#nb demon

“Are we getting too old to play games, (y/n)?” A masculine voice asked. The shadows around you moved and shifted. Like a flock of birds taking flight and maneuvering in different shapes and twists. Coming to rest on the other side of your desk. Forming a dark silhouette with bright purple eyes that pierced through the darkness like two violet lanterns. “It’s been a while. You’re looking…worn.”

You ignored their comments and gestured with your hand for them to sit. The figure flopped into the chair with reckless gracefulness. And the shadows scattered like a swarm of bugs to reveal their master. Their skin was the color of deep amethyst with veins of onyx running over their body. Their hair was long this time, but small braids with tiny crystals slipped out of the silky ink strands. Their gaze was human, much to your comfort than their preference of appearance, but carried that unsettling purple hue to the iris. Neatly filed claws tapped the arms of their chair as the Demon looked you over. A casual smirk stretching across their lips. “You’re looking good, though. The life of the King’s right hand man is treating you very well.”

You leaned forward. Allowing some of your distrust to show in your eyes. You rested your elbow on the desk and scratched your beard with your cold fingers. Looking them over just as they did you.

“You look different.” You said with a gruff tone. Which caused Agoris to smile. “Whose body are you riding around in now?” The Demon lifted their arms and inspected them, like they were just figuring out they had limbs.

“Some farmer a few towns over. Got crushed by his own bull.” Agoris plucked some imaginary lint from the clean commoners clothing he wore. Flaying out his fingers in a gesture for you to look at him. “I didn’t kill anyone. And I waited for him to be buried. Blah, blah, his family doesn’t know a Demon took over the body. All for you, sweetling.” That smirk was all too familiar to you. Once, you found it charming. Almost flirtatious. But now, on the verge of exhaustion and the forming headache behind your eyes, you found it irritating.

“What do you want?” You had a few guesses. But it had been years since you had heard from Agoris. The playfulness fell from the Demon’s lips at your tone. But they chose to ignore it. Taking on a more professional air to them.

“Remember your debt to me?” If Agoris saw the vein that popped in your neck, they chose not to say anything. “I’m here to have it paid. And before you get all kill-joy on me, I don’t need you to harm anyone. I just need an audience with your adoring King.” A cold hand seized your heart and you felt your stomach drop like a boulder in the river. You returned to your slouched position against the chair. Your fingers smoothing down your beard as you stared deep into the Demon’s eyes.

“What do you want with him?” You asked. And Agoris shivered with a smile at this new tone of yours. “Agoris, I cannot let you-”

“You can’t stop me, (y/n).” Agoris cut you off. “I’m coming to you because I don’t want you kicking down my door in a righteous frenzy of sickening loyal anger. There will be no deals with the King. I just want to talk with him.” You bristled under the silent promises Agoris held. Years of dedication to the crown built a protective and loving relationship with the Majesties and their family. You weren’t about to waltz a Demon into their midst for gossip over mead.

“What do you want to talk to them about?” You asked. Holding Agoris’ gaze with a steady, unyielding challenge behind your eyes. “I have conditions-”

“(y/n)...” Agoris said your name with a gentleness that made your chest quiver. You clenched your fist under the desk. Unable to look away from Agoris as they leaned towards you. “I gave you the opportunity to earn your place amongst the royal family. My repayment is the opportunity to be introduced to them as a friend. Not a stranger.”

“That doesn’t ease my suspicions, Agoris.” You all but growled at the Demon. Which seemed to excite the creature more than your rising anger. “I’ve seen your hand in many fallen nobles. In the destruction of armies. I’ve seen your name carved into the armor of legendary warriors. You cannot sit there and tell me that all you want is to be introduced to the King.” You leaned forward across the desk as much as you could without leaving your seat. And Agoris’ smile widened as the two of you were almost nose to nose. “I don’t trust you.”

“I’m heart broken.” A clawed finger settled on the thin wire that held your glasses together, and pushed them back up the bridge of your nose. You hated how familiar that motion felt. And you hated the sensation of comfort it seemed to bring you. “But you won’t be affected by this conversation. I promise.” Their eyes shimmered with a deeper color of purple and you felt that clenching power settling over your mind. Sharper than any headache. Agoris tilted his head, waiting for your response.

