#deshaxreader

Desha looked at the impressive crowd gathered in the streets. Today was a special day, it was the Underworld’s festival to celebrate the year that was about to end and to welcome the new one to come. Every human and nonhuman were partying without making any distinctions of race or appearance. It was really an achievement for him, the consecration of all his sacrifices. It was not the first one they were holding, it was the fifth, but this year it was particularly huge. Obviously, he was leading the whole thing, as the king, and everyone was honouring him with acclamations, or small gifts. In the first couple of editions, he had been really bothered and annoyed by all those displays, but with time he had understood how important it was for his people to show how much they were grateful to him. And because neither Ouken nor Despa would let him avoid it or try to refuse anything. 

During that day and night, there were a lot of events, like songs, dances, spectacles, a big feast and beautiful fireworks. Everyone would put on their best outfits and talk happily with their neighbours. The king was not the only one being honoured during that time, all the guards and people working for the well-being of the kingdom were celebrated too. And that included you. As the Underworld’s guard’s Lieutenant, you were working your ass all year round to make everyone safe and sound. You were doing it because you loved it, and not one second you would have thought how much the people were thankful to you. They had been rather discreet the previous year, but tonight they were no longer holding back. 

Already during the parade, you had received a lot of praise and some flowers from children or people in the crowd. Fortunately, you were on your mount so you didn’t have to stop, but now that it had ended and that you no longer had that excuse, you were obliged to receive all their affection. It was really embarrassing, and you quickly became flustered. However, you also felt that it was your job to welcome their will since you were a servant of the kingdom. So it ended up with you, red on the cheeks, looking like a cornered animal, with a trembling smile and a lot of sweat. 

At first, Desha had found it particularly amusing to see you in such a dire situation, mainly because it was only fair that he was not the only one suffering, and then because you rarely looked that embarrassed. He really liked seeing you like this and spent most of the day shamelessly looking at you. Until he began to notice some behaviour from his own people. Most of the men and women were grateful to the Lieutenant, but some were more than that. The first time everyone was sitting down for the feast, and the king was peacefully drinking his cup while making fun of Ouken that was receiving a lot of wedding propositions (as always) when you receive one too. 

He coughed out the glass’ content, ready to go kill the bold one who had dared ask you out. Maybe it was a secret that you two were dating for a couple of years, but it was not an excuse! However, he had no legitimate reason to take action, and Ouken gently patted his back with a pitiful smile on his lips (while Despa was laughing his ass out without any compassion). Desha broke his cup out of frustration when he saw you smile at the women who had dared approach you. He could not hear exactly what was going on but it was pretty obvious. Thankfully, you rejected her. 

But it was not the end. You received a couple of other propositions, and even if you accepted none of them, it put Desha in a difficult situation. The pride of seeing the one he loved being so much appreciated was largely tainted by the fact that he did not especially like to see you being courted that actively. Until then, he had given almost no thought about making your relationship known, there were more drawbacks than benefits, but now it was different… 

That night, when you met with your king, a bit exhausted but your head full of stars and your cheeks still red, Desha made you love with so much enthusiasm that you lost your voice for a full day after that. 

*

“... like this, it will be perfect”, Despa concluded after his long speech.

“Is all this really necessary ?” Desha sighed, scratching his neck. 

He had come looking for advice from his brother, after all with Ouken, his two siblings were pretty popular, and Despa was the most cultivated of them. 

“It is !” He almost shouted out of enthusiasm. “It is something that happens only once in a lifetime! It has to be per-fect !”

His younger brother was beaming, clearly talking about it was making him really happy, and secretly he was even more glad that Desha would come looking for his advice on that particular and very intimate matter. 

“If you say so…” 

After all, he had willingly come to get Despa’s advice, therefore it would only make sense to listen to them now, and act on it.

However, each time he wanted to go on what his brother had advised him, the king would find him unable to do a single thing. It did not feel right, and so out of character for him that he was just stuck, unable to decide what to do. On one hand, he was ready to do the thing, but on the other hand, the way to do it was hard to determine. Despa had to be right, obviously, himself knew nothing about the rules, and the worst would be that he could ward you off by doing the wrong thing. 

The more he was thinking about it, the more he was feeling anxious. However, as he was used to it, he just kept everything to himself. He did not want to bother anyone with his silly problems, and just try to keep his head cool. Until one day he almost snapped at a merchant from the surface, during a reunion. That whole ordeal was going way out of hand, it was unacceptable for him that it was going in the way of his kingdom’s well being. So he went straight to the training ground to take some steam off.  He was a bit disappointed to not find you around here, before remembering that you were out in town for a short mission. Anyway, he started to train alone. 

 “Care to spare with me?” 

Desha looked at Ouken, his brother’s expression was quite proud, and while he was going to reject him at first, he finally chose to give him a chance. After all, he was the only one around who could give him some kind of challenge. 

“Don’t go cry if I hurt you”, he said in a condescending voice.

“I’m not a cry baby…” 

The king said nothing, but the look on his face what quite obvious that for him he would always be his little baby brother. So, they went on their duel, and it quickly escalated into some kind of God battle. Desha was holding back to be able to enjoy it, and Ouken gave it all. Like this, they almost destroyed half the castle until the youngest finally gave up. 

“You’re so strong, big brother”, he smiled widely, absolutely not saddened to have lost to him, quite the contrary even. 

“It's nothing”, Desha shrugged off, surely Ouken was the only person in front of whom he would not brag. 

“But even I can tell there's something on your mind”, the youngest spotted while wiping the sweat from his bare chest. 

“What are you talking about, did I hit you too hard on the head ?” The king instantly attacked with a smirk.

“Don't do that with me aniki, I know you too well. Just empty your bag, you'll feel better.”

It was a delicate and hard gamble to try and make his brother open up. Almost every time he would just clamp and hide behind his hard jokes, to try and make the other people run from him. But, the topic had to be really special because, after a suspicious and angry look, Desha scratched his neck before putting his head in his hands, and placing it on top of his weapon with an annoyed pout. 

“I have asked Despa for advice, but now I find it difficult to follow them”, he finally admitted. 

“Hm, Despa is usually right about everything”, Ouken nodded, “But I guess it’s up to you if it’s more personal for you or our brother.”

He stopped to think a moment, his expression became suspicious.

“But maybe if you tell me what it’s about, I’ll be able to help you too !” His smile went too cute, to be honest.

“Bah stop it !” Desha rejected him, waving his hands. “I have work to do !”

Ouken laughed, even he could see that something really interesting was going on with his older brother, and he was very eager to know what all this was about!

Meanwhile, you were far from guessing what was coming for you. Your relationship with your king had been a secret for so long that you no longer questioned it. And the most important persons were already aware of it, so you did not even fantasize about the thought of changing it. 

That day, you were quietly going on about training the new recruits when Captain told you that the king was looking for you. You thanked him, before going straight for the throne room, feeling excited to see him so soon in your day. Usually, your two schedules were hard to mix, and you could only see him during the evening and night since he would get up earlier than you. It surely was just about some mission in the Underworld, but it was still a rare occasion to see your handsome boyfriend! You entered the room with a happy smile.

“I hope I am the one that makes you smile like this”, the king jested when seeing you.

“Of course! There’s nobody more gorgeous than you, so it can’t be anyone else!”, you straightly answered without a care in the world for other ears.

Desha scoffed, the back of his neck red, and he felt grateful toward himself to have thought about making everyone else leave beforehand. Your genuine behaviour was not new for him, however, he would still get flustered while hearing you spout such nonsense with such a straight face. 

“Let’s head out before you found more stupid things to say”, your king finally spoke again once the heat in his ears was more bearable.

The two of you rode for a while. The day slowly started to end, while you lightly chatted with your king and lover. You had no idea of where you were going, however, you did not try to ask. It was funny to let yourself lead like that, especially when Desha was obviously making a lot of effort. He was committing a lot in small talk, which was not usually his forte, and he looked on edge. 

Finally, you looked at the scenery, feeling really relaxed. It was so pleasant to be like this with your king, that you immediately felt like getting used to it. It was not the first time you had gone there with him, but it was still quite rare. He had once told you that it was the place his mother would go when she was fed up with his father and her hardship as a whole. There were a couple of big and ancient trees, they looked a lot out of place here in the Underworlds, but they were magnificent. Their branches were going down to the ground and were heavy from the plethora of pink flowers on them. It was then impossible to see any of the trunks, and you could guess that it should be quite comfy and beautiful from inside. 

“I can’t get tired of it”, you commented, you’re eyes widening as if trying to catch all the prettiness from the few trees.

“You know that you can come whenever you want”, Desha shrugged off with a quick smirk.

“It’s not quite the same without you”, you explained switching your gaze to look at him. Your cheeks went a little pink when you noticed how his expression would change when he was here. His eyes were focused on the scenery, and softened a lot, while his usual mocking attitude just vanished to just let the men behind it. You thought that maybe it was the young man he should have been before his hard life took its toll on him. Anyway, you found him even more breathtaking than the rest. 

“Why do you say that ?” He asked with a bit of delay before looking in your direction. He immediately froze when he saw your tender expression only dedicated to him. His embarrassment went immediately high, and he turned his face away. “Let’s just get over with it”, he grumbled.

You simply smiled, totally relaxed, waiting for whatever your king had in store for you. He stayed silent for a moment, looking at the trees. But when you took a step to come closer to him, a shout made you stop.

“Y/N!”

A woman was running toward here, and you immediately recognize her. It was the same person who had asked you out during the last festival. Kyra, she was around your age, and she knew you because you had helped a lot during the year by building a couple of houses close to the town for new citizens of the Underworld. You had only done your job, still, it seemed to have meant a lot for her, even if obviously you had turned her down.

“I’m so happy to see you !”

The trees were not far from the new residential area, so it was not strange, although she could not have found worse timing to show up. 

“Kyra, what are you doing here ?”

“I could ask you the same, what you are doing here alone? Did you get a day off?”

You turned around, but she was right, your king had clearly chosen to hide, letting you alone to deal with your admirer. 

“Something like that yes”, you evasively answered. “What can I do to help you?”

“I wanted to ask you to reconsider being my girlfriend”, she boldly asked. 

