”Is there a problem?” The cold voice of the King echoed in the marble chamber, sounding more like a reprimand than a question. His unreadable eyes were as black as coal, and despite his beautiful features he was a frightening figure when he spoke, for anyone else other than his children of course. They seemed to be immune to presence, perhaps because somewhere in them they held the very same thing. Rose stood her ground with as much ease as she ever did, unperturbed by his stare.

“Of course there is not, I merely inquire-“

“I know. Your inquiry suggests that you have an issue with what I have requested. I did not task you with anything that is out of your ability Rose. Have you given up? Perhaps I should do away with your sibling and mother now and get it over with?” He seemed agitated; Rose took notice straight away and bowed her head low, speaking with neutrality that would impress today’s Scandinavia.

“That is not necessary my lord.” She was obviously walking on egg shells today, normally she would never have backed down so easily, but the lives of those important to her were on the line. She was not willing to gamble, Lucian knew this well.

“Then be gone.” He commanded simply, stone like on his pristine throne. Rose lifted her head and walked out of the chamber, her eyes ahead formally, looking at nothing, thinking of everything.

“…sey…rosey?…ROSE. Are you actually daydreaming?”

“Mm? Oh, I apologize. I was just observing the outside.” Rose snapped back to the present and recovered her unusual behavior with a quick excuse that would have worked on any other occasion. But today she was in a carriage, and…

“How? The curtains are drawn.” Vincent cocked and eyebrow at his sister, who sat across from him. The dull rocking of the carriage had lulled him into a soft sleep, but when a bump had woke him up he found that his sister was no longer reading, her book had fallen to the floor and she was staring at a shut curtain with an expression that would look emotionless to anyone else but him.

Rose looked at the drawn curtain and back at her brother, a grin of defeat on her face. “Oh dear, I’ve been found out. I’m actually daydreaming of the handsome prince that is going to whisk my heart away.” At the word ‘prince, Prince lifted his head and stared at her. “Not that Prince already hasn’t.” She stroked his chin, his indignant stare melting away with her gentle strokes. “You are the only prince for me dear, fret not.” She told him. He was her absolute confident; she had raised him from a pup. Vincent had found him three years ago, while the two of them were enjoying a rare evening with their mother. He had come home for a break from the war. She still saw him as the little abandoned runt in the bushes, swiping in a distrusting way at the hands trying to pick him up. For some reason he only allowed her to touch him that day. All three of them had chosen a name, bathed and fed him, and doted. He was the most spoiled fox in the kingdom from that day on; he was loved now, not just some runt hiding in the bushes.

Vincent chuckled, letting her wave off the incident with her sarcasm. He knew fully that she would never be caught dead pining for some fairytail-ish prince of a far away land. He picked up her book and closed it, the flattened red flower inside acting as a bookmark. “People have a hard time telling when you’re being sarcastic you know. You use the same tone as when you’re being serious. Only a handful of people can tell when you jest…it’s hilarious.” Vincent had been acting as though he was lecturing her, until his crooked grin had cracked through at the last minute.

“At least I can amuse you…on an actual note, are you sure you are ok with this arrangement. It would have been rude to refuse but father did give you the option to not go ahead with this marriage. I know you are quite a bit more romantic than I.” Lucian was just fine with his daughter becoming the Queen of his enemy nation, but also just fine with an Angel woman not becoming the Queen of his nation. That was the reason he gave Vincent, but Rose knew that there was slightly more reasoning to said offer.

“Don’t start with this again.” His debonair grin faded a little, he came over to worry about his sister not the other way around. “The way I see it the men have the long end of the stick in this situation. Both you and Carmina are beautiful beyond compare, and Angels are always sparklingly beautiful. The only question is how sparklingly beautiful my fiancé will be.” The carriage stopped suddenly, “looks like we’ve arrived.”

The door opened immediately for them, Rose turned her head away calmly from the blinding light. It was not so sunny where she lived. The butler who had opened the carriage unfurled the umbrella he carried. Vincent stepped out, he had been near Angel territory in the past, and was not surprised by the sunny scenery. His eyes adjusted quickly. He took his sister’s slender hand and helped her out, the butler holding the umbrella for her. “Welcome to The Castle of our home, the greeting room is right this way.” Rose was quite thankful for the umbrella, without it she would have looked daft with her eyes squinting painfully. The other two carriages carrying her other siblings also arrived. Rose and Vincent proceeded to the greeting room, arm in arm. The pages and staff started unloading the carriages, with Prince heading off to investigate the guard dogs no doubt, he enjoyed teasing them in the Demon castle, perhaps they would provide the same amusement here.

