The council hall had never felt so empty. The banners hung limply, the torches flickering in silence. Vaelor sat at the high chair at the center of the hall, crimson eyes calm, unmoving. He did not glance at Ruria, who stood a few steps away, hands clasped tightly in front of her.
The doors opened with an ominous creak.
A presence filled the hall, chilling the air. The Demon King himself entered—a creature once feared across continents, whose name had once struck terror into the hearts of humans, elves, and demons alike. He had been a threat to the very existence of the world.
Now, he walked calmly. Docile. Controlled. His massive horns curled back elegantly, and his wings, folded neatly, made him seem smaller than the memory Ruria had of him. And yet, the air still carried the weight of power.
He bowed low. "Vaelor," the Demon King rumbled, voice like rolling thunder. "I come with a request."
Vaelor's crimson eyes flicked to him. "Yes?" His tone was smooth, almost playful.
The Demon King straightened. "My daughter… I wish for her hand in marriage. I offer her to you, as a bride."
Vaelor leaned back slightly, lips curving faintly. "Marriage?" he repeated. "You offer her to me, yet the thought of ownership is… amusing."
The Demon King's eyes narrowed. "I am serious. My daughter—"
Vaelor raised a hand, stopping him. "I will consider her… as a concubine first. Perhaps later as a wife. Depends on my amusement."
Ruria's head snapped toward him, eyes wide. She could not believe she had heard correctly.
The Demon King blinked. He looked taken aback, and for the first time, Vaelor's teasing seemed to affect someone else.
Vaelor's smile widened slightly. "Think carefully before you respond. I might decide differently tomorrow."
The Demon King's stern expression faltered. Then, after a long pause, he nodded. "I… accept," he said finally, voice tight. "I accept your terms."
Ruria stared, frozen for a heartbeat. Then, the disbelief hit her fully—and she burst out laughing.
Vaelor turned slowly to look at her, crimson eyes meeting hers. He froze. Shock? A flicker, almost imperceptible, passed through his expression. The Demon King blinked, and even Kaelis's lips twitched, suppressing a smirk.
Ruria's laughter echoed through the hall, sharp and free, bouncing off the dark stone walls. She barely caught her breath before realizing the deeper pang behind it—the jealousy.
Vaelor had once again controlled a situation beyond anyone else's reach. He had teased a Demon King, turned a political proposal into his personal amusement, and left Ruria… conflicted.
She stopped laughing abruptly, cheeks flushed. "You… you're unbelievable," she said, voice trembling with frustration. "Even here, you manage to… to—"
"Annoy you?" Vaelor suggested softly, crimson eyes glittering with amusement.
Ruria gaped. "…Yes!" she admitted, face burning.
The Demon King cleared his throat, glancing nervously between them. "My lord… I meant no offense," he said.
Vaelor waved a hand, dismissing him with ease. "None taken. I enjoy surprises… and reactions."
Ruria's stomach twisted, equal parts irritation and a strange thrill. The man could tease the Demon King and still dominate the room, yet she had seen that tiny crack in his composure when she laughed. It made her pulse quicken.
Kaelis, standing nearby, leaned slightly toward her. "Be careful," she whispered. "Even amusement has consequences with him."
Ruria huffed, trying to regain composure. "I know… but I can't help it. He's… infuriating."
Vaelor finally spoke again, tone calm, almost silky. "Do not worry. I will ensure your place remains… unquestioned."
Ruria's hands clenched at her sides. His words were comforting and terrifying at the same time. She wanted to accept them, wanted to trust them. And yet, the laughter that had come so easily earlier burned in her chest—a reminder that a new threat existed now, and her jealousy would not fade quickly.
The Demon King bowed again and departed, leaving behind an uneasy silence. Vaelor remained, expression unreadable. But Ruria could sense the faintest twitch of amusement still lingering, and it was enough to make her cheeks flush once more.
In that moment, Ruria realized something profound. No matter the power around her—no matter the Demon King, the dragon, or any other threat—Vaelor's control was absolute. And her place beside him was as dangerous, unpredictable, and intoxicating as the man himself.
She took a deep breath, steadying her pulse. A new day, a new challenge, and perhaps a new rival had entered their world. And with it, her jealousy, her determination, and her resolve burned brighter than ever.
Vaelor watched her silently, crimson eyes glinting with subtle amusement, as though he had orchestrated this entire scene simply to observe her reaction.
And Ruria understood, with both fear and exhilaration, that she would never stop chasing him—and he would never stop teasing her.