You were taken aback by her nerve, usually, you would be quite easy-going, but that kind of situation was not usual and once you had done the logical thing (refusing) you did not understand what you should do. The worst part was that you knew that your king was close, and you did not want him to see or hear anything of these, in case it could make him feel bad. You looked for your words, but nothing would come to your mind.

“Is it what they call harassment?” An arrogant voice wondered from over your head.

“King Desha !” Kyra exclaimed, obviously embarrassed to have been spotted by him. “It’s not what it looks like…”

“Are you taking me for an idiot?” His way of asking was terrifying but you looked at him while holding a smile, you were really appreciating to see him behaving like your protector. It was kind of nice. 

“It’s just that I love her !” She blushed. “I want to take care of her !”

“I know first hand that our Lieutenant is already taken”, Desha immediately stopped her, frowning more and more as his cool began to disappear. 

“I don’t care”, Kyra almost shouted out of passion. “I would take better care of her than everyone else! Should it even be you, King Desha!”

The demigod’s expression went ugly, and you thought that it was maybe time for you to take action before something bad happen because of an idiot woman. 

“It’s nice of you my king to help me out, but I can take care of it myself. Kyra ?” You called out loudly making her jump. “How can you tell you love me when you do not even respect my feelings?”

“I… I-”

“Let me finish”, you interrupted her. “As my king has said, my heart is already taken. And there’s nobody in the world who would be able to take it back. Not even myself”. 

Desha’s ears went really hot, while you looked ignited with passion. The young woman in front of you seemed close to the tears, but she suddenly ran away without insisting any longer.

“Damn, that was a real hindrance”, you sighed, before freezing in front of your king’s expression. “Desha you look too cute right now, I do not know if I can stop myself from kissing you…”

“Stop teasing me”, he mumbled unable to get a grip on his feeling after hearing you shout so bravely about your affection for him.

“It was not my intention”, you explained before adding with a mutinous smile. “At first…”

It was so hard for Desha to look at you right now, so he just took a step back and went back to hiding under the tree’s branches. However, a second later you met up with him, a daring smile on your face. At that instant, he cursed your boldness, even if it was also thanks to it that he was there today. He scratched his neck, looking for his own bravery. 

Being hidden from the whole world, under a pink dome made everything easier. It was as if that space existed only for the both of you. For a short moment, Desha forgot about all his worries, focusing only on what he wanted to do. It was time for him to grasp a bit of happiness from his existence. It was not too late to ask for some. 

“Y/N, would you marry me?”

He could not hold on to his blush and felt his heart go mad in his chest. It was so loud that he felt terribly embarrassed because of it. He had taken out a ring in his palm and was extending it to you while kneeling on one knee. But all his gestures made him feel silly and goofy. He could really easily picture himself on the ground, a gigantic and twisted monster trying to behave like a human. 

Each second made it harder for him, and when he dared to look at you, he was even more stressed while seeing you hiding your face in your hands. 

“I should have known it was ridiculous”, he began to say, disappointed by himself to have put you in such a difficult situation. 

It was obvious to him that you were doing your best to hide your disgust about the idea of spending a lifetime with him.

“Please not another word my king”, you quickly muttered through your fingers. “Do not move either.”

Now he was lost. Your voice did not look disgusted or annoyed, if he had to say, it seemed as if you had trouble speaking as a whole. He began to stare at your hands until he noticed something clear dripping from them. His heart raced again, making him feel bad.

“Are you crying?” He asked without thinking. 

“No!” You shouted turning yourself without thinking. “Why can’t I hold them back…”

Desha wanted to rush by your sides, but it was still not clear to him why you were suddenly so emotional. And you had ordered him not to move. Not that he would listen to you, but his anxiety was preventing him from acting on his worries about you. Thankfully, you quickly turned back, your hands down this time. 

“Desha I want to marry you, yes !” You valiantly claimed, your cheeks red and soaked with tears, with a smile so bigger than all the others he had seen. 

“Really?” That was all he could say. That you could agree had not really been on his agenda, and now he had no idea what to do about it.

Fortunately, you were so taken in the emotion that you just jumped in his arms, making him fall backwards on the grass. He automatically clenched his fist around the ring to not lose it, and catch you with his other hand. You did not let him the time to get his thoughts in order, and went on kissing him. At first, Desha was passive, but if you were going on like this, that had to mean that you were happy no? So, he responded to your kisses, and you cuddled for a while. 

“I’m sorry for crying”, you finally said once you had calmed down. “It just really took me by surprise.”

“As long as you truly want it”, Desha asserted with a shaky smile. 

“Of course I truly want it! I guess I just had thought that our relationship would never change, so I never thought you would want to do something so engaging…”

Desha stared at you for a moment, without making a jock or a smirk, he just look at you, intensely. 

“If it is with you, I can do anything.”

Despa te llevo hasta otra habitación que había justo al lado de la prisión. Daba la sensación de ser una cárcel en sí misma, era diminuta y solo tenía una mesa en el centro rodeada de un par de sillas. Carecía de ventanas y la única fuente de luz era una pequeña lámpara de aceite en la pared, pero la puerta era de madera en vez de metal, al contrario que el resto de celdas.

Despa había traído un par más de lámparas para que no pareciese una habitación tan lúgubre y un par de bandejas repletas de dulces y pastas. 

El príncipe, como de costumbre, retiró una de las sillas para que te sentaras en ella y él se sentó en la silla que quedaba al otro lado de la mesa, quedandose enfrente tuyo. 

Notabas como los nervios te invadían por segundos. Empezabas a confiar de verdad en estas personas, pero por esa misma razón te daba pavor que acabarán heridas o afectadas por tu poder. 

La habitación empezaba a agobiarte por momentos. 

Las paredes parecían encogerse poco a poco y la falta de ventanas no ayudaba en nada. Cogiste un par de galletas de una de las bandejas para intentar no darle demasiadas vueltas a todo aquello. 

Viéndote tan nerviosa, Despa puso sus manos sobre la mesa con las palmas mirando al techo y te espero con su expresión amable de siempre. Le imitaste juntando tus manos con las suyas. Él te sonrió, acariciándote las manos mientras se concentraba y os quedasteis un largo rato en esa posición sin moveros. El rubio cambiaba su expresión de vez en cuando aun con los ojos cerrados, no sabias bien bien que estaba haciendo pero parecía tener un conflicto intern. 

Hasta que finalmente, habló. 

— ¿Puedo preguntar qué recuerdas sobre tus padres?

“¿Otra vez esta pregunta?” Pensaste.

— Nada… Solo recuerdo a veces a mi padre, pero poco más. 

— Hmm…— Despa por fin te liberó las manos y se cruzó de brazos perdiéndose en sus pensamientos. 

— ¿Has conocido algún demonio alguna vez? 

 — ¿Eh? — la pregunta te pillo desprevenida. — N-No…Que yo sepa…

“¿Puede que algún amo…?” No, hasta donde tu sabes todos eran humanos. 

Jamás habías visto ni conocido a ningún demonio, pero si habias oido historias. Y ninguna presagiaba nada bueno. 

Pero… tendría sentido, tendría sentido que tu poder fuera cosa de.. 

— ¿Estoy maldita? — preguntaste en un hilo de voz.

— No. Es algo más complicado que eso…— Despa se masajeó la nuca. — Desha tenía razón…— suspiró — Tienes un poder parecido al de un demonio, o al menos sangre de demonio te corre por las venas. Eso seguro. 

“¿Sangre de demonio?”

— Es posible que uno de tus padres fuera…

Te dejaste caer sobre la silla, intentando procesar aquello. 

“¿Mi padre? No. Él no podía serlo…Entonces solo podía ser…”

— ¿Mi madre?  

Despa asintió.

— Nunca había oído algo así, si te soy sincero. Aparte de mitos, claro. 

— ¿Pero…esas cosas son posibles? — preguntaste, mientras tu cerebro intentaba buscarle una explicación a aquello. 

— Mírame a mí y a mis hermanos. — sonrió. — Realmente un dios y un demonio no son tan diferentes, en ese sentido. 

“¿Dioses y demonios?” Reiste con incredulidad. “¿Era una broma de mal gusto?”

 No, no lo era. 

Siempre has visto tu poder como una maldición. ¿Que esperabas que fuera?

— Me imagino que es algo difícil de procesar…— Despa se levantó y rodeó la mesa para acercarse a ti y te cogió la mano con delicadeza rodeandolas con las suyas. — Pero no tienes que pasar por todo esto tu sola. — sonrió acariciandote la mano con delicadeza. 

Desvíaste la mirada intentando ocultar las lagrimas que empezaban a emborronarte la vista. 

Otra vez aquel sentimiento. 

Otra vez aquel nudo en la garganta. 

“No.“

“No te derrumbes.”

Te levantaste apartandote de Despa en busca de aire. Él te observó apenado pero se quedó en su sitio esperando a que te calmaras. 

— Pensaba avanzar un poco más pero… mejor dejémoslo para la proxima. 

Asentiste sin tener ganas de continuar ni hoy, ni mañana. 

Volvisteis de vuelta hasta la puerta de tu habitación, Despa se mantuvo todo el camino en silencio, perdido en sus propios pensamientos. 

— ¿Estarás bien? 

Asentiste, sintiéndote algo más tranquila. 

— Mañana probaremos en otro lugar ¿De acuerdo? ¿Quizás afuera te sientas más cómoda? —  te encogiste de hombros y el príncipe te acarició el brazo con cariño despidiéndose de ti y se fue en dirección a su habitación. Se lo veía bastante decidido a ayudarte.

Entraste a tu habitación y te dejaste caer en la cama.

“¿Así que demonios, eh?” Reiste secamente. 

Hiciste un gran esfuerzo para intentar recordar a tu madre, pero eras incapaz. No recordabas ni su nombre. Ni su rostro, ni siquiera su voz. Nada. 

Rodaste sobre la cama quedando boca arriba. 

“¿Por qué ellos no están asustados?”

“¿Por qué no te han echado después de descubrir esto?”

“¿Y Desha lo sabía desde el principio? “

“¿Por qué no me echó?”  

Cerraste los ojos dejando ir un largo suspiro. No ibas a encontrar las respuestas que buscabas dándole más vueltas, así que te quedaste allí dejando pasar los minutos uno tras otro, recordando estos dos días.

