Nearly a month had passed as Jackson and Elizabeth said goodnight to Jubelle, Levi, Celeste, Leila, Sora and Brie.
"I'm so glad you came a night early like we planned and I'm glad you got to meet my party!" Sora said cheerfully.
"I can't believe you found the last dragonness! That's amazing. I knew the demons were up to no good, but to persecute and eliminate her entire race only to enslave her like that… that's just horrific!" Jackson exclaimed.
"Horrific indeed! But you're so beautiful Leila and I'm sure there will be a time where you get to… stretch your wings, if you know what I mean," Elizabeth said with a wink as she grabbed her husband's hand and headed for a guest room in the mansion.
To the outside world, Celeste was an Uthra that met the party through Levi. Celeste loved it because she got to be in her natural form much more often and it made her feel more human.
The party didn't stop clearing dungeons as they now easily cleared SS ranked dungeons. Brie finally reached SS rank and the party celebrated with a night off. This was the night Brie chose to introduce Sora to her parents, and to her surprise, the meeting went very well.
Brie couldn't believe how nice her parents were and how supportive they were of her continuing to rank up. They were proud of her for becoming Queen and knew how important the role was.
What surprised Brie's parents the most about Sora was his humility, kindness and how educated he was on every topic. They also found out he despised the whole, "world's sexiest man" thing. Sora thought it was a stupid joke he couldn't escape.
They were relieved and couldn't believe he lacked any social skills when Brie first met him.
Sora's birthday was just around the corner, two weeks away on March 28th 7040. This also signified a full year of his new life on Exteria. He couldn't believe a year already flew by.
As he said goodnight to his party, he and Brie walked into their room, exhausted.
"I feel like we haven't been able to stop and take a breath this entire month," Brie said as she changed in front of Sora. She no longer felt uncomfortable being in her bra and underwear around him.
"Yes, it's been non-stop and I didn't realize how much work being King and Queen actually entailed. We visited every region, introduced ourselves to so many people, but it was nice to actually get out and see the world, right?" Sora said while taking off his dress shirt and dress slacks.
"Yeah it's been nice. It's amazing how you can sense some of the demons and some of the werewolves don't exactly want to follow the orders of their respective Kings. It's sad, honestly." Brie said while throwing on her favorite pink pajamas.
"Yes, well, if anyone actually shows up for this Council meeting from the Demons and Werewolves, maybe we can bring it up somehow?" Sora said as he tossed on a white t-shirt and some white shorts.
"Did I mention how handsome you are, your Majesty?" Brie said with a smile.
"You have, my love. You are as beautiful as ever," he said as he picked her up. She wrapped her legs around his waist and they started kissing, passionately. Sora took her to the bed, where he laid her down gently, and they spent a while making out and fooling around before they finally decided to sleep.
*****
The next morning, Sora's system woke him up at 07:00 sharp.
"System, what is my current level and what are my current goals?"
You are now level 77. Current goals include: Unlock the secret of your eyes: Reward: Unknown and Propose to your Queen: Reward, unknown.
'Ever since the day we formally introduced ourselves as King and Queen, that goal unlocked in my system. I'm still no closer to figuring anything out about my eyes as I was the day I got here, which in two weeks will be one year. I hope none of them planned anything big for my birthday…' Sora thought.
Sora took a quick shower and got dressed in a white t-shirt and black jogging pants. He woke Brie with a gentle kiss.
"Good morning beautiful, I'm afraid it's time we get over to the castle and get ready for our first Council meeting," Sora said softly.
"Morning handsome. Sounds good. I'm going to take a quick shower."
Levi informed them Jackson and Elizabeth already left and were at the castle to not cause any suspicion, which Sora thought was unnecessary. He did have a surprise for his party planned, though.
"You are all coming!" Sora said excitedly.
"Wait, are you serious? Why would we all come to your Council meeting?" Sasha asked.
"No, not to my council meeting. To my castle. Just make sure your masks," Sora said.
*****
The group teleported to Celeste, who was already at the castle. She was hanging out behind the throne room by herself, putting on her armor. She was in her "Head Guard," form, so she told the party to follow her.
She led them to a unique area in the castle, on the top floor. The party took off their masks and got comfortable.
"This is the watch tower room. You'll be able to tell if anything is going on via the security systems. Worst case scenario, you can't beat that view!" she exclaimed.
"This is amazing!" Leila exclaimed. "Thanks Celeste, you're the best!"
Levi laughed. "I never realized that rhymed!"
Sora and Brie put their formal attire on and finally made their way through the arched doors.
To no one's surprise, it was only Dorian, Camilla, Jackson and Elizabeth.
"Well, I guess the lines have been drawn." Sora said with a frown.
"Did you really expect anything less from them?" Dorian asked furiously. "They could at least show their faces and show some respect for the late King."
"Calm down Dorian, it's ok." Camilla said.
Sora motioned for them to sit.
"Ok, Dorian, Camilla, I need to get you up to speed on what Elizabeth and Jackson know. My party found the last dragonness located in the Monolith, a secret dungeon the demons kept hidden. There was also an ancient Chimera there. The demon sin, Wrath, kicked our asses pretty badly, but with Jubelle's quick thinking, we found a way to escape the dungeon with her alive."
"The lost dragonness is alive?!?!" Dorian exclaimed.
"This is great news, is she an ally of ours?" Camilla asked.
"She's in our party," Brie said with a large smile.
"This is great news inde–" Dorian was cut off by a guard who stormed into the room.
"Demons. Lots of them. About a mile out. They're coming for a full-on attack on the Castle!"
"Excellent," Sora calmly exclaimed.
"They fell right into our trap," Brie giggled.
The Council smiled, but looked a little confused.
"Remember what you said last night, Elizabeth?" Brie asked. "About someone getting to spread her wings?"
Elizabeth smiled widely.
"Leila's last name is Fury," Sora grinned.