(Erin's POV)

It's been four whole weeks (at least) since I've seen Courtney and I'm really starting to panic. I mean; what if the Head Angel (besides Courtney, obviously.) asks about her? What if another Kind Council meeting pops up out of nowhere on the itinerary and she doesn't show up? What if she went to visit The Devil? What if she got kidnapped going on some sort of trip to visit the Province? I swear (on nothing, of course) that I'm losing my mind! I hear a knock on the door to my quarters, which was chosen to be neighboring my royal best friend (RBFF)'s room and a: "Hello? Erin? Head Angel Heather needs to speak with you about the Princess ASAP! Erin, open the door for crying out loud!" It's my mom… "I'm getting ready! You wouldn't want to see my face without concealer and mascara, right?" I know that fibbing is a sin, but I can't tell them that I don't know what happened to the Princess. I just...can't! Everyone knows that I'm her closest friend and that I have the best relationship with her. And if they find out, it might ruin everything I've worked so dang hard for! My work life, good pay for me and my mom, my friendship with Courtney and all of the gifts that God's given me for all the labor I've done to get this far could be in danger of fading away from my existence! "Oh God, whatever do I do…" I look out my window and plea for his all-knowing guidance. I hear some kind of shoving outside my door and a sassy screech: "Erin, you are sooo dead if you don't open that door RIGHT NOW!!!" It has to be Heather. "But what if-" "No questions until our discussion about that little- I mean, special royal of ours." I know she's got a grudge against Courtney, but I haven't figured out why. Maybe she wanted more flowers or something. I mean, who doesn't love flowers? Probably Heather. Probably she wants to rule though… I can see her as the jealous dreamer now that I think about it.

There's no way out of this I have to stay strong, as I've learned to my whole life… (Except when I was friends with Duncan) The guy was weird beyond imagination, but he was a sweetheart deep down and always knew how to plant a smile on my face. I need to focus. Erin, keep it together! The more I think about those times, the more I might cause a flood in the castle with all my tears after what I did to him. "OPEN THE FREAKING DOOR ALREADY!" Heather snaps me back into reality. I don't dare use sass on her, so I just simply open the door and she looks at me with a grimace on her face. "You weren't kidding, girlfriend. Go get ready and I'll be waiting for you in the throne room." After that, I see a fake smile planted on her face that she uses a lot. I wonder what's going on in that big head of hers. Not that Heather's head is actually big… Her angel wings are actually smaller than most angel wings. Probably because of how big her heart is… I mentally smirk to myself just thinking about it. First, I brush my jet black hair with light blue streaks and weave it into a side braid. After that, I put on my white 'save the world' tee, and a white light blue polka-dot flowy skirt. Then, I apply my makeup; the pale pink lipstick, concealer on my face, charcoal black mascara, blush that matches my lipstick and clear lipgloss. For the final touch, I add my favorite pale blue butterfly hair clip onto the side of my hair where I didn't weave it into a braid elaborately. It complements most of the outfits I wear. "Okay, mom! I'm ready!" I open the door; confident and ready for anything. "You always had a thing for fashion, sweetie. Good work on your face, I know you'll find the right person in no time!" She laughs daintily with a proud expression on her face. I blush with my blush on regardless at the flattering compliment. "ERIN! Finally, you're here. That took so long!" Heather groans impatiently and drags me into the throne room.

Okay, now a few other Kingdom officials are following us and my confidence is evaporating like ice would in a heat wave up here. "Erin," Betty pats down one of the chairs down and greets me. "There is still so much the Princess needs to know and learn about before being crowned Queen of the Heavenly Kingdom. That power is a huge responsibility and God knows what we'll do if she ran away." she stresses out in paranoia. (Honestly, I would too in that position.) "I mean, who wouldn't want the fun and perks of being ruler of the best place above!" Heather finally smiles; slightly antsy at the thought. "I mean, it's important that she returns to the Kingdom as soon as possible."

Now she's taking the situation at hand seriously… Maybe she's jealous of Courtney!

I curl my bottom lip to my left so I can whisper trash about her to Marissa, but we all here a hiss and screech from one of the beautiful stained-glass windows before I'm able to. "What on Earth was that?" Earl adjusts his eyeglasses; perplexed at the noise. It repeats again, only louder and seems to have passed through the walls. "Show yourself before we call the Royal God-Guided Guard!" Heather looks around and yells assertively. "I have some information about the Princess… I'm sure you'd love to hear it." We survey the room and see if anyone said that. "None of us talk anything like that voice." "We didn't say anything either." I mumble clear enough so the others could hear. "Then who did?" Earl grumbles in his old-man voice; his back slightly hunched. "I did." A cloud of ash and dust swirls around in front of the throne. "I think it's a demon." I peep out my guess to the group.

