Speeding over the craggy track, Morrigan could see the last obstacle in front of her. She was among the fastest runners while both of her sisters only just had gotten over the giant mountain obstacle.

I wonder what is the last obstacle—hopefully, something where I can remain in my shadow form.

"And here our dear contestants are finally approaching the last hurdle! Can you guess what it is? Well, let me tell you – it is the Lake of Balance," Azrael announced, his enthusiasm having grown twofold since the start of the race.

Lake of Balance? Oh, please don't tell me there's more lava involved.

As Morrigan got closer she saw a large basin that appeared to be filled with some shimmering liquid. Above the lake, there was a similar shimmering mist, which sparkled like stars in the night sky.

"Pretty, isn't it? But think twice about touching the shimmering water and mist, because the moment you do, it'll teleport you straight back to the shore. So wings won't work, digging won't work and unfortunately for our leading princess, shadows also won't work since it also produces light," Azrael cackled.

Really? I swear, he must have been the one to have come up with these sadistic obstacles.

As Morrigan reached the shore of the lake, she saw many wooden beams laid over the top of the water. They weren't very wide and provided no shadows in which Morrigan could hide, as the water illuminated the bottom of the beam as well.

No worries, I did a lot of balancing exercises with Lady Lily and I am smaller than most participants. It shouldn't be too hard for me to cross.

Morrigan and other frontrunners each chose their own beam and began a slow balancing act over the lake. She steadily put one foot in front of the other and kept her hands to the sides to help her balance. Her tail also helped her by providing extra balance, thus she could confidently keep marching forward. A few demon nobles saw her pulling ahead and sped up their pace to match her.

But they couldn't keep up with her for long and soon fell into the shimmering water. A few seconds later, they were back on the lakeshore, drenched from head to toe. Morrigan looked back and saw that Deziara and Viana had also reached the lake, and had begun to cross it.

Deziara made it over the mountain. Great. Now I can keep moving forward without worries.

Morrigan also noticed that the elven boy was closely behind her, his small stature also making it easier for him to cross. She kept walking forward, making sure to utilize all of Lady Lily's lessons – straight head, straight back, uniform steps, calm breaths.

"Princess Morrigan is going to win!" The crowd began to chant her name, and before she even knew it she was across the lake. Morrigan swiftly turned into a shadow again and headed straight for the finish line. There were less than five hundred meters left – she could already see the golden ribbon stretched across the finish line.

I can do it! I can win!

Morrigan's heart swelled with excitement, and she rushed forward as quickly as she could without looking back.

"Dear audience, please watch closely, because our dearest little princess is approaching the finish line! If you blink, you'll miss it!" Azrael cheered, and the crowd erupted alongside him.

Morrigan pushed herself to move faster and faster. The finish line was just a few meters away. Suddenly bright light exploded right in front of her, and she felt herself being ripped from her shadow form and materializing onto the craggy track.

"Sorry, but I'll be taking this victory," Galandir announced and crossed over the finish line, breaking the golden ribbon in the process. Morrigan quickly scrambled onto her feet and ran across the last remaining meters to the finish, ending up in second place.

The crowd booed angrily at Galandir, calling him a cheater and demanding his disqualification.

"Settle down, folks! The slave won fair and square. I said that harming others is prohibited, but he never caused Princess Morrigan any harm. He merely forced her out of her shadow form," Azrael argued against the crowd, which became only more agitated.

Suddenly Alphegor stood up from his seat on the podium, and the crowd instantly settled down.

"Princess Morrigan, do you believe the actions of this boy to be fair?" he spoke up in his booming voice.

I can't say that I liked being forced out of my shadow form, but I'm not petty enough to hold a grudge over it. Better settle this peacefully.

"While I regret not taking first place in this race, I believe that Galandir's actions were fair. He knew my weakness and took advantage of it, however, at the same time it has not done me any harm," she said, trying to sound gracious.

There was a quiet muttering among the spectators at first, but then they slowly began to clap and cheer. Deziara approached the finish line, ending up in third place, and right after her came the infernal and vampire champions.

The crowd cheered as more and more people crossed the finish line, and soon it seemed like the matter regarding Galandir was forgotten.

***

"Demons, duergar, drow, vampires and other guests, the Test of Speed is officially complete!" Azrael cheered for the whole Underworld to hear, and the audience responded with thunderous applause.

"Our four hundredth participant just crossed the finish line which means that unfortunately everyone else is still left on the track – your time of glory is over. But do not despair, you can always try again at the next festival. But for now, let's move on to our winners!"

The crowd cheered so loud that Morrigan wanted to cover her ears from the noise. Deziara, who was standing next to her, among the other winning contestants, was basking in the spotlight, waving at the crowd. She waved with extra enthusiasm at the podium where Alphegor sat who responded with a satisfied nod.

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"Now, I won't name each winner since then we'll be stuck here until tomorrow, but I will note that all of our princesses and the champions of the foreign delegation have successfully passed the Test of Speed," Azrael said, then added after a brief pause. "The winner of today's task was the champion of the fallen delegation, Galandir."

The cheers disappeared and silence settled over the scene like a heavy blanket. Galandir, who stood in the very center of the winners, shifted uncomfortably as everyone stared at him. Morrigan could already imagine all the hateful things that were itching to escape from their mouths.

He's supposed to be the winner yet everyone looks at him as if he were a murderer. I can't say that I like him too much, since he tried to steal something from us. But I cannot let this silence go on and fester into something unsavory. Perhaps, I could ease the tension at least a little bit.

Morrigan began to applaud at Galandir, each clap of her hands echoing loudly through the area like a bell. The scrutinizing gazes shifted to her, however, she kept applauding in hopes that somebody would join in. Alphegor stood up from his seat on the podium and began applauding as well. The moment everyone saw the King's action, they quickly followed suit, easing the tension in the air.