¿Y si todo resultaba ser un sueño? ¿Y si Ray te había dado un último golpe que te impedía despertar? 

Te quedaste pensando en esa posibilidad mientras la quietud del ambiente te engullía poco a poco. Levantaste tu mano hacia el techo y volviste a abrir los ojos lentamente. La observaste, llena de cicatrices y de pequeñas heridas que empezaban ya a cicatrizar para unirse a sus hermanas. 

Diste una bocanada de aire y separando los labios poco a poco, susurraste. 

— Curate. 

Las heridas empezaron a desaparecer lentamente sin dejar ningún rastro. Como si nunca hubiesen estado allí. Al mismo tiempo empezaste a escuchar un crujido cerca tuyo. Te incorporaste ayudándote de los brazos y observaste como diminutas grietas aparecían en el cristal de la ventana, imitando exactamente tus cicatrices. Volviste a tumbarte. 

¿Cómo se suponía que ibas a entrenar aquello? 

Intentaste eliminar de tu mente a Despa resquebrajándose por culpa de tus poderes y te levantaste de un salto. 

Eso no iba a pasar

Buscaste en los cajones de la habitación en busca de algo para escribir y recopilaste en tu mente las palabras que sabías que podías usar. Por supuesto no te atreviste a pronunciar ninguna de ellas, por si acaso. A veces los efectos de algunas eran aleatorios, o eso creías, así que era mejor no arriesgarse. Escribiste en la hoja todas las que se te ocurrían, borraste y añadiste algunas que creías que podrías usar, pero desconocías por completo sus efectos.  

Odiabas usar tu poder o que supieran de él, pero si aquel era el pago por quedarte allí. Que así fuese. 

No era una lista muy larga, pero sí llena de palabras peligrosas. La leíste unas cuantas veces y tachaste algunas palabras que no querías siquiera tenerlas presentes. Agotada mentalmente dejaste caer la pluma a un lado y te levantaste notando que tu cuerpo te pedía moverte. 

Aún quedaban unas cuantas horas para la comida así que decidiste darte un paseo por la primera planta del castillo. Era una locura adentrarte tú sola más allá, tardarían semanas en encontrarte debido a la enormidad del castillo. Aunque realmente la gran mayoría de salas eran habitaciones y alguna sala vacía de reuniones o comedor pero no quisiste correr el riesgo. 

Paseaste por largos pasillos y alguna que otra sala pero no encontraste nada de interés ni que te llamará especialmente la atención, así que seguiste paseando entre los pocos guardias que te encontraban, los cuales se limitaban a saludarte o simplemente te ignoraban. Aburrida de no encontrar nada te dirigiste hacia el salón donde solías encontrarte con Despa, pero a medio camino recordaste el jardín que se veía desde tu balcón. El único problema es que para salir al balcón tenías que atravesar toda la sala del trono y seguramente allí estaría Desha. Pero el aburrimiento ganó la discusión y cambiaste tu rumbo. 

Cuando llegaste por fin a la sala principal del castillo te asomaste con disimulo. Las puertas estaban cerradas así que no parecía que fuera hora de “visitar” al rey, o en este caso al príncipe. Había algunos guardias repartidos por la gran sala y cerca del trono estaba Desha apuntando cosas en un papel y leyendo algunos otros. De vez en cuando le daba alguna orden a un guardia y éste salía disparado en alguna dirección mientras Desha volvía a su hoja.

 Empezaste a caminar con disimulo por la sala y ningún guardia ni Desha te hicieron el menor caso, casi parecía que no se habían dado cuenta de tu presencia pero viste como Desha te observo de reojo durante unos segundos, frunciendo levemente el ceño pero volvio al instante con su trabajo.. 

Los guardias que custodiaban la puerta que daba a los patios del castillo la abrieron nada más acercarte allí. Un escalofrío te recorrió el cuerpo por el gran estruendo que causó la puerta al abrirse. Miraste de reojo a Desha para ver si todo aquel escándalo le molestase, pero este solo levanto levemente la cabeza durante unos segundos y volvió a centrarse en su trabajo. El leve aire que entraba del exterior volvió a centrarte y saliste rápidamente al patio. Los guardias que había afuera dieron una señal y los de dentro cerraron de nuevo la puerta. 

Los minerales del techo cubrían el exterior con una tenue pero agradable luz amarillenta. Desde el balcón no pudiste apreciarlo del todo pero desde aquí te asombraste por la belleza del lugar. A pesar de lo tosco que podría parecer todo rodeado de piedra, reflejaba muy bien la luz del mineral creando algunas formas en la pared. Como si estuviesen hechos a propósito. Era un lugar precioso y lleno de sorpresas. 

Saliendo de tu embelesamiento empezaste a caminar por el patio. Allí continuaban luchando los soldados. 

¿Cuando descansaban? Ni si quiera los habías visto parar para comer. 

Decidiste sentarte en unas pequeñas cajas que habían por allí para observarlos. El jardín podría esperar.

Era realmente impresionante. Casi parecía una batalla real. Incluso algunos soldados acaban heridos por los fuertes golpes o incluso salían disparados del golpe pero entonces los atacantes los ayudaban a levantarse y se chocaban el puño amistosamente. Era sorprendente el aguante que tenían aquellos soldados.

No te diste cuenta cuando uno de ellos se te acerco y diste un brinco cuando alguien te daba un par de toquecitos en el hombro. Te encogiste pensando que te habías metido en un lío por estar allí. Pero al sacarse el casco te tranquilizaste al ver que se trataba de Ouken. El chico, como siempre, sonreía. 

— ¡Ey! — te saludo mientras se pasaba una mano por la frente secandose algo de sudor. — Ten cuidado con esas cajas. — hizo una pausa haciendo una mueca. — Están llenas de explosivos. 

Abriste mucho los ojos empezando a mirar hacia abajo hasta que oíste al príncipe reír. 

— Tendrías que haberte visto la cara. — río, feliz — Es broma, es broma. 

Gruñiste haciéndote la molesta aunque parecía imposible enfadarse con aquel hombre mientras reía de aquella manera. Mientras dejaba de reír se apoyó a tu lado en las cajas. Tenía el cabello pegado a la frente y respiraba profundamente, parecía agotado pero extrañamente aún lleno de energía.

— ¿Es que no descansais nunca? 

Él se limitó observando a sus hombres, parecía orgulloso. 

— Tenemos que preparanos bien. 

— ¿Prepararos? ¿Para qué?

Por primera vez desde que conociste a Ouken, notaste como su expresion se tensaba aún intentando parecer tranquilo. 

— Para lo que tenga que llegar. — volvió a recuperar su feliz expresión de siempre y se incorporó quedándose delante tuyo. — ¿Estás mejor? ¿Te ha vuelto a pasar lo de anoche?

Negaste con la cabeza sintiéndote algo avergonzada por aquella escena que tuvo que presenciar el principe.

— Me alegro. — hizo una pausa para beber un poco de agua que le trajo uno de sus soldados —  Pero si te vuelve a pasar algo así ven a buscarme, o alguno de mis hermanos.  Te ayudaremos. 

Te hizo gracia imaginarte yendo a la habitación de Desha con un ataque como aquel y como sería de fuerte la patada que te daría para echarte de allí. 

Pero ahora que lo mencionaba. 

No habías vuelto a sentir aquella angustia en todo el día. 

Es más, te habías reído varias veces. 

Estabas…¿Feliz? 

— Ouken…— de un salto te levantaste de la caja, expulsandote polvo de la ropa. — Tengo que hacer algo. 

— Claro, claro, yo tengo que volver también. ¿Nos vemos en el balcón después de cenar? 

Le asentiste con una media sonrisa y empezaste a marcharte de nuevo en dirección al castillo. Ouken volvió a colocarse el casco y volvió con sus hombres levantando el brazo. 

Los guardias te abrieron las puertas, y te dirigiste decidida hacia el salón de Despa. No había nadie allí así que tú misma buscaste las hojas de papel que solía darte Despa para hablar contigo y un par de plumas y una especie de carpeta. 

Volviste a la sala del trono. Desha tenía ahora a unos cuantos aldeanos en la cola. Se le veía realmente agotado y harto de todo aquello. Te dirigiste hasta él y te quedaste al lado del trono. 

A una distancia prudencial, por supuesto. Él te miró de reojo frunciendo el ceño y tú te quedaste allí plantada esperando a que la mujer que tenía delante el príncipe continuará hablando ya que se había quedado en silencio al verte. Desha le hizo un gesto con la mano para que prosiguiera y la mujer empezó a hablar de nuevo, aun mirándote de vez en cuando sin entender nada. Escribiste un resumen de la conversación, tanto lo que quería ella como la respuesta del príncipe. Fueron pasando así las personas una tras otra. La gran mayoría buscaban dinero, como era de esperar. Algunas se quejaban de bandidos o saqueadores. Otras de animales salvajes que se habían encontrado. Desde aquella perspectiva realmente parecía un reino peligroso. Pero Desha con cada una de las peticiones intentaba ponerle solución o tenerlas en cuenta para el futuro. Igualmente tu apuntaste cada una de ellas por muy insignificante que fueran. Estuvisteis unas dos horas más así hasta que finalmente las puertas del castillo se cerraron. Desha dejó ir un largo suspiro sentándose de cualquier manera en el trono. Te acercaste para entregarle las hojas que habías rellenado. Él las cogió con desganada mirándolas con el ceño fruncido. 

“¿Aún sigue enfadado?” Te preguntaste mientras él empezaba a leer las hojas concentrado. “¡Pero si ha sido su culpa!” 

Pero por el bien de la paz entre los dos, decidiste callarte. 

Revisó las hojas y se las guardo con algunas que tenía por la mesa

— Buen trabajo. — se limitó a decir mientras se levantaba. — Pero no recuerdo haberte contratado. 

Suspiraste con molestia perdiendo la confianza que habías recuperado hacia unos minutos, hasta que volvió a hablar. 

— Mañana, nada más cambie el color de la ciudad te quiero aquí preparada para ayudarme. Lo miraste fijamente incrédula, repasando aquellas palabras hasta que una sonrisa empezo a formarse en tus labios. Había funcionado. El gruño al verte tan feliz y empezo a caminar con molestia hacia el pasillo principal. Decidiste seguirlo ya que se dirigía al pasillo principal y el castillo empezaba a llenarse de olores apetitosos y tu estomago empezaba a rugir levemente. Camistasteis en silencio por el pasillo y cuando ya no tuvisteis ningún guardia cerca el príncipe se detuvo. 

