to me. You’re a princess.”

“And you are a loyal guard,” I said back. “You deserve respect as well.”

He didn’t reply, but I noticed him walking a bit taller as we returned to the castle.

Chapter

Seven

After a bit of begging, we finally got permission from Jol to visit one of the nearby women’s communities.

It took us an hour to get to the closest one, and the journey was pretty silent, but it was still pleasant. Part of me felt bad for enjoying my time here, but with no portals showing up, I had little hope of returning to my world anyway.

My best option was to record everything about this world that I could to hopefully get it to my family back home.

My notes had yet to mention my suspected demon ancestry. I just couldn’t bring myself to write it down. Perhaps, if I delivered that blow to my family in person, it would be easier to absorb and they might take it better.

Though, the trio, I had no idea what to expect of our famed “Demon Hunters” when they discovered that I was part demon.

“You’re scowling a lot. Do you need to rest?” Zoman asked, clearly concerned.

“No, I’m fine. I’m just trying to absorb everything I’ve learned so far and determine what I might want to learn still. It’s hard to know what questions to ask when you don’t know about the culture or the people.”

He nodded. “That’s understandable. Per our King’s orders, I will provide you as much knowledge as I have. Though, the women will be better at providing you that information. They have many books and verbal stories that they pass down through their generations.”

The village came into sight and several large female demons came out to greet us.

Most were not humanoid in shape, many had long horns and thick, leathery skin. A few had scales and wings as well as tails.

Several small children and females carrying babies had come out as well.

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