Your jaw was clenched and your nails bit into the palm of your hand as your knuckles turned white. Hundreds of scenarios played through your head. Thousands of thoughts and reasons as to why Agoris wanted the King’s attention. But it was all null to the one simple fact: you couldn’t stop Agoris. They could infiltrate the King’s inner circle with ease. They didn’t need you. But with you at their elbow, making the introductions, you could supervise their interactions. Oversee, and possibly find out, what Agoris wanted.

You sighed heavily enough to lift up a corner of a page on your desk. Slumping back into your chair as you waved your hand.

“Fine. I’m guessing you already have a plan as to how you want to be introduced?” You asked.

“Naturally.” Agoris replied. “The Feast is starting tomorrow, and I want you to introduce me during the celebrations. It’ll give me three days to make new friends and show-pony around. All you have to do is introduce me as your partner.” Your eyes flicked up to theirs the moment that word left their lips. Another heavy sigh and another rub against your eyes. But this time it was a full hand grinding into your sockets to soothe the ever growing migraine.

“We’ve been down this road before.” You said. Mostly to yourself. “Agoris, why do you like playing these cards?”

That little smirk was on display again. And you kicked yourself for looking a second too long while Agoris answered. “Because it's adorable. The look of shock on everyone's face when you have a handsome, beautifully dressed person at your hip, is amazing. The attention I get for being the mysterious, brooding, Knight Captain’s partner is intoxicating.” You swallowed a thick ball of tension from your throat as you rolled your eyes. You knew why they did this. Their power stemmed from attention. Deals were a side-hustle that got Agoris into frightfully influential situations. Which then stirred the pot for more people knowing them and talking about them. Making Agoris even more annoying to deal with when you started to climb the ladder in your profession. At some point in your life, they had been everywhere. Their name falling from so many lips that you were sure you were going mad. But then one day, Agoris was gone. Leaving alot of questions and no answers.

“I want one condition added to this repayment.” You offered after a stretch of silence. Agoris licked their lips. Folding their knee over the other and placing their hands on their lap in eager anticipation.

“Do tell.”

“I want the princess to be left alone.” You said. Sitting straight and squaring your shoulders. Giving the posture of authority that you displayed anytime you had to strike down on a ruly soldier or arrogant noble. “She’s been through enough. She doesn’t need your presence darkening her path.”

A softness seemed to settle over Agoris. And they looked up at you through the long, thick eyelashes with a tender curl to their lips.

“I promise, the princess will not be influenced by me.” The pressure passed as those words were spoken. But you didn’t let it go. Even though you’ve known Agoris for a very long time; they were a Demon. And Demon’s twisted things.

“Agoris…” You gave the silent threat without even uttering another word. The Demon raised their hand in surrender.

“The King is who I want. And the princess is too smart to take a deal from a Demon.” You didn’t bite at the underlying jab at your younger self. But you nodded. Inwardly relieved to hear Agoris admit that.

“Fine. I’ll be accompanying the Queen and her daughter to the ceremonies tomorrow morning. Meet us at the gates to the throne room and…I’ll start the introductions there.” Agoris clapped their hands excitedly and the room started to darken as their body began to slip back into their shadow self.

“See you tomorrow, darling.” The candles on your desk flickered almost to nothing. Before bouncing back into their brilliant light as Agoris’ form shattered into the walls. You felt the cool air creep back into the room as you stared at the chair in front of you. You didn’t finish those papers. You went to bed after a long session of wallowing in dread.

                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The city was alive with music and cheer. The streets were decorated with thousands upon thousands of flowers and colorful strips of cloth. The usual dirty cobblestone had been cleaned, and now was peppered with yellow sand to brighten up the dull gray walkways. You walked the streets behind your Queen and Princess. They were dressed so beautifully that all who greeted them, stared with adoring awe. Flowers were pinned in their hair and their gowns rustled with the weight of feathers. The Queen wore a sky blue dress that matched her gentle gaze. And her daughter wore a matching, but deeper, blue. Walking arm in arm through the streets. Gushing over the many stalls from the bordering farms and tradesmen. Displaying wondrous fruits and vegetables. The Princess nibbled on baked goods that her loving people offered her. And the Queen was gifted with all sorts of small trinkets and pieces of well crafted clothing. You were ignored. As you liked to be. You were only here to ensure no one tried anything stupid against the two royal women. And the platoon of guards that trailed you, were the poor saps that had to carry the Queen's gifts and the baskets of goods given to the Princess.