— Lo de esta mañana… 

Te detuviste tu también al escuchar eso

¿Aún quería seguir con eso? 

— Si pasó algo ayer… — se rasco la nuca. Parecía costarle bastante decir aquello. — Si te hice algo… 

Abriste mucho los ojos con sorpresa. ¿Creía que había pasado algo “más”?

Intentaste contener con todas tus fuerzas la risa que empezaba a subir por tu cuerpo. Lo miraste con seriedad mientras el agachaba la cabeza mirando a otro lado avergonzado de si mismo. Te quedaste unos largos segundos disfrutando de su expresion de culpabilidad hasta que finalmente negaste con la cabeza. 

— No pasó nada. Hablamos y te dormiste. 

El principe abrió mucho los ojos y te miro a los ojos, intentando saber si era verdad aquello.

— ¿Eso fue todo? 

— Eso fue todo. 

Desha suspiro muy, muy aliviado mientras se pasaba una mano por la cara. Realmente parecía sentirse mal por aquello. Realmente era un buen hombre. 

Volviste a caminar de nuevo dándole la espalda, para que no pudiese ver tu sonrisa. 

— Así que al final yo tenía razón. — parecía irritado de nuevo — Lo de esta mañana ha sido cosa tuya. 

Gruñiste en respuesta y te giraste para enfrentarte a él, pero sin darte cuenta estabais delante del comedor y Despa asomo la cabeza al escucharos llegar. 

— ¿Ya habéis hecho las paces? 

— Más o menos… — gruño Desha, sentándose. 

Tú te sentaste en el sitio de siempre refunfuñando.. 

La cena por suerte ya estaba servida y no tardasteis en poneros a comer. No lo notaste hasta que paso un buen rato pero estabas bastante cansada, entre el intento de entrenamiento con Despa y después las horas de pie ayudando a Desha, notaste como tu cuerpo se hundía cada vez mas y mas en la silla. 

La velada siguió como la del día anterior exceptuando que Desha esta vez no tocó el vino. En algún momento Despa discutió algunas cosas con su hermano sobre el castillo pero tu estabas concentrada en comer y en aguantar despierta, así que les ignoraste por completo. 

— ¿Y ella qué? — dijo Desha señalandote, llamando tu atención. — ¿Puedes hacer algo con lo suyo?

— Hemos avanzado un poco. Creo que se como ayudarla pero nos llevara un buen tiempo. 

Desha suspiro con cansancio mientras se apoyaba en la mesa mirandote con el ceño fruncido. 

“Otra vez está pensando en echarme.” Pensaste. 

Finalmente el príncipe resopló y se levantó. 

— Me voy a dormir. — se giró para hablarte una última vez. — Recuerda lo de mañana. 

Asentiste perezosa, mientras Desha se giraba para marcharse al fin. 

Te recostaste en la silla, realmente te notabas muy cansada

Despa lo noto y se levantó rápidamente para retirarte la silla. 

— ¿Vamos a descansar ya?— Te sonrió, levantando su brazo para que te cogieras a él. 

Te acompaño hasta tu habitación y te dio las buenas noches, marchándose hacia la suya. 

Entraste en la sala y miraste tu cama con mucho deseo. Pero le habías prometido a  Ouken que… así que haciendo tripas corazón saliste al balcón y en efecto allí estaba, sentado en el balcón contiguo, perdido en sus pensamientos. Sonrió al verte y se levantó para atravesar los balcones..

— Uy… esa cara… — Os sentasteis los dos juntos, mientras el te rodeaba con su manta para ahuyentar el frío. Era un poco rara la confianza que teníais ya los dos en el segundo día de conoceros, pero era realmente agradable estar con él. — Deberías irte a descansar… tienes cara de estar reventada. 

Te encogiste de hombros empezando a tumbarte en el frío suelo del balcón para observar el techo estrellado del inframundo. Te notabas completamente agotada, pero te gustaba pasar rato con él. Os quedasteis allí un buen rato en silencio hasta que finalmente Ouken habló. 

— ¿Sabes de quién era tu habitación? 

Tardaste unos segundos en responder, pero ya te habías hecho una idea. 

— ¿De vuestra madre? 

Ouken asintió, su sonrisa se entristeció levemente. 

— Supongo que Despa quería tenerte cerca por si te pasaba cualquier cosa y estuviéramos él o yo cerca. — hizo una pausa y siguió. — Pero cuando padre vuelva… no sé que vamos a hacer…

Os quedasteis en silencio lo que parecieron minutos y Ouken volvio a hablar. 

— ¿Te han contado algo de…nuestro padre? — dijo bajando el tono, como si alguien o algo pudieran escucharos.

— Solo que es el rey de aquí y que bueno… que no ha hecho las cosas bien.

Ouken asintió. Por primera vez desde que lo conociste, tenía una leve expresión de amargor en el rostro.

— Mi padre es… lo peor. Es un monstruo. — El principe casi pareció escupir aquellas palabras.

Un escalofrío te recorrió el cuerpo de pies a cabeza. Realmente parecía desprender odio de solo mencionar a su padre.

Él pareció darse cuenta de que te estaba incomodando y volvió a cambiar la expresión rápidamente. 

— Perdóname… — miro al cielo, algo avergonzado por su comportamiento. — No debería haber sacado el tema…

You were packing your things. It was no use staying here any longer. Even if it was hard to ignore the little voice that did not want to leave, it was too late for you. You had already betrayed the trust of the Underworld’s people and even tried to kill your husband. You had no right to be sad or anything, you had chosen to do it. You could have rebelled sooner and explained everything to Desha, but you had kept lying while selling information to his enemies. Until you learned that you had been manipulated since the beginning. You had been played, used and thrown, and now you were nothing. 

You had thought that you had lost everything the day you had hidden in that closet with the two babies you were taking care of. But, Lian had made sure you gave up all you could still have: a new place, a new chance at life. Maybe if things had been different… Maybe…

You frown, you were being unreasonable, it was best like this. Desha would be able to find a better wife, and you would atone for your sins somewhere else, far away from here. It was already enough that you were not sentenced to death for what you have done.  

“Where are you going?” A rough voice inquired behind you. 

“I am leaving the castle”, you simply answered, not even daring to look directly at the one you had once called your husband. 

He was not really injured, unlike you whose hands were still bandaged. He was angry, seeing you like this, packing your things as if he could simply throw you by the windows after having had his way with you. Did you really think so little of him? He scratched his old wound, where you had stabbed him while saying you wanted to kill him. Could you be flying because of that?

“Who said you could leave?” He finally scoffed, hiding his ache behind aggressivity. 

“I have to”, you pointed out, trying to look unbothered.

Why has he come? It was only making things harder for you. The shame and guilt were eating you away. You turned your back to him, finishing your luggage. What a shame, you had come here with less than that, but you still felt as if you were leaving everything else behind.

“You promised to take care of my siblings, it’s all I need”, you quietly added before trying to exit the room. 

“I will not keep you against your will”, Desha commented on your path making you freeze. “But answer me: being wed to me, was it only a bore to you?”

You could still not look at him, but just the sound of his voice made clear to you that he was not in a good place either. Because of you, again. When did you learn to know him that well? When did you start to feel for him? It would have been so much easier if it had really been only a bore to you.

“You know it is not true…”, you finally answered, unable to lie to him and yourself. 

“Then why?”

“I tried to kill you!” You suddenly snapped. 

You glared at him, trying to scare him off for good, but he was only looking at you as if he was just checking on you. His large mouth was ironically twisted while he had his arms crossed on his chest. But you noticed that he was frowning, and his eyes were mixed with pain and anger. 

“You call that scratch like that?” He sneered while shaking his arm. 

“Not only that”, but you also squeezed your own arm, your head down. “I tried other times too…”

“You’re really taking me for a simple-minded”, he groaned. “I already knew it.”

“What? Why did you let me then?!” You shouted, too shocked to show any restraint. “I read the letters, you’re not even responsible for what happened ten years ago!”

“I am as responsible as Satun or Lian. I should have been there, but I prioritise my own gain over your clan’s safety.”

 You saw in his eyes how he was still carrying the terrible weight of all the deaths induced by his father or the war between the two of them. You were angry against him because he had let you in the dark for so long, and for what? To satisfy his own self-loathing!

“You're stupid! What would have happened to your people if I had succeeded?!” 

“I’m a lot of things but not stupid”, he shouted leaning forward. “As if you could do more than scratching me!”

“You big pretentious”, you mocked, half smiling in front of his too-large ego. 

He scoffed, smiling too. The bad air had strangely disappeared between the two of you, but you could still not stay here. It felt good to know that Desha was not blaming everything on you, however, you could not forgive yourself. 

“For what it's worth”, you added in a soft voice, “I do not think you’re responsible for my kin’s death. And… I am very grateful for the time spent here with you. I was happy for the first time in a long time.”

You finally found the strength to exit despite Desha taking almost all of the place, by simply being leaned on the wall next to the door. You were not expecting any kind words out of him and simply walked away, a bit relieved to have been able to say what you had on your heart. 

However, you had only stepped outside the room when you were held back by your arm. You froze, unable to decide what to do, and what to think about what was happening. Was it really Desha who was holding your hand? His hand was so warm, you always liked feeling his raspy fingers interlock with yours… You realised a bit too late what you were thinking, and felt mortified by it. 

“Do not leave me alone”, those words were so genuine and hurting, they made you shiver and cry in your heart. 

You felt like choking, and tears gathered in your eyes. 

“Why do you want me to stay? I only hurt you…”, you whispered without turning. 

“I was happy too”, he simply explained.

You felt his big arms slide around you, taking you in a warm and soft hug. Your will faltered and you slowly turned to face him. The pain on his face was hurting you, you only wanted to see him full of joy. 

“I want to stay too”, you finally admitted, unable to hold on to your tears any longer.

“I will not allow my wife to leave at the first excuse.”

You smiled before laughing softly. Desha froze, he had underestimated how good it would feel to see you looking so lighthearted. 