The inside of the castle was unlike anything Vincent had ever seen, everything piece of artwork here was creative, not a bit of it was gaudy, unlike the various things that the Demon castle sometimes had. He looked around, admiring it while Rose simply looked ahead. The Demon’s dark clothes stood out like a sore thumb inside the great bright castle. With Vincent in his black coat and Rose in her red dress, her hair loosely tied up in an elegant fashion. “Come now, don’t look too excited, we must conduct ourselves with the utmost decorum.” He said humorously over his shoulder to his half siblings, they apparently didn’t find the comment as funny as he did. They arrived at intricately carved, white double doors, which two guards opened for them. In the went to the start of of an interesting and (hopefully) peaceful encounter.

Within one of the many long, white halls of the Angel Castle, slow steady footsteps echoed. A young, dark haired angel man made his way through the corridor situated beside one of the castle's diverse gardens, enjoying the feel of the warm sun on his handsome face. As he travelled at snail's pace, he contemplated the situation he currently found himself in, his grey eyes glazed over in thought. Despite passing such sights of floral beauty and a majestic white foundation located directly in the middle of it, the angel took no notice and simply continued his journey deeper into the castle.

The garden was soon replaced by walls covered with bright and imaginative pieces of art and the floor became carpeted. His tan, lace-up boots made little to no sound as he walked now. Tucked into them were a pair of light blue trousers, accompanied by a baggy, dress shirt with frilled cuffs and left open at the collar. He hadn't made much of an effort that morning, despite it being one of the most important mornings on his life. This lack of preening by his loose clothing and the mop of messy, cola black hair that he had only combed with his fingers.

“Y-Your Majesty!” Two angels guards stood to attention at the sight of their kingdom's heir, and what a startling sight it was. Prince Zuriel, usually a picture of fine grooming and health, stood before them a tired and peasant of a man. Only half of his shirt was tucked in, his cuffs were not buttoned correctly and his hair was a mess. His boots weren't polished but scruffed, his wings were in desperate need of some attention and underneath his tired, red eyes were bags beginning to form. Even so, they bowed respectfully and let him through.

He had barely taken a step before his father, King Samuel, grabbed his son roughly by the arm and pulled him into a second, smaller doorway. He rounded on his dazed son quikly, eyes flashing dangerously bright for an angel king.

“Zuriel. What in God's name is wrong with you!? You're half dressed for goodness sake, and have you even washed yourself this morning!?”

“As it happens, I took a good long soak...” The prince replied, his gaze staring holes into the floor. His father rolled his eyes and then dragged himself towards a vanity table with a bowl of fresh water atop it.

“Wash your face and comb your hair. I'll groom your feathers.”

Zuriel did as he was told, cupping the water and lifting it to his face before rubbing it all over before repeating the action. He did this several times as his father went over his white speckled, midnight black-blue wings with a comb, removing any moulting feathers and combing them until they shone with a healthy sheen.

“Zuriel... What am I going to do with you? What's wrong with you, my son?”

Staring into the water, his wet bangs dripping and hands covering his face, the eldest angel prince wondered about telling his father what was on his mind. Surely he would be able to help?... No, Zuriel couldn't tell his father. It would reveal too much and now was not the time to be thinking about that. Right now he had to focus.

“It's nothing, Father. I just haven't been sleeping as well.” Straightening up, Zuriel picked up a wooden comb and ran it through his hair, easing out the knots. He used a nearby towel to dry his face and hair as best he could, then combed the bangs hanging over his forehead so that they slanted to his right. He looked at himself in the mirror, his hair combed, his face washed and his wings shimmering. He looked much better already.

“You do know you can tell me anything, right? I'm not going to judge you on anything.” Samuel asked as he crossed the room to the wardrobe and searched inside for something that would go well with his heir's current oufit. Zuriel was busy righting that outfit; tucking in his pants and buttoning up his cuffs.