“Isn’t this lovely, Sir (y/n)?” The Princess asked as she roped her thin arm under your armored one. “I wish our city looked like this all year round.”

“Oh, that would get quite old, dear.” The Queen replied, taking your other arm in the same fashion. “I do love when the snow passes through. The town looks lovely in winter.”

You agreed with both of them. Keeping your side of the conversation at a minimum as you continued towards the gates of the Keep. Bringing the Queen and Princess’ walk through the city to an end. Finally.

“Why don’t you like the ceremony, (y/n)?” The Princess asked. “Surely you like having a break from training and paperwork.”

“I do.” You replied. Allowing yourself to relax somewhat as you approached the guarded gates of the Keep. The city encircled the castle and trailed down the mountain and its cliffs. A wall surrounded the city at the base of the mountain and midway up the cliffs. But the Keep had its own high wall of marble and rock. And the gates were of thick iron and constantly manned with hundreds of archers and swordsmen. You could let your guard down just a little, since so many eyes would be watching your approach. “But I would rather spend my time elsewhere. Maybe with a good book or riding a horse through the mountain pass.”

“Ugh, that sounds boring.” The Princess said. “But if we hurry now, we can go to the stables and ride off. I really don’t want to meet-”

“Ashley,” Her mother scolded gently. “It is your duty to represent our family at this feast. Many suitors have come for the chance to dance with you. How would you meet your future partner if you’re always out riding?” You were about to make a comment when you caught sight of a clustering crowd by the Keep’s main doors. You suppressed a sigh. Already knowing who was at the center of it. Between the expensive dresses and tailored suits, you locked eyes with a beautifully dressed man. Swathed in purple and gold in an outfit that seemed very out of place compared to everyone around them. Their skin was no longer purple but a dark olive tone and their smile flashed bright white teeth instead of fangs. Agoris called out to you. Waving their hand over the crowd and pushing their way through to you. The people watched them go with disappointment. But watched with growing curiosity as they made their way to you. The women at your sides shared a confused glance, and then looked up at you.

“(y/n), who is that?” The Princess asked. And you grumbled softly. Releasing your wards as Agoris half jogged over to grasp your hand. You didn’t get to greet them right away. For the Demon in human form leaned up on their toes to press a long, sweet kiss to your lips. You found yourself relaxing against it. Your hand rose up to sit on Agoris’ hip. And you grumbled once again as the Demon leaned away.

“Oh my…” The Queen blushed. Her hand was against her lips in an act of surprise. And the Princess’ smile was so wide it looked like it was going to split her face.

“(y/n), who is this?” The Princess demanded in a pitched squeal.

You gave Agoris a hard look. Who smiled up at you in reply before greeting the women. Clinging to your arm as you gestured to them. Allowing them some space to bow to your Royal persons. “Your Majesties, this is my partner, Agoris. Agoris, meet Queen Eliza and Princess Ashley.”

You couldn’t help but smile at the women’s response to your words. They looked so excited and they grasped Agoris’ hands in theirs. All but smothering them with questions and compliments. Adoring their silky gown and lovely braids, gasping at the glittering jewelry that adorned Agoris’ neck and wrists and fingers. Then the Princess turned to you with feigned anger.

“You never said a word about this to me.” She said, and you laughed, bowing your head in a gesture of apology.

“My Lady, I don’t tell you a lot of things.” You said. And Agoris gently slapped a hand over your chest, smiling up at you.

“It was my idea, My Lady.” They said with a sickeningly sweet voice. “I just loved our little bubble too much to share it with the rest of the world. And plus, the secrecy, you know…” The Queen smiled, genuinely laughing at the trailed off sentence.

“I know what you mean, dear. But please, you are welcome here. And it is an honor to meet you.” The Queen squeezed Agoris’ hand one last time before releasing them and excusing herself. She grabbed her daughter's hand and dragged her away when she saw Ashley wasn’t coming with.

“Wait! I have so many questions!” She complained, but let her mother lead her away. Your platoon of men separated at your command. The Royals now safe within the patrolled area of the Keep, their jobs were done. They left with nodded bows to go to their next tasks. Agoris bit his lip. Still holding your hand as they watched your men disperse.

“I do love a man in charge.” Agoris teased. And you shot him a side-long look before guiding them towards the Keep’s doors. Your hand slid to the small of their back as Agoris finally let you reclaim it. It felt as natural as being distrustful of Agoris’ intentions.