“Does that mean that I am still allowed to call you husband?” You jocked with a mutinous smile.

“You have to”, he pointed, showing his pointy tooth in a menacing stance that had not exactly that effect on you.

“Husband”, you hummed.

His eyes slightly widened, while his smile became way genuine, and your heart melted. It was really too late for you, you were definitely in love. And it would only make it more agonising for you. 

*

You silently looked around for a long moment. There was not much left, mainly dust and ashes, the only leftovers of a whole kind. It was sad but you had no more tears left to shed over it. 

However, your memories of that fateful night were quite vivid. That pile of rumbles had been your workplace, the nursery where you were taking care of the babies. And behind one of the closets, there was a hiding place where you had hidden with the two newborns you had in your arms when the alarm rang like in the exercises. However, the exercise never ended, and you have heard all your family and friends die while holding the two little lives on your chest. 

Thinking about it made your chest hurt as much as before, but at that time you were feeling at least satisfied. The two people responsible for your kind death had been killed, and the two little babies had become teenagers with long and safe lives in front of them. 

As for you… You had been used, manipulated and almost ended up killing the man who had tried to help your kind, and who had been nothing but kind to you. You never knew that all Tieflings were able to withstand magic without consequences, certainly, only the guardians were aware of it while the others just went on with their life without knowing what threat they were to gods and magicians. 

Anyway, you hoped to at least make things right with Jian's death. You had trained a lot to be able to oppose him, and now your ability was not much since you had lost most of your hands' faculties. But it was only a small price to pay. At this moment, you had left Desha’s castle, hoping to redeem yourself somewhere quiet. 

He had already been so lenient by not executing you for your betrayal, and allowing your siblings to have a secured life in the Underground kingdom, therefore losing your place as Desha's wife was only logical. Then, despite the King's wishes, leaving the castle had been the right and logical thing to do for you. Even if it made you empty and hurting. Living by Desha’s side had shown you what normal and loved life looked like and it was only making it more painful to lose it. But you could not allow yourself to enjoy it after everything you had done. 

Your eyes started to burn and you decided to forget all about your past. It was far too late for regrets, you could only keep living, hoping to redeem yourself for your mistakes. 

“As much as the idea of a honeymoon sounds good for me, I am now questioning your tastes in choosing a fine location.”

You swiftly turned, surprised to suddenly hear someone else so close to you. Your eyes widened, and the tears you had been holding back started to flow. 

“What are you doing here?” You succeeded in asking despite your hoarse voice. 

“What questions is this? Did you intend on going on our honeymoon without your husband?” 

The joy had run out, and now he was left with only doubt and an infinite void in his chest. Did he really know what he was doing? Was he doing the biggest mistake of his life? Was it too late to undo it? Desha scratched his chest, upon his heart, as if he could simply tear it out to stop the pain coming from it. However, he had chosen it. The less he could do now was to keep it together. But it was hard, so terribly hard. 

And each time he was closing his eyes, he would see her eyes. Monstrous, blood-thirsty eyes, condemning and resentful eyes glaring back at him. 

“Desha ?” A soft and loving voice called him from under the blankets. “Are you not sleeping ?”

“It’s nothing, love, go back to sleep”, he hesitated to add something else but it was still too soon for him to express his thoughts.

“I will, when I’m sure you’re okay.”

The king scoffed lightly when noticing your messy hair and your sleepy face staring at him with a remarkable will despite your obvious exhausted state. 

“I am okay, now sleep”, he tried while tousling your hair.

“I’m the one who decides that”, you pouted grabbing his head before pulling him in your arms with surprising strength. 

Desha was a willing victim and ended up laying in your arms, then you caught him in a bear hug, making it for him impossible to escape. Your behaviour made him laugh, and he decided to settle like this, enjoying your warmth and the blankets’. 

“Don’t fret”, you finally said in an already half-sleeping voice, “everything will be fine.”

*

“Please guys let me train with you !”

“I am sorry Y/N but I do not have a death wish”, Captain politely declined.

“I’m begging you ! I’ll go crazy if I spent one more day doing nothing !” 

“You know I can’t go against the king’s wish.”

“B-but…”, you tried to coax him with an adorable and pitiful pout.

“It’s still no.”

“Tch.”

You gave up and turned toward Ouken who was trying to discreetly pass behind without you noticing him.

“Ouken, don’t try to flee like that !”

“I’m in a hurry ! I have a mission really urgent in town !” He also declined. 

You felt an overwhelming rage go through you before letting you shiver and your eyes began to water against your will. 

“I hate all of you !” You shouted before running away in a very dramatic way.

“How long do we have to endure it again ?” Captain asked Ouken.

*

Desha had never thought it was so difficult. He had not realised that it was not automatic, and such a toll it would take on the both of you. Each failure had broken you a bit more, until around a year later you both finally succeded. However, it was only the beginning of everything. 

Until finally… 

“Here, you can take her”.

The day when the nurse finally tried to give him his daughter came. At that moment, he did not even dare to breathe, terrified by this little body. She was crying a bit, looking desperate in that man’s careful and skilled hands. 

“Can’t you take care of her ?” He asked back to the nurse, still not making any move and his eyes widening because of his unfathomable request.

“I could, but you’ll do a far better job than me”, he said equally. 

Desha looked at you, but you were already half-sleeping, exhausted by the hours of hard work you had to go through to deliver safely your baby. You had held her for her first feed, but your state did not allow you to keep her safely on you. 

“Why ? You’re the nurse, not me.” He finally looked back at the man. 

“And you’re her father, not me.”

The words, really direct even if not said with any kind of anger or judgment, made Desha realize what was happening. That little thing was his, and her life was closely linked to his, her joy, well-being, every part, was relying on him. It was almost overwhelming, but the beauty of it was far greater. It was beyond anything he had experimented with being king. His people could feed themselves, can be happy without him, but not her. 

He hesitantly extended his arms and the nurse carefully and gently guided him on how to carry the baby in the right way for her to be well and safe. 

“Be sure to always support her neck”, he advised Desha, “you’re doing a great job.”

The man was still not overemotional, but his last sentence made the king feel better, and even lighter. He was sitting on a chair close to you, and now your daughter was resting on his bare chest. He was really stiff and awkward, but he was now unable to advert his gaze from his little baby. She had instantly calmed down as if she was already recognizing him. Her breathing was so quiet that he was scared that she would stop at any moment. The worse was that with his giant body he was sure he would end up hurting her. However, the nurses’ words helped him a great deal to trust in himself. 

“I’ll let you be now. They just both needed rest, they worked hard. I will come back in the evening.”

Desha nodded, his throat tightening at the thought of being left alone with her baby’s safety, but he also wanted to be up to the task. Once the nurse had left, he basked in that beautiful, ephemeral sight of his little girl. 

“My daughter…”, he quietly called out. 

It was his new favourite word in the whole world.

*

“Are you sure?”

“As much as the last tenth time you asked it, brother”, Despa answered, annoyed. 

Desha looked at his baby daughter sleeping in her cradle. As soon as his younger brother had come to see her, he had asked him to check if she had any sign of godlike powers. He had to be sure! Even if for now she looked totally human, he was afraid that she still could grow differently. But, Despa had not foreseen their younger brother's immortality, so there still was a slight possibility that she could grow unexpected skills one day or another. 

“I was young back then”, Despa tried to ease Desha, knowing exactly what he was thinking. “I am sure of my skills now, Marika is an ordinary human girl as she can be when being the daughter of a king.”

“If it’s only that, I can live with it…”

Desha’s eyes had not left his daughter, as if he was afraid that she could change or disappear if he diverted his gaze even for a second. 

“You need to pull it together,” Despa finally advised him, “Y/N and Marika need you.”

“I know. I will not let them down”, Desha swore. “I will do anything for them.”

*

“Daddy is the most handsome man in the whole world !” A young three years old girl proudly claimed while clinging to Desha. 

He looked quite embarrassed and awkward about the whole demonstration but obviously could not bring himself to stop her from climbing on him as if he was a big plush. Meanwhile, you were lazily half sitting half laying on a big chair while watching your husband and daughter cuddling together.

“How come I am not even jealous ?” You wondered out loud. “She has such great taste.”

“I’m more concerned about how she knows that kind of words”, Desha sighed while realising that he had now two people ready to nag him with lots of love. 

“She’s just really smart, I’m proud of you Marika !” You said with a dotting face. 

The little girl had long and curly black hair, very much like her father’s. Her eyes were dark like his too, but the rest of her face was human. She had almost all her little teeth, and her mouth looked normal. Her skin was light pink and her size was also quite average. However, she was really sharp and had understood very soon that her daddy was concerned about her appearance so she always behave the most childishly she could. 

“Nice try mummy, but I won’t share daddy with you”, the little girl slyly let you know.

“Caugh in your own game, eh !” Desha loudly laughed at your disappointed face. 

*

“Again! Again!”

Desha frowned, before making his lightning lighten the room. He was not really fond of showing off his godlike skills, especially in front of Marika. But she looked so happy and thrilled by it that he could just not reject her eager asks. However, he was still a bit afraid that seeing it too much would trigger something in her, or make her want to be like this too. 

“Ok now it’s time to sleep”, he ordered. 

Marika wained, before putting her blanket on the top of her head, then she put it out one last time with an admirative look.

“You’re amazing daddy!”

“There’s nothing amazing about it”, he denied, looking suddenly gloomy. 

“I still think you are”, she insisted with the honesty of a four-year-old girl.  

He wry smiled before tousling her hair so similar to his.

“Good night my beloved daughter.”

“Good night Daddy!”

Just before passing the door, he whispered a gloomy sentence without thinking “I hope you’ll never become like me…”

*

“I forbid you from learning how to fight !” Desha loudly yelled at a now five-year-old and almost crying Marika.

He had found her training with the guards, a sword in hand and a couple of scratches on her tiny arms. His worries were totally clouding his mind, making it for him impossible to think straight. 

“You do not need it!”

“But I want to !” She cried back, looking furious. 

“Enough! Go back to your room! And let the sword here!”

“AAAAAH!” Marika loudly yelled while throwing the blade on the ground. 

“Marika? Marika!”