Ironically, I was right! Usually I guess wrong or people trust me, figure out that my judgement was inaccurate, and get angry. A female demon with dark fire-colored hair and horns emerged as the cloud of ash and dust swirling around in the room faded away. Her hair was done in a classy bun; with a few ashy hearts in her hair. But I remember how to identify a demon and a devil. The most obvious giveaway I observed just now or so was her skin tone; which was a pale orange-gray color. Sort of. Her shoes were these black pumps that had a sort of tattered design. They were kinda interesting. Anyways...everyone, including yours truly, is absolutely panicked and terrified. None of us have seen a demon in years since the day Courtney lost her parents… Except Earl, of course; who claims to see them in his dreams. "Y-you know something about the Princess?" Heather asks her; shivering in fear like the rest of us. "Yes, I happen to know where she's hiding…" the demon replies in an eerie yet feminine voice. "Well then, where is she?! The coronation is in a matter of months and if the Princess isn't present, God knows how this kingdom's government will be organized! Besides the Kind Council, of course." Marissa grumbles curious and impatiently. Sometimes my friend gets in trouble for her grumpiness when she gets impatient. "Believe it or not, the Devil kidnapped her! She's currently in his Hell Palace…" our uninvited guest smirks evilly.

"Can we trust her? She is a demon. Demons are known for being deceptive and sketchy. They do whatever they want and only work for themselves! Demons are a mystery, you know? So I'm not sure..." I reflect on my opinion. Now that I think about it, this demon-girl looks really familiar. "To find the Princess, we have no other option, Erin. We must." Leonardo explains. "Thank you! What's your name? By the way, I love your dark red coat. Dark colors are so in style in the Province." Heather points at her clothing and smiles in a friendly way. I don't remember the last time she's done that… "Elianna. I am happy to serve the ones who...who…do great things! Yeah. That's what I meant." she smiles innocently and poofs magically out of our sight. Well, that was extra suspicious… I knew Duncan was a baddie, but I didn't think he'd swoop down this low! I hope Courtney's hanging on and doing okay over there. If you're imprisoned there, it's literally Hell. But if you're not and he's nice to you, it's kind of like a wicked paradise, I guess. I've been there before, a long time ago, so it would make sense that I'd know what it's like. The only thing is that no one but my mom and God (obvi.) have this information. "I knew that despicable beast was never to be trusted! I'm actually glad he left!" Betty gets frustrated at the scandal we have to deal with. "Well, we can't just leave her there in that blazing hot prison." Earl explains; scratching his head. Probably trying to think of a plan like the rest of us. But I already have a plan of my own... "We need to address this rational and reasonably. Maybe I could go and bring her back…" I share my idea. FAIL. Everyone looks at me; horrified at what I just said. "Erin, do you know how dangerous Hell is? It's blazing hot, you could burn to death, the Devil might freaking kill you, the journey is going to be long, you'll have to-"

I interrupt him and reason with the Council, "Yes Earl, I know the dangers of being away from the kingdom's protection. If I don't come back after a week, you guys can just call the Royal God-Guided Guard to save us." "Well, you are really annoying, Earl's too old to go and no one else would be willing so I agree." Heather nods in approval. "Okay, I agree." "We'll miss you." Marissa sighs. "I'll bring back a souvenir for you, promise." I smile and gently pat her left shoulder. "We're trusting your judgement for the last time, Erin. But if this doesn't work, your stable privileges will be taken away for a month." Leonardo adds a consequence. They know my love for the royal horses, unicorns, alicorns, pegasi all too well... "This won't be official unless you yourself agree in writing, Erin. We'll have one of the scribes make a contract for you to sign." Earl explains. "Until that's officially completed, You'll stay here and start packing. Be safe over there, okay?" Betty and Marissa advise me at the same time. I nod in agreement. "We need you verbal approval, ma'am." Leonardo reports; directly addressing me. "I support my decision and the plan of mine going into motion." I clinch and agree with everyone else in the room. "Meeting adjourned." Heather declares; slamming her fist strongly onto the table. Phew! I'm glad that's over. And that the table didn't break. I heard it was crafted from one of the finest marble slabs from at least an era ago. Enough about that; I survived! Haven't felt this good since… the time I played hairstylist with Courtney, or when Duncan would bring me batches of lavender. I miss both of them. "Can't wait to see you soon." I glance at the obsidian palace in the distance from the window. My cheeks feel wet at the memories and the fact that neither of them are here with me.