“I'm fine, Father, really. Besides, now is not the time for chit-chat. Our guests will be waiting.” Placing his arms behind him, Zuriel let Samuel place a light blue jacket over his shirt, shifting his wings through the holes as well as his arms. He buttoned up the jacket, corrected the collar and made eye contact with his father in the mirror. They stared at each other for a long while before Zuriel blinked, then unexpectedly spoke.

“The others don't have to do this, Father. I'm quite happy to be the only one who marries.” His plea had been voiced many times, but like every other time, his father simply shook his head, turned and walked towards the door to the Waiting Room. Zuriel followed without another word, stepping past his father who held the door open for him. No doubt the king would remain in the little room to check his other children were presentable.

His vision was met by the sight of the Waiting Room and within it, two demon children. Immediately identifying one of them as the eldest daughter, Zuriel slowly made his way towards the pair, stopped just before them and bowed, one arm behind his back while the other was positioned across his chest, hand on heart. He spoke in a polite, but otherwise emotionless tone.

“Greetings. I am Prince Zuriel, eldest son of King Samuel. It is an honour to finally meet you.”

A single leaf danced to downward, landing on the head of an Angel. She sat in between two graves, curled into a ball like a child. One would be surprised to see that she was not crying, perhaps she had cried so much that her tears were now gone. Merle’s tears were in fact used up, she had cried so much the past few months that she her eyes now ran dry. She hadn’t even bothered to hide them, in truth her behavior would have been embarrassing if she wasn’t miserable enough to not care. Her dark silver tresses were pulled up into her usual two pigtails, and she wore a loose white dress that reached her knees. She was not dressed to meet with her husband to be at all. Her wings weren’t even in order. She looked like a child from the forest or with wings from a bird of prey, not an Angel of royalty.

“I don’t want to go…” She spoke, talking to the grave stones of her lost twin brothers. Their grave stones were a work of art no doubt, but she felt that nothing corporeal would do their spirits justice, so every day she would sing to them, she’d even sneak out and sleep there during the night, either in a tree or on the ground, depending on how painful she found it to be close to them.

No one knew she was here all the time, perhaps her siblings suspected, but she’d hide if she heard anyone coming. Zuriel came sometimes, so did Ezekiel, although he seemed angry when he did. Her sisters had been there once or twice, but they seemed to find it just plain painful. What she hadn’t seen was father visiting their graves, although she had no idea why. Was he trying to keep face? Was it too much? Did he not care? She couldn’t figure it out, and asking would have been out of the question, he was already annoyed by her utterly rebellious nature; he wouldn’t possibly tolerate such a question from her. She was actually scared to ask him, scared that she should have to ask at all.

“But I don’t want to leave everyone to face those monsters alone.” She continued, speaking as though the dead could hear her. “You’d be mad at me if I wasn’t there to watch out for everyone wouldn’t you…?” Merle sighed and stretched out her long legs, the bottom of her feet were caked with dirt and her dress probably wasn’t as white as it was when she put it on. She would have to wash…or would she?

Merle’s frown slowly turned into something of a devious half grin, the closest thing to a smile she’d had since the demise of Yarrow and Caritas. Her emotions had been roller coasting from depression to anger and back again, and she had acted out accordingly. She wouldn’t be washing her feet, or even changing, she’d just show up, avoiding maids and her father in the process so they couldn’t interfere with her little entrance. That’d shock the hell out of her fiancé! He’d refuse to marry her with any luck.

She stood up and flapped her black wings powerfully, lifting her into the air with as much grace as a tropical bird. She took off from there and soared upwards, heading towards the east end of the castle, where the waiting room’s windows would be. It would be easy to spot the room, since it was the only one where the curtains would be drawn. Apparently their ‘guests’ weren’t used to this much sunlight, the fact only made then seem more like monsters to her and everyone else. She soon spotted the drawn curtains and soared towards the window, phasing through the solid glass and curtain she flapped forward, uprighting herself and landing gracefully on the white carpet.