But the young girl had already left to run into her bedroom while Desha stayed frozen and enraged at her behaviour. He had not thought one moment that the situation would worsen so quickly, since he had forbidden her in the first place, only out of worry for her well-being. But another thought had corrupted the rest, if she begin to learn how to fight maybe she would be tainted by it, maybe it would awaken some god’s parts in her. 

“I am sorry, King Desha”, Captain apologized, his head down.

He currently was feeling like shit for not having predicted that the king would not agree to such a thing. Since everybody around her knew how to fight, it had not seemed strange for him that Marika would undergo the same path. 

“Not a word”, Desha ordered coldly, hardly succeeding in keeping his anger to himself. 

The father knew that he was not acting right, but for the first time, he was in front of a difficult situation where his authority was challenged by his child, while his worries seemed totally legitimate to him. He finally left the place, still undecided about what to do about the situation.

Meanwhile, Marika was crying on her bed, cursing his father for forbidding her what she was seeing as really important. A moment later, a knock at her door was heard.

“It’s your uncle Ouken”, the man's voice came through. “Can I come in?”

“... Yes…”

Marika sniffed and wiped half her tears and snot with her sleeve while he was entering her room. 

“I heard about the whole commotion”, he admitted while coming to sit beside her.

“Daddy is so mean”, she whinged still half crying. “I just want to be able to protect mummy’s baby…”

“It is a very noble intention”, Ouken warmly acknowledged. “Still, I guess that your daddy thinks that he is the one who need to protect you three, soon four.”

“But he is too busy with his king things”, she cleverly pointed out, her eyes shining, “he is the king so it’s normal. So I have to be stronger to help him.”

“Maybe you should explain to him what you think.”

“He doesn’t want to listen to me…” Marika pouted, feeling down again. 

“Do not worry, I know my brother, he will listen to you.”

“Really ?”

“Yeah.”

Marika jumped in her uncle’s arms, feeling already relieved by his words. And no longer after he had left her room, she indeed get her father’s visit.

“Don’t worry Daddy, you can help me protect mummy and the baby too”, she allowed him with a huge smile.

Desha froze at those words, and his dark thoughts instantly vanished from his mind in front of such genuine and gentle concern. 

“Thank you, my daughter… Thank you…”

As you can guess, the next bonus will be about little Marika and the new addition to the Underworld's family ;) In those bonuses, Y/N is less present, so I hope you'll like it anyway ^^

Also it's a bit less self-indulging, but to excuse myself, I just had a baby myself so I'm experiencing how hard it is, and I have a hard time writing about it.

The last thing, I wanted to talk about the OCs name, like Marika. Since ROK's author chose a mythological name for Desha (Hadès) and Satun (Saturn) I did the same. For those who remember in Welcome, there's Janu (Jupiter or Jove) and his son Anetha (Athena), and here Marika is Makaria, Hades's daughter. There are a lot of interesting things in Latin or Greek mythology and ranking of kings, so do not hesitate to check it out!

Desha was sitting on the throne. The day had ended a couple of hours ago, but he was still reading some important papers about trading with another kingdom. He had already sent all the guards to their casern, letting only the one outside of the room, guarding the doors. He was so focused that he did not notice what was happening at first. Until he spotted a bit of hair from under his paper. He moved it aside, and his eyes met yours.

“Can I know what you are doing, eh ?” He asked with a smirk, before understanding it.

It was pretty obvious once he was thinking about it. You were kneeling in front of the throne, between his legs, and your hands were laying on his tights. 

“If you want me to stop just say it, otherwise just resume your reading and do not mind me”, you answered with a playful look. 

Desha’s throat went really dry, reluctantly he turned his gaze away to look at his paper, but when he tried to read again the sentence he was previously on, he felt your hands undoing his pants. He froze, then tried to read again. But now you were kissing his sex through his underwear. Immediately, a chill made him almost shiver and he had to read again. 

It was a bit strange to caress your king through his underwear, but you quickly felt his arousing grow. You kissed it until it began to be too big to hold in the cloth. With a wry smile, you slowly freed it, and then looked at the impressive member throbbing in front of you. Your womanhood suddenly felt hot, and you had to focus on your task to try and forget your own arousing. 

Desha had almost succeeded in finishing reading his sentence when wet lips suddenly met the top of his cock, making him shiver out of surprise. You proceed in meticulously licking all the length, all the circumference of it, it was big and hot in your hand, and you were enjoying yourself a lot. Sometimes you would stop and just kiss around it until your king began to groan with frustration. 

He wanted to order you to stop playing around but proudly hold it in. Finally, you took the top in your wet and hot mouth. Your belly contracted when hearing the hoarse moan coming out of your king’s mouth. It was almost as good as being fucked. You decided that you wanted to hear more. So you started to suck his cock slowly and thoroughly. It was almost impossible for Desha to read anything, his gaze was stuck on the paper but the words were already melting together. 

You saw Desha hide his face behind his paper, even if his red ears were still visible, while his short groans started to be more like deep moans. Your own excitation rose, making you squeeze your legs in the hope to relieve yourself a bit. You translated your passion on your king’s cock and made it slide deeper into your throat. You were rewarded by the sound you heard. Your pace became more dedicated, alternating more or less deep and sometimes licking the top or the base. 

The rhythm was totalling pleasing Desha, he had totally forgotten what he was doing and left himself in your dedicated care. His free hand was grasping air, resisting the urge to grab your hair to fuck your mouth as all his body was desperately asking. But being sucked like this was also good, and it did not take long before he was unable to think straight. Each time the top of his penis hit the bottom of your throat he felt like peaking, again and again until he finally cumed in your mouth.

It took him a whole second to realize it and when he set aside the paper in front of him, ready to excuse himself, he saw you liking your lips with a mutinous smile and your free hand between your thighs. He immediately forgot what he had been about to do, and let a smirk come to his lips.

“Do you need help ?” 

“Yes my king”, you said needly. 

“Undress you, then come here.”

You happily obliged, then climb on his lap, your cheeks red and having a hard time holding yourself back. Desha did not wait for you to be well set and aggressively took possession of your lips. He licked your mouth, cleaning you from his release with so much enthusiasm that you whimper in his care. At the same time, his hands roamed your body, settling on your buttocks that he abruptly grabbed and rubbed. Suddenly, you felt a spank and exclaimed in surprise.

“You have been really naughty”, your king scowled at you with a hungry look. 

“I’m sorry”, you answered, breathing heavily and dying of excitation. 

“I have to punish you”, he ascertained with a roaring voice that sent shivers through your whole body.

“Yes please !”

He started to spank you with one hand and pinch your nipples with the other, while bitting your neck, making you lewdly scream and plead. You were desperately holding to his shirt, your cunt totally wet with want. You were already losing your mind, the pain only putting oil on your fire. 

“Please my king !”

“What ?” He asked, obviously having a great time teasing you to death even if it was clear that he was also enjoying it.

“Please fuck me !” You shouted without a care, just desperate to feel him fill you.

Desha chuckled in front of your despair, he grabbed hard your hips and made you impale on his already harden shaft. You gasped, not ready for all the sensation of being torn apart and fill to the point of almost crying. However, he did not let you the time to get used to it and lift you up, almost freeing his cock and then dropping you.

You cried. It was so intense, so overwhelming, you began to thank him between moans without thinking, and begged him to never stop. And Desha applied himself to satisfy you until you cumed on him, but even then he did not stop. He kept fucking you while you were already on your climax. His own sounds were more arousing than anything else, and his cock was just killing you. Each time it left you was like suffering and when it came back it was even better than before. 

“You’re fucking mine”, Desha groaned desperately. “Answer me !”

“HA !” You screamed his penis sliding again in you. “I’m yours, my king !” “Desha!”

“Right !”

He kept going on about how much he was going to fuck you, how much he loved it, and you drunk his words, basking in all that insane lust. 

Suddenly, his hips harshly and painfully met yours, and you saw his face contracted before realizing letting him dishevelled and breathing hard. His climax fill you, and he skillfully helped you reach yours again. At least, you were both surfing on the after glee, in each other embrace. And really, there was nothing more beautiful in the world than Desha’s face after sex. Still hot and red, his mouth wide opened with his pointy teeth, his chest breathing heavily, his hair messy… It was breathtaking.

Part I

"Next."

King Desha looked bored out of his mind or at least he was in his mind : his appearance was as serious as he needed. Every matter in his kingdom was important, however the day was growing old, and so was his patience.

"King Boji's emissary," the guard announced.

He kept his surprise for himself, feeling that maybe something would finally give him some fun. When his eyes found you, his mouth widened.

"You ! I remember you !" He growled, pointing at you with his scepter.

"I'm glad you remember me." You said without showing it on your face.

"What are you doing here ? Coming to settle our fight ?" He taunted you with a smirk. " Not that you stand a chance against me hehehe !"

"As glad as I would be to spare again with someone as good-looking as you, I'm in fact here as an emissary. "

"And for what purpose?" He asked you, his face darkening for a reason that eluded you.

"King Boji wants to unite your two kingdoms in every way possible, to allow each of them to enjoy their advantages. I have a letter from the king, his words are far better than mine despite his young age. "

You handed the letter to the guard who then presented it to the king. His face twisted in annoyance as his eyes traveled the page with attention. He stayed silent for a moment, thinking about his next move.

"How were you chosen to carry such a mission?" He finally asked.

"I was the only volunteer."

"Why?" His glare was studying you with deadly attention.

"We were interrupted last time, I thought it would be a good opportunity."

"You're quite the strange one…" He took some time to think but like the last time he saw you, there was not much to learn by looking at your face, which was as expressionless as ever. One could only admire your poker face : the only thing he could guess was that you had been in some incident or gruesome fight since your left eye was scared, and your left cheek burned. He thought about your last encounter, trying to seek more information.

*

“I heard some rukus down there, so I came to see what kind of garbage thinks it can attack the Bosse Kingdom...”

You slowly stepped down the stairs, only coming to a stop close to Domas. He was in bad shape against his opponent and there still was an army of golden warriors waiting downstairs. For now, they were waiting for orders. That one was standing in front of you, and even if he was a couple of stairs down, he was still as tall as you. You stopped talking to take a good look at him. His weapon was huge, but you had seen worse with King Bosse, he had a crown on top of his head, and his face was very unordinary.