I stroll back down the hall to visit Courtney's room and can't help feeling victorious. I'll get to see both of the people I've missed so much, AND the chance to show the Kingdom that I can be a hero! This could change everything… "So, how did it go?" Mom interrupts my reflection on the meeting. "Great! Only we had an encounter with a demon…" Wish I left that part out… "Darling are you okay?! That must have been absolutely terrifying!" "Mother, it really wasn't all that," She gives me an intimidating stare. For some reason, my mom has this amazing ability to know when/if I'm lying or not. "Okay, okay. It was super spine-chilling…" just bringing my mind back to what happened releases the fear I felt at that exact moment. "But, Mom," "Yes darling?" "Do you think Duncan would ever do anything really bad? Like, perchance, kidnapping?" I attempt to avoid eye contact with her but I can't. "There are rumors going around that the Devil kidnapped the Princess, aren't there?" Me and my mom are the only ones who know that Duncan is the Devil and ran away from the Kingdom to make Hell his home. Everyone else who knew (except the King and Queen) was brainwashed as a royal decree by order of Courtney's parents to protect their subjects from him. I have to answer her honestly; I never seem to do well with fibbing to my mom. "Yes. There are, but-" My mom pulls me into a tight, yet comfy hug. "I need to tell you something first before I start packing." "Are you visiting your pal Stella in the Province already?! Why didn't-" "First of all, no one uses the term 'pal' anymore and no I'm not visiting her. I'm on a quest. I have to go to Hell to bring Courtney back and save the kingdom." That must have been a lot to take in. "I will NOT allow it. Are you going by yourself?" I mumble a very hard-to-hear 'yes' under my breath. "No, no, no. I won't let my precious gem out there alone. At least bring someone you trust with you!" "I promised the Council already, Mother. It's too late to deny it. Hey, why don't you come with me?" I offer. "Absolutely n-" "Okay! Let's get packing." "That's not what I meant!" she looks fuming so I gently shove her out Courtney's room door and close it.

"Phew." I exhale a big amount of air in relief; even though I know my mom won't come with me. I allow my eyes to explore everything in her room. My royal BFF told me to feel free to enter anytime. (Except when she's feeling down, changing in out of her clothes, taking a shower or sleeping awkwardly, of course.) They stop at the wall she showed me a few months ago. There are exactly 5 beautifully painted murals of the Princess on one of the walls. I gaze into her eyes in my favorite mural where she's sitting on a tire swing with the sunset in the background and genuinely smiling at you; wearing her famous violet dress with lacy black flowers hemmed on the elegant skirt that goes just below her knees. "I can't wait to see you again…" I gush sappily at the mural; pressing one of my fingers gently onto her left hand that's holding onto the swing handle. Whenever she was around, Courtney never let me explore her closet. Why not, you know? I couldn't resist avoiding the door any longer. In her room, there are 2 separate doors; one to her massive walk-in bathroom and the other to her mysterious closet I've never been in. I take a few steps closer to the closet door and very slowly turn the knob. The moment I step into the room, the room brightens more and more. I stroll down deeper and deeper into her closet; I see hundreds of racks of dresses, gowns and other clothing articles. I thought this room had no end, but there was still an clear aisle way to walk on through this tremendously-sized closet. After shuffling what felt like miles, I reach the end!

Seriously, Courtney is sooo spoiled! I take out my distance-measurer my grandfather gave me 5 years ago. Turns out the distance from her room to the closet is 2 miles! Should I take a dress? Only live once… I look through the racks closest to me. I almost give up, but then find the one! This amazing dress I'm bringing to my room is a comfortable, cold-shoulder dress with studs covering the bodice in the shape of a plumeria flower. Its color for the most part is my favorite; aquamarine! It stops covering my body just below the knees and will go perfectly with this dark cyan necklace I have. "Erin! Erin! Where did that strange girl go…" I hear Heather calling for me in the distance. There's more in here, too! Courtney has an entire accessory section; with what seems like a million shelves holding purses, jewelry stands with earrings, bracelets and necklaces on them. There are also bins that have tons of full shoe boxes there. Feels like I'm shopping! Too strange, right? "ERIN! WHERE IN THE WORLD ARE YOU!!!!!" I hear Heather growl at what seems to be at the top of her lungs. I sprint out as fast as I can; my arms clinging to the dress as I go. When I reach her room, I get a hard slap in the face as a welcome gift. "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!!" she roars fiercely. "Hi…" "You went in her closet, didn't you." Heather probably noticed the dress. Dang it! "Y-yeah." I mumble. "Nice! I'm impressed. Didn't think a girl like you would do that. Think you could find me a classy dress?" I nod really slowly; stunned and praying to God that Courtney doesn't notice. "Let's go shopping!" she drags me back in there and closes the door. The 4 chandeliers I noticed earlier lit up the room again. "Who knew she had so many clothes…" I let my eyes take in the sights. Again. "Yeah. Anyways, what do you think of this cranberry red sleeve-less? It has that sweetheart design I love. It's gonna be perfect to wear it on my date I have next week." "Wait, you have a boyfriend?" "Doesn't everyone?" Heather inquires teasingly. "I don't." I shyly take a piece of my hair and tuck it behind one of my ears. So embarrassing! "This place is like a giant boutique. It even has lots of seating areas, dressing rooms with hanger-holders and everything!" my shopping 'buddy' points out; probably trying to change the subject. "I'll try it on. Can you wait for me?" "Uh… Sure?" "Great. Can't wait to see how it looks!" I'm sure she's smiling in there. I sit on this freakishly comfy stool and wait. Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz. "Erin, what's that noise?" "I'm checking right now…" I didn't know the friendship phones Courtney I used to use as kids teens still worked!