Merle saw that Zuriel was currently facing the Demons alone, she looked them over once and plopped down on a cushiony chair, not bothering to explain herself or even say hello. “Darn, thought I’d be the last one here, turns out I’m one of the first. Haven’t tried to bite you yet have they Zuriel?” She asked rudely, frowning at the woman he was greeting, she was beautiful no doubt. The utter picture of elegance, but she was just some prissy Demon Princess who had never been told no in her life, Merle was sure of it. “You guys sure do darken up a room by the way…” She commented, crossing her arms and legs and leaning back, as if done with her interaction for the day.

A small old leather bound book lay across the table before the Middle Angel Prince, he had been rather immersed in the book for quite some time now, losing track of time altogether. However, one could argue that Ezekiel wasn’t keeping an eye on the time to begin with. For anyone looking close enough they’d find it wasn’t a story, nor a true book really, but brief passages, bound together by the worn leather. He stretched out along the simple wooden chair, allowing a brief feeling of peace to immerse his body as he glanced at the cursive handwriting. Sighing, he closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift to sleep.

Ezekiel was having one of those dreams where he was running. No, it didn’t feel like the male was running away from something but rather, that he was running towards something. He paused for a moment and took in his surroundings. The effort was pretty much useless on his part, for everything seemed to surrounded by an almost total darkness. He sighed and shook his head, running his slender hand through his hair--a motion he did when he was pondering something of great importance. When he did this, he realized that either his hands or his hair were slicked with something. Lifting his hands so that they were in his line of vision, his eyes tried to focus. Straining them to an extent, he saw that his hands were red; they were covered in some thick red liquid. His eyes widened and looked down at his clothes. He wasn’t wearing his white dress shirt and formal attire anymore. He was dressed in the proper warrior attire of the Angels. However, his clothes were not dyed in a subtle red as was custom for some warriors, but he was covered in blood. Ezekiel couldn’t understand; he didn’t want to understand. It was like all the control he had on his own body was lost. He suddenly became a passenger--no, just a spectator within his own body. He struggled to stop the running; from going on to what he sensed was impending danger and terrible sorrow, but he couldn’t.

He was frantically searching for someone, running past shaded figures as if he was invisible or they were choosing to turn a blind eye to him. The sky darkened and he could hear the rumbles of chanting, of sort of praise for victory. A pain erupted in his chest.

At the same time, Ariel was wandering through the many shelves lined with books, some books dating back before the Youngest Angel Princess was even born. While running her fingers delicately along the spines of each book, she allowed herself to glimpse at her companion, who lay in a tense position some feet away. An expression of concern slightly passing her features, Ariel stopped. Looking through a small crevice between two leather bound books, she watched her brother silently. As she moved along the aisle yet again, she continued to cast glimpses between the crevices in his direction, concern slowly mounting.

There came a nearby glare from the window that shone at the end of the aisle. Making her way down to it slowly, she found herself being enveloped by it. It almost appeared as if she was glowing, as she stood there. Dainty feet walking towards her brother, she lightly tapped him upon the shoulder. She pursed her lips slowly, trying to contemplate whether she’d be so bold as to try and wake him even further.

In that brief moment of time, the grand doors of the Castle library opened, revealing two built figures, both holding expressions mixed with worry and relief. “Prince Ezekiel, Princess Ariel, pardon our sudden intrusion, but we should make our way to the greeting room now, words has it that two of your siblings are already there, as well as the Demon Royalty.” The two spoke in unison, something that Ariel found amusing, despite the emotion not crossing her face. “I understand. Thank you. You may leave now, I will wake Ezekiel.” Ariel made a slight motion with her hands, waving them away in royal fashion. Lightly tapping her brother yet again, she serenely waited for a response.

Ezekiel suddenly blinked, memories vanishing, making their way to the darkest parts of his mind. Eyes refocusing on the familiar setting of the library, he recalled whatever events occurred before those thoughts had plagued him. Taking a deep breath, he forced a small smile, for the sake of his little sister who stood before him. “Guess it’s time to meet them.” He stated it rather nonchalantly, moving so that he now stood beside his little sister. Grey wings performing a type of stretching movement behind him, he yawned. “Are you excited, dear Air?” Trying to play off the nap as something innocent, he used his nickname for her.

