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The two seraphs flew through the blue heavens, without speaking a word to one another, each pondering their own personal thoughts. Daemon followed Ryae to her destination: the largest tree near the city. Ryae had planted the great oak herself. Over the many years, the sapling bloomed into an enormous and majestic tree, which gave shade and provided a grand view for the citizens of the city. The angel’s azure eyes glittered, now that she was outside of the castle walls again in the warm sun, gliding on a gentle breeze. She perched gracefully on one of the stronger branches, held high above the undergrowth of her beloved tree. Large, green leaves rustled in the wind, while the trunk itself stood strong.

It was the peak of afternoon, although the comfortable weather seemed perfect for one to be outdoors, enjoying the essence of nature. Ryae didn’t bother waiting for Daemon to land, before stating, “Now that there aren’t anymore blathering and meddling people to pry into a private conversation, I can finally say what I want to say and ask what I wish to ask.” Ryae tilted her head to the side innocently. “Tell me, Daemon,” she began. “What’s in it for you?”

He landed immediately after she had asked, his black, feathery wings vanishing as his feet hit the ground. Sure, there were no humans around, but with his wings gone, he didn’t feel so out of place. There was nothing he hated more then walking among the humans and the wings only drew stares. It was torture if nothing else. “I have already told you what I want.” Ebony eyes shone even in the shadows. “You will join me in matrimony, a marriage as the humans call it. You will bind yourself to me and I will get you a more suitable job. It’s your choice, and it’s probably the only chance you’ll get.”

This was mental anguish for Ryae. She didn’t like Daemon, much less wanted to marry him. But then again, how the angel longed to be free, to spread her wings, flying where she wished, no weary tasks restraining her back. She cursed under her breath, thinking over her decisions. Of course, like Daemon said, this may be very well her only chance to get a new assignment and Ryae couldn’t stand the thought serving that brat of a prince any longer. “Ye-” She bit her lip, holding back the temptation to be rid of Prince Taruo forever. Being the balance to stay the holy scale would no longer be hers. The legacy will be passed on to another possibly more willing angel and the burden would be lifted.

But marriage? That was a crazy idea. If so much hadn’t been at stake, Ryae would have laughed at this proposal. However, Daemon was not laughing and nor did she. The offer was enticing. Yet, the seraph needed more information before she could accept. She looked down at Daemon from the tree branch. “First, I need to know three things. Starting with the most important- how are you going to get this to go over well with the Seven? Two- What kind of task are you able to get me? And my final question- why are you so intent on wedding me?”

The aristocratic archangel laughed shortly, an eerie short of sound that mocked all she had asked. “You are farther out of the loop than I could have imagined. Apparently, you don’t know that the Seven have been talking about a new election. They are willing to trade themselves out in order to maintain the heavenly peace they have established. I am one of the nominees and there isn’t any major competition. Becoming one of the Seven is something I will most likely establish. That answers your first question. Do tell me if you want the others answered. I’m a busy guardian and I’ve got places I need to be.”

Ryae stared at him. This was unbelievable. Daemon? One of the Seven? Wow, life will really suck then, she thought. Different desires and emotions vied in her head, wanting her to make a decision right then. Through the spread out leaves of the giant tree, small blotches of sunlight made Ryae’s streaked hair gleam, like the blade of a polished copper sword. She tucked her long, highlighted bangs behind her ears and sighed. “No,” she said curtly. “I don’t need you to give me anymore answers. Go do what you posh angels do.” Ryae slid off the current branch she was sitting on, down to the ground, where she found Daemon’s gaze. “I’ll give you my final decision tomorrow. I need a night to sleep on it.”

The seraph nodded silently in reply. Ryae allowed her wings to stretch towards the sky, sustaining herself in the air. She turned to fly off, back to the market placer, where Variyr would most likely reprimand her for leaving him for so long. “One last thing,” Ryae said, looking behind her shoulder for Daemon. But to her surprise, he had vanished. There was not a trace of him left.