Since she ran away, I've been holding onto it with me at all times. "One sec, Heather!" "Take your time, girlfriend. Let me know if you find anything I might like!" "Okay." I answer her. "Hello?" "Erin?" "Courtney? Is that you?" "Who else has a friendship phone that can call you! Duncan stop it, stop!! Sorry about that, boyfriends." She giggles out of control. "Wait you're dating him?" "Yeah, why?" "Has he done anything to you yet?" "What do you mean? Duncan, seriously. Cut it out!!! I don't get it." "Did he tell you the 'me' story?" I ask her cautiously. "I think so… why?" "Has he made out with or kissed you or your neck or… b-" "Yeah." Court answers quickly. "WHAT???" "We've been together for at least a few weeks now and I think I'm-I'm…" my royal BFF mutters. "What? Tell me." I sigh; fearful for some reason. "Hey Princess, who you talkin' to?" Can't believe I'm hearing his voice. "Duncan, it's just Erin." "ERIN!" "Yes it's Erin, Dunkie. Relax. Sorry about that. Now he's trying to steal the phone. LET GO!" "No YOU let go!" "Her mom gave it to me years ago. It's mine!" I roll my eyes. They're arguing like a freaking old married couple... "Can I actually talk to him?" I ask awkwardly. "Why? You miss us, don't you?" Tears start rolling down my cheeks; slowly. One by one they fall onto my shirt. "Y-yes. I do. A lot. S-so much I'm h-hanging out w-with Heather…" I vent with the crying affecting my speech. "I feel horrible, how about we chat together? I don't trust him alone with this thing. It means a lot to me." "Sounds great." "Erin! Can you come over here? I need your opinion on this dress." "Uh, let's talk later." I mumble to Courtney. "Wait a minute, are you two going shopping? Without me???" I was uncomfortable with having to answer that question, so I hung up. She never finished her sentence and she usually tells me everything. (Not necessarily, though.) I knock on the dressing room door. "It's open." I open it and the dress Heather chose to try on looks flat out stunning on her. "Does it look okay? Is it too revealing? I want it to be revealing but not too-too revealing." I interrupt her with a compliment, "Girlfriend, it fits perfectly. It's not too revealing, hugs your curves in the right way and everything. Let's bring our awesome finds back to my room before any-" "Already ahead of you." she grabs my right hand, tugs me along, and starts to sprint to my room.

We're in my room now, and I am all out of breath. "Did anyone see us?" I ask her; wheezing in between every 2 seconds or so. "Nope, I think we're in the clear." Heather answers back; looking through the small gap from the closed door. "You have your normal clothes with you, right? Just making sure we didn't leave anything in there." I curiously inquire. "Yep. I also snagged a gorgeous pair of garnet stud earrings from there to go with my new dress." she reveals what her left wrist was covering. "Pretty." I smile back in adoration. "Erin, I wanted to ask you: who were you talking to?" "Uhhhh… Can you keep a secret?" "Of course. You're the only one here who knows that I have a boyfriend from the Guard. TMI!!!" "Okay... you see. I was talking to Courtney on these 'friendship phones' my mom bought us from the village toy store when we were kids before I started working here. And she and Duncan are dating and she's had her first-" "Wait, you had a way to contact Courtney the entire time and didn't tell the Council! Soon, you'll be sooo dead!" I look down at the floor in pure shame. "Eventually. I don't have the nerve to tattle on you. That's childish. After going shopping with someone who gets me, I can't be evil to them. I mean, come on!" Heather lets out this loud laugh. I awkwardly start to crow too. I've never heard her laugh before, It sounded nice. "And by the way, who's Duncan?" I can't afford to tell anyone and I just have to hide the secret. "Oh, just some guy we know." "Okay. Can't help but be curious, right?" she winks at me. "Spending time with you has been too much fun." "Yeah, we should do this more often." I remark honestly. Heather gives me a hug and takes a step back with a pure smile on her face, "Definitely. I'll see you at dinner!" "Bye!" I wave as my (2nd!!!) girlfriend carries her earrings safely in her palm and her normal clothes tightly as she flies out of my room.

This has been a bitter-sweet day, but more sweet.