Ignoring her brother’s sentences and attempts at conversation, she smoothed out the wrinkles of her pale gown and brought her hands up to her hair, making sure the curls the Queen had tried so hard to perfect were still intact. Covering a sigh, Ariel wondered why her brother would waste his breath asking such a ridiculous question. Naturally, like her other siblings, Ariel held no forms of anticipation for this day. Perhaps disdain was the more proper word. The young princess didn’t even hold interest in the opposite gender and yet there she was, walking the corridors with her older brother, about to meet her fiancé.

Chuckling lightly at his sister’s lack of response, he shrugged his shoulders. “Well I didn’t think so.” As the two maidservants opened the door to the greeting room, Ezekiel caught sight of his sister, Merle, and older brother, Zuriel, as well as the Demon Royalty. Not catching the words that came out of Merle’s lips, Ezekiel cast her an intrigued look, as if asking her to fill him in later. “Sorry we are rather late.” Ariel murmured quietly, curtsying with such grace that the any professional dancer would be envious. Following suit, Ezekiel bowed beside her. “Hello. I am Ezekiel, King Samuel’s son and this is Ariel, King Samuel’s youngest daughter. I’ve heard so much about you all.”

“Thank you.” The butler nodded at Roses soft thanks and bowed out of the room, shutting the door behind them. ‘Almost as if they were barring us in.’ Vincent thought grimly as he remembered the guards stationed in the front, He had been avidly looking around the castle’s decoration with great interest, but already he was bored with them. He had a tendency and perhaps a bad habit of assessing things quickly and then tossing them away without enjoying them. It was because he did not hold value to such things, he held value to very few things. Rose on the other hand often saw value and use in many things. She watched things happen with interest and took her time; it wasn’t all black and white to her. She actually liked what she saw hear, although her manners prevented her from properly enjoying her surroundings by exploring around the room.

“I suppose they don’t call it a waiting room for nothing.” Vincent whispered to Rose good naturedly as he slipped his arm away from hers and moved to a book case across the room to see what kind of books Angels enjoyed these days.

Rose stayed where she stood, waiting patiently, though she did not have to wait for long. A tall man with sharp features but an otherwise expressionless face came through the side door. He was dressed in simple clothing, though he wore them as though they were nothing but the finest regal garb; an impressive demeanor for any to claim. His dark hair matched his dark wings, not exactly what one would expect from and Angel. Everyone whom she had seen had either pastel colored wings or ones that would make snow envious of their purity. How curious that Royalty would have dark wings.

“The honor resides with me, my name is Princess Rose. Eldest of Lord Lucian’s remaining children.” Rose returned the bow with a curtsy that was graceful down to the very ripples on her dress. Whereas Zuriel sounded emotionless, Rose sounded as though she had meant what she said; such was her skill in these matters.

The sound of a book closing sharply interrupted what Rose was going to say next as she turned to the direction of the rude noise. Vincent returned the book to the shelf and stepped over to the marital pair, encircling behind Zuriel as if a cat was stalking a caged bird. “My my, you came in rather boldly…” He stopped next to Rose, scrutinizing him with his eyes and grinned. He had watched the whole entrance out of the corner of his eye, and found it rather irritating for some reason. “Oh yes, forgive my rudeness, my name is Vincent, Lucian’s eldest son. “ He bowed slightly and gave a sweeping motion with his hand in a fluid movement, much more gentlemanly sounding than he had been before. But he was responding to the glance he had gotten from Rose, which he took as his queue that what he had said was rather rude, but he had side stepped it and instead took it to mean that he hadn’t introduced himself yet. Showing Rose and present company that he would not acknowledge what he did as wrong.

The attention of bother siblings turned to the window as a girl quite literally flew in, the gust of wind she had created with her wings tussled their hair. Vincent raised an eyebrow, quite interested in how she had just come in, going through the curtain and probably the shut window. Rose only took note of it. Vincent grinned in amusement when she opened her mouth to spew callous and unladylike comments. Her appearance for that matter was utterly inappropriate, wild even. But it showed that she had guts, and an attitude to match. How very unexpected from an Angel. Had he gotten their entire race’s mannerisms wrong? Perhaps the ethereal race he had pictured was just a myth? The boredness he had felt earlier was beginning to leave him.

“Darken up the room? It sorely needs such a thing, it surprises me that you all have yet to go blind from all the white. I-“ Rose brought a finger to Vincent’s mouth, stopping him from further speaking and making a mess of things.