“I take back what I said,” you corrected with a straight face “ you’re clearly too handsome to be garbage.”

“Are you not a bit too straightforward ?” the obviously king replied smugly while his own men looked at him in disbelief.

“Why ? I’m complimenting you. You have a really good face.”

“Is it your way to taunt your adversary ? You’ll need to do better. Well I guess that’s all a woman can do.”

You blinked, feeling rather unconcerned by his verbal attack.

“I don’t know what my gender has to do with it, but it seems my words are still not good enough. I guess we’ll need to satisfy ourselves with my sword.”

“Your clown of a mate could not even scratch me, you really think you can do better, eh ?”

“We’ll see that.”

The big man moved forward his empty hand, while his weapon stayed on his shoulders. You clenched your fingers around your sword’s guard, readying yourself for anything. All your senses were going crazy, something was definitely not right about that guy. You had already noticed his face, but now you began to think that he was maybe not human. His size, his gray skin, sharp teeth, yeah, maybe you should better be focusing on the fight rather than his appearance. No matter how attractive it was.

Suddenly, it was as if the world was holding his breath. You felt a draught on your forearms, giving you goosebumps. The next second you swiftly took a step aside and the lightning crashed right where you had just stood. You stared at the scortchedstones with a shocked smile.

“Lightning ? Really ? Can you stop becoming more interesting ?” You laughed.

“It’s unsettling to see it being dodge, even for the first time.” He commented looking gloomy despite his smirk. “We’ll just say that you were lucky.”

*

After that they had been interrupted by Boji himself and then Despa, his own brother, had advised him to retreat into the underworld. Still you had left a strange impression on him, and keeping you close might help him understand it.

"I accept you as King Boji’s emissary", he stated. "You will be treated with the respect given by your position, but should you abuse it, I will not hesitate to terminate you myself."

"Thank you King Desha."

You bowed awkwardly, but like a lot of things, you really sucked at it and the king began to laugh restrainlessly.

"Bwe Hehe ! Don't try it if you're so bad at it ! That's ridiculous."

"I'm trying my best here", you pointed back.

You had trained a lot for that moment, and felt dejected by his reaction.

"Try harder then !"

Like that you were dismissed, feeling a lot frustrated. That damn King, you would show him that you could totally be as human as it can be !

Two young maids guided you to your room. The castle was pretty huge but you were used to that kind of building since you had lived in Bosse’s castle for a long time. The blond maid was really quiet while the other brown haired did all the talking. They explained to you where to eat, where to put your clothes to get them cleaned, and all other kinds of things. Meanwhile you caught them sometimes interacting by sign language, which you managed to understand since you had seen your king use it many times. Once you were settled, they took their leave and you quickly signed goodbye. The blonde girl smiled happily, and answered back before leaving for good.

That little interaction gave you a pleasant feeling of home and you began to unpack your things with a small smile. You had no idea for how long you would live here, so you had just taken the minimum, hoping to buy anything when needed. For now, the day was ending, you had eaten on the road and were really beaten by all that traveling. So you quickly hit your new bed and fell asleep.

*

The next day, King Desha had not forgotten about you. However, he had a lot of work to do for the general maintenance of his kingdom before having the free time to give you any kind of attention. The morning quickly passed, and he took the way around to go eat. The training ground was not too far from the barracks, where the soldiers lived, ate, and slept. And often he would go there in order to keep in shape, or to watch their training, and even sometimes to eat with his men. He did not want to be a distant, condescending king. So right now, he was walking toward there for the sake of passing time, when he heard some excited voices. A tad curious, he came closer.

There were a lot of regular guards cheering on the side while a couple of the older ones were mixed with them. And in the middle of the area he saw the captain without his emblematic armor fighting against you. You only had a dark sports bra and your usual skinny pants. Both of you were sweating a lot, even without the sun, it was hot enough. You were using two short swords with such dexterity that they were like your arms’ extensions. Meanwhile the halberd in front of you did not seem to bother you that much. Desha found himself glaring at your movements, the way you were dodging and attacking was incredible. Not particularly strong or flashy, but you seemed to always feel the attacks and the opportunity. Almost instinctively.

In the end, you won your fight against the captain, it was just for fun so you did not take any pride in doing so. You were going to stop for the day, when a big shadow was cast on you.

"Dare to fight me, he ?"

"King Desha!"

You suddenly felt flustered and did an awkward bow.

"You're still so bad at it !" He laughed. "Just stop it if you can not do it properly !"

The anger took the best of you.

"Just show me how it is done then !"

"No. Nobody does that kind of thing around here."

"What ? But I thought…" You remembered the time spent with Hilling, teaching you how to behave in front of a king. All this for nothing ??

"Yeah no. Only your worth is important here. So are those things for show or can you use them ?" Desha had not an ounce of pity for you, he was mocking you.

"I can use them." You claimed between your teeth, taking position.

"Exactly what I wanted to hear…"

This time he looked more serious even if you could see that his eyes were still judging you. He wanted to know if you were a threat for his kingdom. And you wanted to show him your skills so he would acknowledge you, but also you did not want to scare him off. Since you were not human. You had already made a fool of yourself, you had to do better ! This was your chance !

Unlike last time, he only had a training sword as a weapon, but when he started to fight… You were so mesmerized that you almost forgot to dodge. That man held no hesitation, not a single movement was wasted and he also had no restrain. His style was ever changing, once playing dirty then using well-known tricks or famous techniques. You were out of breath, always dodging, coutering, attacking. You could sense his attacks only a split second before they fell upon you, but even that was not enough to take the lead. Still you were smiling without even thinking about it.

Desha had thought it would be easy, the last time at Bosse’s Castle had to be a lucky move from you. But each passing second made him realize that it was not the case at all. He was now sure that you were not a mere human, there was something else about you. Soon he found himself immersed in the fight. With his strength it was a rare occurrence : usually people could not keep up with him. At that instant he was not utterly serious, but enough to enjoy it. For a moment, he felt like he could still train with his brother Ouken. He was such a genius with his sword that they could spare almost equally. You were obviously not a genius with your swords, if Desha had to describe it, it was more like your weapons were slowing you down. Once he had noticed it, he immediately used his sword to skillfully snap them away from you.

You were so focused on the action that when your weapons hit the floor, you just rushed forward without hesitation. The king had not seen it coming, you made him fall on his back, your claws close to his throat, and your mouth opened on your big fangs, a low and threatening growl could be heard. Desha had fallen more by surprise than anything else, but when he saw your real apparence, he began to smirk pridefully.

“So that’s what you were hiding, eh.”

“Oh. I lost my cool.” You noticed. “But it’s your fault, your pretty face is making me.”

His smirk disappeared and he pushed you away, not violently but with excessive strength. However, you just thought that he was keeping proper his king’s image.

“Come with me.”

You nodded, and after picking your weapons, you followed him. The guards let you pass, and you notice that some were looking at you with a bit of surprise or even fear. You had not transformed in front of people for a very long time. And seeing their glare was giving you bad reminiscences. Anyway, you made yourself focus on what was to come and not what had already happened.

Desha led you to a rather spacious room. A big table had been dressed in the center with a lot of food on it.

“I thought you had forgotten about our arrangment” A blond man said.

You looked at him with curiosity, he was smaller than you, well dressed and groomed. He was really different from the other people you had seen around here, but his behavior was giving away his noble position.

“I encountered a short delay”, grumbled Desha while letting himself heavily drop on the biggest chair.

“I can see that”, he smiled playfully. “Brother, who is that charming lady ?”

“She’s the one I talked to you about,” Desha explained, already beginning to drink some ale.

“I see…” You felt as if the blond man was studying you across the table. “However, it’s a gigantic project, it’s gonna take a lot of time and thoughts.”

“That’s exactly why I need you Despa.”

Seeing that the two men were brothers and talking about your mission, you decided that you could as well have a seat rather than listening while standing. You were hungry, and since Desha had forgotten about you, you began to eat in silence.

“Before we begin to work with you,” Desha called out to you.

You stopped, a big juicy piece of meat dropping in front of your opened mouth. You looked at him without moving, grace nowhere to be found, making Despa laugh behind his hand.

“I understand that I deserve it,” he kept going while ignoring your behavior, “my face is my burden to shoulder, however I would appreciate that you quit your habits of always making fun of it.”

“I’m not making fun of it.” You replied a bit surprised by his request.

“As I just said”, he repeated looking angrier, “I know my face all too well, you will need to find something else to make fun of me.”

"I'm sorry, but I'll have to repeat myself too", you insisted, a bit annoyed that your words were distorted. "I really like your face, I find you handsome, that is not a joke."

Despa was sitting across you, and at Desha’s left, looking in turn at both of you with a mix of surprise and enjoyment. He already had a good understanding of what was happening, and now he could not wait to see how his brother would react.

“Stop it !” The king snapped, loudly hitting his fist on the table. “The fact that my face is the same as Satun’s is not a subject to jokes !”

“No you stop !” You said angrily. “I’m sorry if I’m not talking correctly, but I’m always telling my mind. And firstly, who’s that Satun ?!”

Really, that man knew how to trigger you ! You had spent a lot of time in Queen Hilling company to learn how to talk and behave properly around a king, specifically for your time here, and that specific royal was constantly belittling your efforts.

At least Despa was having a real good time, barely succeeding to hold onto his laugh.

“Satun was the previous cruel and despotic King of the Underworld”, he quickly explained, his face twitching because of his effort to stay cool. “As well as our father.”

“Still nothing”, you shrugged off. “Now that this misunderstanding has been cleared, can I keep speaking my mind ?”

Desha let himself fall again in his chair, he looked a bit dejected and flustered at the same time. You could even notice a little bit of pink on top of his ears.

“I guess it can't be helped then… But try not to embarrass me in front of my people”, he decided.

“I can live with that.”

At last, Despa burst into laughter, even falling on the floor, and looking about to die of hilarity.

“Have you no pride Despa ?” He asked furiously to his brother, obviously annoyed by his behavior.

“I'm sorry…” the blond man succeeded to apologize between two fits of laughter, making it obvious that he was not.

Meanwhile, you resumed eating, satisfied that the king had finally accepted that you were not talking rubbish about your tastes. However, it took a while longer for Despa to calm down, fortunately he achieved it before Desha decided to throw him out of his castle. The three of you kept eating, the mood much lighter than before.