“I see you’re already making acquaintances.” You commented as you passed the previous crowd Agoris was mingling amongst. They watched the two of you with gaping mouths and passing whispers. You were going to hear about this for the next two years. “Just keep out of trouble.”

“They really have stuck a pole up your ass, huh,” Agoris sighed. Then their hands started to roam your torso and chest. Pushing you against a marble column. People around you gasped and some chuckled. Watching as Agoris’ hands slid around your biceps with groping fingers to then slip under the material of your shirt and roam over your skin. “Did the position of Knight Captain come with strings too? Do you get scripts to read every morning to sound like an uptight ass?” You caught their wrists in yours. Forcing their fingers away from your body as you clicked your tongue. You hated that you were smiling. How you didn’t feel anger or annoyance at Agoris’ playful antics. You almost enjoyed it.

“Hands off.” You told them. And Agoris mimicked your words with a scrunched up face and a high pitched tone. You released their wrists and smiled. “You’re a child.”

“Is that my Knight Captain…smiling?” A deep booming voice echoed over the crowd. You let your head roll back to stare up at the ceiling with playful irritation. Only looking down as a man in gold armor, with a twisting, elegant crown atop his head, approached you. You bowed at the hip. Agoris did the same. And the King opened his arms to both of you. Silently commanding the two of you to stand. “I didn’t know you could smile, (y/n). Who is this bewitching fellow that managed to squeeze that out of you.”

The fear squeezed at your throat. The ease you felt in your shoulders tightened and you tried hard not to let the dread show on your face.

“My King…this is my partner, Agoris.” You forced the words through your lips. “Agoris, my love, this is King Alrik.”

“Oh, it’s a pleasure and an honor, My King.” Agoris had the expression of awe and moved with a flustered shake to their hands as the King reached forward and shook it. “(Y/n) has told me so much. B-But nothing professional or anything, just that you’re an amazing man-” Agoris babbled on until the King laughed and clapped a hand on their shoulder. Soothing down their star-struck prattle with a warm smile.

“It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Agoris. Please, enjoy the feast and if you need anything, don’t be afraid to order (y/n) around.” The King shot you a wink and pointed an accusing finger at your chest. “We’re going to talk about your little secret, (y/n). Secrecy from your own King? I thought we were friends.” His tone was all light-hearted and you laughed softly. Bowing as the King retreated back into the hall of long tables full of food and drink.

You leaned close to Agoris and pinched the small of their back. “You’re overselling it.”

Agoris scoffed and leaned close enough to touch your chest and whisper their reply. “Are you telling a Demon how to manipulate people?” You sighed and didn’t retort. Letting Agoris drag you to various groups to mingle and be introduced too.

Everyone knew your name. And it wasn’t long before the wheel of gossip had made its rounds through the feast, and even through the staff. Agoris’ sudden appearance, and your even more surprising relationship, sparked a bonfire of interest and curiosity through everyone that attended the Feast. Even when you retreated to the corners of the throne room, people found you, and questioned you about the wonderful strange person you invited.

By the time night fell, you disappeared from the celebrations to the gardens. Where you could finally breathe and focus on stopping your hands from shaking. When you were younger, the thought of royal feasts and banquets were a dream you wished came true. To stand by nobles and kings alike. To drink and eat all you could. But now, they brought a sense of suffocation. The many eyes made your chest tighten and your mind race. The spiral of panic only quickened when the clash of swords and shields started in the entertainment. A play about the King’s battle with a traitorous lord of the south. You leaned against a tree and took a deep breath. The quiet of the night was comforting. The crickets sang to you as you waited out the thundering beat of your heart and kept your lungs bringing air to your body. You violently jumped when a warm hand grazed against yours. Your hand automatically went to your hip, finding the hilt of your sword. But you didn’t unsheath it. Finding yourself staring into Princess Haley’s eyes.

“I-I’m sorry.” She quickly said as you cleared your throat. “I saw you leave the feast and wanted to make sure you’re ok.”

You let yourself breathe for a moment. Finding enough calm to answer her. “I’m meant to be checking in on you. You shouldn’t be out here.”

You let your hand fall from your sword. Standing from the tree to properly posture yourself like a knight. “Your suitors will miss you.”

The girl blushed a deep red and shrugged. “I wanted to make sure my hero wasn’t going to collapse on me.”