“I apologize miss; my brother misunderstood your comment, as I am sure that you simply meant to point out that Demons prefer darker colors than Angels.” She said, stepping forward a bit, “A pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She curtsied to the seated Merle from across the room, calm and elegant in fashion, the situation was quickly resolved. And with that Rose turned to greet the two new comers in the room. A sister and brother who appeared to be younger, the Prince was Carmina’s husband to be, and upon being informed of the little Princess’s name, it was clear that she was Alic-er Jack’s wife to be.

“We unfortunately have not heard much of you, but we hope to soon correct that. I am Vincent and this is my sister, Rose. We’re the eldest siblings…” He winked in a debonair fashion as he bowed and his sister curtsied. This time Vincent stepped up to speak first respectfully, perhaps making up for his behavior? No, he never did things like that.

"Eldrich, do not fail me with the task I have given you. There are no other opportunities that would be bestowed towards you. I am not going to be lenient this time around. Ensure your success or death would be your reward."

Those words were spoken with much authority and the definite promise of demise. Remembering the events at that moment, Eldrich was summoned at the break of dawn and did not even have the leisure of making his self the very least presentable. Unfortunate for the one who woke him up, the color of crimson welcomed his vision so early in the morning. Afterwards, none of his servants asked for him to change his current apparel in fear of being the next one to see abyss of death. The young demon prince appeared before the dreadful Lord Lucian in his nightly garb with the corresponding bed hair. Despite such presentation, there was no denying that he was still a sight to behold. Furthermore, he even had the audacity to yawn in front of his father without hesitation. It was a clear act of disrespect and yet he was the only one who could get away with it not harmed in any way.

The conversation had transpired and he was not even given the opportunity to speak his piece. It was an order that asked no inquiries. Since, he was still in slumber mentally. The peculiar demon prince was fine with it as he returned to his personal chamber and continued his sleep until he and his siblings would be whisked away to be married with the angels in the falsehood of a peace treaty. It seemed that the current situation would only happen in novels that were spun from mere imagination. However, it was the reality and as intriguing as it appeared to be. He had no intention of getting along with his supposed to be bride in the first place. Perchance, he could use this to have a new toy to be entertained with.

Returning to the task and desire to not fail that had been spoken to him, it would be natural for one to feel anxiety or fear and to be seriously contemplating on how failure should not be an outcome. However, the person in focus was the eccentric demon prince Eldrich. It would be abnormal for him if he would be swayed by the fatality in the command of King Lucian which was directed to him. Instead, the demon prince had a lovely sneer plastered across his beautiful face as he had certain glint within his obsidian eyes as he was taken to the Angel’s Castle to meet with his fiancée.

Eldrich was certainly an irregularity among the children of the King Lucian. His siblings strived to excel and to be noticed by their father, to gain the Demon King’s favor or to simply be superior to the others. However in his case, he really did not need to put any effort in being the best in the things he does. It was natural for him and been labeled as a genius. The only problem about him was his disregard for authority and his unpredictable personality which made him very difficult to be tamed and to be captured in any ploy his father would have against him.

Although personally, he could care less about the demon race, Blue Rose, angels or anything that deemed to be important by his father and fellow demons. He was rather more interested with objects that would pique his interest and stick with it until he gets bored of it. Aligning with this idea, he was pondering about the matters that would take his attention in the territory of the Angels. The mere idea was enough for him to survive the boring trip and to put the words of his father in the corner of his mind.

There was no other person within his carriage. He had the privilege to have his own personal space. However, he was not against the thought of sharing it with his other siblings. But, it was different in the sides of his half-brothers and half-sisters. They were avoiding him like a plague when opportunity presents itself. He did not mind though. After all, little things were known not to completely make the eccentric prince care in the very least and Eldrich having none of any familial affection towards his blood relatives was something that had made him an outcast in a way. The idea of these relationships brought a sardonic smile upon his face as the darkness within his chosen transportation that was caused by the curtains covering the various windows gave him a sense of comfort in the lands of the Angels that contrasted every details of being a Demon.