Thank you, Father!

Morrigan smiled at him, and Alphegor nodded at her, ending the applause and sitting down.

"Most excellent! Now with today's task over I suggest you all head back to the Linberor City Square as many delectable treats have been cooked up by chefs from all over the Underworld. Trust me when I say that if you were waiting for a good day to treat yourself – this is that day!" Azrael announced and the crowd slowly began moving back towards the city.

"I wonder what kind of dishes are they cooking up in the square," Morrigan said, excited by the prospect of trying new foods.

"It doesn't matter to us. We have to attend dinner with foreign delegations and their champions," Viana said sharply. Some curious contestants, mostly demons, were beginning to approach the princesses. However, their private guards quickly surrounded them, creating a protective wall.

"What? I never heard of such a thing," Deziara protested, glaring at Viana. Some people were looking curiously at the ongoing ruckus, so Morrigan pulled on her sister's sleeve. Deziara looked around and quickly shrunk back, realizing all the eyes that were glued to them.

"You should have listened carefully. Father talked about that this morning," Viana retorted and then strode off with her two guards in tow.

I think I remember something like that. But I was so nervous about the competition in the morning that most of what he said just went over my head.

Morrigan sighed and gently pulled on Deziara's sleeve, "We better get going. Maybe we can enjoy the food next time."

"But next time it will be something completely different," Deziara whined.

"I know. But we don't have much of a choice," Morrigan whispered, and her sister finally relented. Both girls headed towards the Demon Castle, their moods dejected despite being winners.

***

If this goes on for much longer I am going to die of boredom!

The diplomats from various delegations were currently discussing the matters of establishing a friendly relationship. In theory, it seemed like a good topic – Morrigan firmly believed that the Underworld nations should live together peacefully. However, over time, it became a bragging contest of sorts.

Demons were great at doing this, drow were excellent at doing that, duergar were unmatched in this field, the fallen had the best whatever material in whatever you call it place. While she was certainly no expert politician, she was certain that trying to outbrag each other certainly wasn't a solid way of establishing a friendly relationship.

"You're beginning to slouch again," Viana reprimanded, and Morrigan quickly straightened in her seat. This was the other thing that irked her – whenever she or Deziara did something wrong, Viana took it upon herself to correct them. Each time she did it, Morrigan had the urge to singe a few hairs off her head.

Miss Bossypants could lay off our backs for once. It's not my fault that this place is so boring.

Morrigan restrained a sigh and looked at her empty dinner plate. While the meal offered was certainly delicious, it wasn't nearly enough to satisfy her appetite after spending so much energy during the race. The guests weren't shy about asking for seconds, however, when she had tried to do that, Viana had reprimanded her once again and Morrigan was forced to concede.

Looking around the table, she noticed how essentially everyone, who wasn't involved in the "diplomatic" discussion, appeared rather bored. Azrael being the most extreme example – completely slumped in his chair and openly yawning.

Geez, you could at least try to appear civil.

Their eyes suddenly met, and Azrael stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes back, mimicking being dead. Morrigan glared at him and motioned for him to straighten. He just shook his head in response and slouched down even more. She motioned him to straighten again, and suddenly Azrael perked up. A mischievous glint appeared in his eyes and he opened his mouth to speak.

Oh, no! He's plotting something again.

"Your Majesty, if I may be as rude as to interrupt," Alphegor glared at Azrael, who continued speaking. "I couldn't help but notice that our precious princesses looked tired after the whole race. Wouldn't it be better if they retreated early?"

I'm sorry I doubted you, Azrael. Thank you!

Alphegor shot a suspicious glance at Morrigan, when the vampire champion spoke up, her voice as sweet as honey.

"I believe Lord Azrael is right. All participants performed most admirably, I think it would be fair for those who are tired to retreat and rest."

A wave of quiet nods resounded in the dining hall. Alphegor carefully looked over everyone, then finally nodded, "Very well. All participants of the competition may retreat to rest."

"I shall remain, Father. I do not feel tired at all," Viana smiled sweetly at Alphegor. Morrigan had the urge to remain just to prove that she wasn't tired in the slightest, but before she could say anything Deziara had grabbed onto her hand and was dragging her away from the table.

"Thank you, Father! We shall take this opportunity to go rest," she said, giving Alphegor a quick curtsy and then resumed dragging Morrigan away. With the urgency she was pulling her, it felt like there was something Deziara wanted from her.

"What is it, Deziara?" Morrigan asked Deziara as soon as they left the dining hall.

"This is our chance to go see all the food being sold at the market square!" Deziara cheered excitedly.

"Wait… You mean go to the market square by ourselves?" Morrigan asked in shock.

"Not by ourselves. We have our guards with us," Deziara said pointing at their guards, who looked at both of them nervously.

"This doesn't sound like you. Remember what happened the last time we went to the market by ourselves," Morrigan said, remembering the horrible kidnapping incident.

"Admittedly, it was Azrael who gave me the idea. But this is different. We are older, we are stronger and it's a festival. Who'd try to kidnap us at a festival? Besides, we can easily disguise ourselves," Deziara said excitedly.

"Princesses, please reconsider. His Majesty has not permitted you to leave," one of the guards spoke up.

"Are you saying that you wouldn't be able to protect us?" Deziara retorted.

"No! Of course, we would. We'd protect you with our lives," they all replied in unison.

"See, there's no issue. Let's go, Morri!" Deziara grabbed Morrigan's hand and began dragging her towards the castle exit.

There's no changing her mind now. I'll have to be extra vigilant. If there's something even a little bit suspicious I am instantly calling Azrael.