You chuckled. Wiping your sweating forehead on the sleeve of your shirt. “The attack isn’t that bad. Go on, now. I’ll join you soon.” You waited for the girl to leave. Having to shoo her some more when she strayed by your side a little longer. She picked up her skirts and started to hurry back. Glancing at you over her shoulder at you before disappearing back into the brightly lit chambers.

“My hero.” Agoris’ voice said from somewhere in the darkness. “You save one Princess and suddenly you’re the hero of the realm. You know how hard it is to get attention when everyone is spitting stories about you?” You didn’t bother looking for them. You leaned against the tree again and rested the back of your head against the smooth bark.

“Must be very annoying.” You grumbled.

“I didn’t know you slew a dragon.” Agoris’ hand slid over your shoulder and down your chest as they materialized beside you. Their flowing silks wrapped tightly around them as they pretended to be cold. “Or fought in the Battle of Crimson Valley. If I had known you were in the front lines I wouldn’t have sent out my creation with such confidence.”

You didn’t feel any surprise at that news. But did find yourself chuckling.

“It fought well.” You said, and Agoris huffed like a stubborn child.

“At least I know why my champion lost now. I was very interested to know what type of Human took down an abomination of dark magic. It couldn’t have been anyone else.” Agoris looked up at you finally. Searching your face as you looked up at the stars. Their hand on your chest felt comforting. Like they were pulling the panic from your body to leave a gentleness in your chest.  “This life has taken a massive toll on you.” They said with a tenderness that made you look at them in surprise. “I can feel it. Your Soul…it's not as bright as it used to be.”

You looked down at your chest. Their hand was no longer that smooth dark tone, but now held the hue of their demonic flesh. Their dark claws pricked at your skin. But you didn’t remove it.

“Being a Knight isn’t as glorious as I thought.” You admitted. You raised your hand to place it over Agoris’. “I wouldn’t change it for the world. I’ve seen and learnt so much. But sometimes…I wonder what would have happened if I didn’t sign my name.”

Agoris tilted his head. Like they were watching something interesting on your chest. Then they looked up at you with that purple hue to their gaze. “You were always going to be a Knight, (y/n). I just created the opportunity for you to be the best version of that prophecy.” They withdrew their hand and the olive color returned to their skin. “But with being the best, you have had to face the worst.”

“Are you saying you regret it?” You teased. And Agoris laughed.

“Hell no. The power you alone have given me is incredible. But I would change a few things.” Their hands slid up your chest to wind around the back of your head and tangle in your hair. They pulled you down in a kiss. And you pulled them against you. Feeling the connection between you deepen as his tongue intruded yours.

I would have stayed. The image of your sleeping figure, entwined with the sheets of your bed, hair a mess and your mouth opened slightly with a soft snore, flashed through your mind. I would have stayed with you. Like I should have.

Another image invaded your mind. Of your Knighting ceremony. Your perspective was amongst the crowd, near the back. And you watched yourself bow before the King and his sword touched each of your shoulders. Your voice was louder than anyone else as you stood and accepted the sword from the King.

I would have kept you safe. Protected you when no one else could have. The image of your bleeding body overtook the last image. Your arm was outstretched, keeping the Princess behind you as your foes advanced towards you. The deep wound in your side was flooding the floor with crimson. But you stood tall and unwavering. Your sword clashing against your enemies until they fell. You hugged the Princess close and retreated from the room. Your perspective changed to watch you being laid on a bed. Bandaged and in agony. But a sense of relief was filling you as you joked with the other knight that helped you lie down.

You pulled away when the images started to hurt. The intrusive power grew with need as you watched many moments of your life from outside your own eyes. You held Agoris’ face in your hands. Searching his eyes for some sort of trick. A lie. A hidden truth. Anything, that would give away that they was using you. But you found only sadness. Guilt. And Agoris clung to you as if you were a lifeline.

“I want to stay.” They whispered to you. “Will you let me stay?”

You pressed your forehead to theirs. Pulling them as close as you could without crushing them between your arms. “I’ve waited for you for so long.” You growled between your teeth. “I thought I was stupid for thinking you wanted anything but my debt. Promise me, you really mean what you’re saying.”

Agoris’ eyes shone with a violet hue. Their pupils slitting like a cat’s until they were nothing but a sliver of black amongst the purple. “I promise.”

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