Maybe coming here had been a good idea, you happily thought.

Thank you for reading ! I can't wait for Desha and Reader to be together hehe ! ;) (And don't bother with the title Idk why I chose it but now it stucked).

Warning: NSFW

“You can lift the veil”, the priest accommodatingly said.

Desha’s throat tightened and he frowned deeply. Everything that was happening right now was definitely not to his liking, yet even if he really did not want to keep going, he had no other choice than to comply with it. Of course, he was not going to back down from the bargain nor preserve himself from hardship. However, he would have preferred to spare himself from that useless comedy of a wedding. Every present person in attendance was only serving their own interest, like him, and despite all the search he had conducted about you, he knew just too little. 

Ultimately, it was the curiosity that led him to obey the priest’s command. He reluctantly extended his hands to lift your veil from your face. All your body was covered by the rich white dress, so he was taken a bit aback at the sight of the slightly reddish tone of your skin. But he was not at the end of his surprises: your face looked quite normal, except for the two horns of around three inches that poked out of your forehead. A dreadful feeling alerted him, he already knew that this wedding was nothing less than a trap, but now he no longer had any doubt about it. 

You did not stop glaring at him, there was something in your eyes that made him even more uneasy, it was a reflection he knew, but he could not exactly figure it out. You also had a little smile on your lips, but it looked a bit awkward. Maybe he was not the only one not enjoying the situation. 

“Now, you can kiss the bride”, the priest finished his sermon.

A dark laugh shook Desha, and in a swift and rough way, he kissed you. 

*

The feast after the ceremony was even worse, Desha was looking at all those people eating like pigs at his expense and it made him daydream to see them choke on the food. The Jagan clan was the biggest of the Underworld, but also the more threatening. They looked like they respected their new King, but each time they could go behind his back, they did not hesitate. Their leader, Lian was a scheming and far too cunning man. Maybe the worst part was that they were humans, but they could use powerful magic which made them really dangerous. Desha could certainly easily kill him, but it would just arise a new war. And yes, they had sided with his despicable father during the previous one. Which explained why he had such a hard time with them now. He had punished them with a lot of restrictions, but they were still living richly, and they own a lot of the trades. 

The king looked gloomy, glaring at the party going on despite him. His new bride was sitting quietly beside him, the same little and transparent smile on her face. He would sometimes quickly watch her from the side, but she did not seem to change her expression. One time she caught him in his observation, and just smiled a bit wider while pouring him another drink. He grumbled, but it was not her fault that they were there, so he drank it anyway.

His wife’s father was no one else than the Jagan's clan head, Lian, and it was exactly the knot of the problem. They were human magicians, so why was his wife not? Worse, how was she what she was? Her kind had been wiped out before the last war, so how was she still alive and why that man would take the risk to befriend someone with such a unique and dangerous skill?

“What are you planning, taking me for a fool? Or did you think I would not recognise a demon’s seed when I saw one ?” Desha grunted to the man sitting to his side without a shred of sympathy for his new wife sitting just to his other side.

The one involved simply took the time to finish his wine with a satisfied smile, before finally responding to the king. 

“Please, King Desha, do not talk of my adopted daughter like that. You and I know very well that the Tiefling are not really Demon’s seed.” 

The demigod shrugged, not happy.

“It still would have been a good idea to inform me beforehand, or was it also a part of your plan?”

Lian did not answer that, simply looking at the king without any shame or fear in his eyes.

“You obviously know also that no children can be born from any mixed mating with them?” Desha kept going, frowning. “So what’s the point of all that fucking mascarade?”

“Our families are now united, I do not need anything else to be a happy man… I humbly wish that our relationship will only improve from now on.”

It was a lie. Everything was screaming that it was a lie, but Desha had nothing to prove it. Worse, his words were not totally empty, it was in fact a good way to ease the tensions between the Jagan clan and the new kingdom’s leadership. And in the same time, it would help the kingdom to be at least at peace. It would not be the first thing Desha’s had to sacrifice, and it certainly would not be the last. He drank away his anger, hoping that alcohol could wash off the despicable taste that the whole situation had put in his mouth.

He stayed as long as he could, not wanting to see what was coming next. He knew very well what had to follow the wedding, but he hoped to avoid the matter entirely. However, he was exhausted, and if he had to listen to another word of those shady nobles, he would have to kill them. 

“The king is going to rest”, his main servant called out.

Instantly, all the attention was on him, people started to shout and say words of congratulations, or worse wished him a nice night with his new wife. He grunted but could not make them shut up, but he felt even more awkward when he saw you stand up too.

“You do not need to follow me”, he said to you.

“Where do you want your new wife to go other than with you?” Lian wondered with a polite smile but a bad look in his eyes.

“Do what you want”, he finally shrugged at you. 

You simply bowed your head before silently following your new husband through the castle, leaving the vulgar acclamations behind. The corridors were loudly silent, making you feel a bit strange after all the sounds and commotions. You did not have a second to you since the morning, and now the next step was fairly close. Desha opened the bedroom door to you and then went in after you. 

“Let’s be clear”, he started after closing, “there is no need to consume that wedding, especially since no children will be expected. So let’s just be cordial to each other. We will sleep in the same bed tonight for the sake of appearances, but starting tomorrow, you will have your own bedroom.”

His eyes were deadly serious, even if he was scratching his neck and looking slightly embarrassed by the situation. He watched you, listening to him, but once he was finished, he was surprised to see you come closer to him.

“I have no issue with being intimate with you, King Desha”, you said with an enticing smile on your lips while you started to go for his shirt’s buttons.

“You really do not need to do that”, Desha insisted, grabbing your hand in his.

It did not feel right for him. He did not like being forced to marry someone, and even more, he was sure that the other party would be scared or disgusted by him. However, it seemed that for you, being with the king was enough to compensate for his ugly features. 

“But I want to”, you whispered languorously. 

He knew that you reeked of danger, especially by being a Tiefling, and Lian’s daughter. He hesitated, he had been alone for so long, with Ouken being imprisoned, and Despa grieving in his corned, feeling desired was a nice change for once. And, he trusted himself to be able to deal with you if you tried anything funny.  So he reluctantly released your hands. Taking it for his approval, you resumed undressing him. Still unwavering, he let you take the lead without saying a word, just looking at you while frowning. You looked totally at ease, maybe a little bit flustered but it was maybe only thanks to the alcohol you had drank before. Once you had freed him from his tight costume, you made him sit on the bed while you took off your own dress. 

You really were a tiefling, your skin was slightly red, and you had two little horns and even a thin, long tail slowly moving behind your back (it had probably been hidden by the dress before). The rest of your body was nice enough, maybe too skinny for Desha’s taste. He began to feel excited before noticing it, especially since you were so compliant about it. That wedding did not have to be only straining, even if he would obviously still be warry of you. 

You slowly climbed atop of your husband, rocking your hips just upon his already hardening cock. He let you play as if he could not dare to touch you. There was something strange about him, but you could not care less. Everything was going as expected, so you simply proceed. Once you found him ready enough, you impaled yourself on him, making him groan. He was still staring at you, making you feel a bit flustered. Then you skillfully moved your hips to pleasure him. It quickly worked since his sounds were louder while you were holding to his chest, scratching it with your nails. You followed his sighs to adapt your movement, slowly accelerating to make him come. 

However, just when you felt him close to his climax, he suddenly grabbed your buttock with one hand, controlling you, while the other one was going to your sweet spot. It was unexpected and you let out a surprised moan when you felt his finger playing with and around your labia. He started to alternate swift movements with his hips, with his hand's play, until you were unable to hold on to your cry. The situation was escaping from your grasp and you hold on to the little control you still had. It was like the both of you were trying to make the other surrender by climaxing. It was insane and hot, absolutely not what you had in mind. But right now your mind was a giant mess, trying to focus on what you were doing while soaking in a new and overwhelming pleasure. Desha’s face was also showing signs of his own luxury state, and finally, he was the first to reach his release, filling you with a loud grunt and a rough movement in your vagina. However, he kept his own assignment, and without knowing what was happening to you, you suddenly felt a violent wave crash through your head to your toes, making you fall on the king’s chest without any strength left in your body. 

You both stayed like that, breathing loudly and basking after that strange but still agreeable moment you had shared. 

“Let’s wash”, Desha finally said while standing up.

You nodded, feeling still a bit weak on your feet, you almost dropped unused to such sensations and your husband caught you while looking away. The bathroom was accessible from the bedroom, and you both started to wash. You did a quick job, not wanting to stay more than necessary. Your mind was still a mess, and you had a hard time sorting things out. 

Once back in the chamber, a discreet knock at the door made you reach for the first piece of clothing you could find (Desha’s shirt which made you a dress), and you opened it. 

“The king’s tea”, a servant extended a tray to you before leaving without waiting.

You put the whole thing on the little table against the wall and looked at the still-hot beverage. It smelled really good. Your face darkened but you did not hesitate.

“I heard something”, Desha said once again in the room with you.

He stared at you, still wearing his own shirt and the sight made him freeze, without you understanding why. 

“A servant brought tea, do you want some?” You asked him while holding out a cup.

He was not really fond of the hot beverage, but since you had gone through the trouble of pouring him one, he could not say no. He simply took it and drank it in one sip before giving it back to you. He then went to the bed and lay down, wearing only comfy pants. You joined him, keeping the clothes on you as a pyjama. The situation was really awkward, the both of you really stiff and finding the silence heavy. But Desha was exhausted, and before he knew it he was dozing off.

*

“I can’t stay with you” Despa decided.

*

“I am sorry I was late”, Desha said to a mass grave of red corpses.

*

“I will kill you” Someone swore while stabbing him with a dagger. 

He hardly grabbed it before it pierced his chest, looking at the foe in front of him. He knew that face, but he could not see it clearly. Blood dripped from his hand, tainting the other’s face.

*

Desha woke up the next morning with a terrible headache. He did not notice that he was alone, since he had not totally remembered what had happened the day before. He stumbled to the bathroom, to get some cold water. The sink was the only place where he still had a mirror and he washed his face, before freezing while seeing blood on his hand. 

Instantly, he remembered the strange dreams of the night before. That dagger?! He had really been attacked during the night?!