The carriage came to a halt and the only plausible reason was the arrival at the intended location, the Angel’s Castle. His inner musings ended as the door opened and a Butler was before him. He slightly titled his head away from the door due to the blinding light that spread within his carriage. His eyes were accustomed to the darkness that it irritated it to be used in such brightness. However, it only took a few moments to have his eyesight adapt thus, he gazed at the man before him. The said male servant waited for him to exit the transportation which he did so with such abrupt elegance. His eyes that would be reminded of the night gazed at the grand architecture of the building in front of him. The Angels certainly adored everything that would scream of happiness while the Demons would do the exact opposite.

After a while, he had sensed that all of his siblings had arrived. His elder sister and elder brother were lead inside the castle as the butler attending to him gestured to do the same. He followed as he allowed his eyes to roam around the palace. Many things aroused his interest which was similar to a child visiting inside a toy store. The only thing that distracted his awakening interest was what Vincent said that was meant to be a joke. His elder brother should be reminded of that he was never given the talent to create humor.

It was natural for his younger half-siblings to respond coldly to his statement or chose to ignore it. In any case, he was one of them that chose the latter one and continued pleasuring himself with the sights. The bright castle had objects and decorations that represented serenity and holiness in a sense, while the dominion of the Demons had overly expensive furniture that was too extravagant. Although, his “sight seeing” ended for they arrived at the “Greeting Room”. Eldrich wondered what his fiancée looked like. Based on the descriptions he had received from his tutors, books and battles, the Angel Royalty are ethereal beings. However, he could care less about what she may physically appear to be. For the same could be said about him, he was not adorned in clothes that would express his status as prince unlike His elder siblings who had dressed for the occasion.

The eccentric demon prince was simply wearing casual clothing that comprises of a simple shirt and pants. It would appear he was only taking a stroll around his room although it would be foolish not to admit that in spite of his choice of wardrobe. He looked very dashing and beautiful in every sense. Even though it is a fact, he had quite the argument with his father about his appearance and yet again. Eldrich had gotten his way in the end.

As the doors opened, the Demon Royalties entered the room and waited for their prospected husbands and wives that would be the path to a peaceful negotiation. Although one would find these kinds of arrangements doubtful enough, these ideas floated within the young demon prince’s mind as he concluded that the encounter they would have would probably be entertaining in every sense of the word.

True to his conclusion, the Angel Royal Siblings flooded the room. The first to arrive was the eldest prince followed by a roguish princess that has little care about her appearance. It did reminded him of someone he knew very well, him. After that, another son and the youngest daughter arrived. Only one more Angel was missing and he wondered about the importance of this royalty. As usual, the eldest siblings in their bunch had already introduced themselves. He did not expect less from the prim and proper Rose and her dog, Vincent.

Standing his ground with such posture that was filled with complete confidence and charisma, Eldrich find his loophole between them. They were all prim and proper which was similar to his half siblings’ demeanor. It was good to know that not everyone was trying hard to make the marriages come true. His onyx eyes gazed at the princess who had taken her seat without care about how she looked like and her black wings quite noticeable in a castle that had a bright theme. She spoke with a finality that he found utterly worthless. Thus, he responded with a smile that was neither condescending nor warm.

“You should tell that to yourself, princess.”

Eldrich spoke with such neutrality that one would not know what to grasp about his intentions. Sarcasm? Humor? Common Sense? Or anything else? He knew that Rose would be scolding him in just a bit for his so-called impoliteness or to receive a certain gaze from Vincent. In any case, he was correct to assume that it would not be as boring as he thought this “meeting” would be. Averting his gaze from the “gloomy” princess, he observed the other occupants of the room and waited for any other responses from them. In his opinion, introductions are just mere intricacies not needed between the lot of them. Albeit, his elder sister would reproach him in just a couple of minutes or seconds based on his deductions. He should give at least a curt courtesy to his future in-laws. After all, he could already feel the heated glare of his siblings and such.

“By the way, I am Eldrich one of the remaining sons of Lucian although, I am not the youngest or the eldest as said earlier.”



Elegant and soft steps can be heard across the smooth marble floor. The only one that can do such movements in the castle of Angels was the Eldest Princess in such a nature akin to one. It was followed by other steps that can be attributed that belong to the handmaidens. They had always done their best to accompany the Lady Princess due to her impairment. However, the said Princess had never showed any weakness and proceeded to live in full normalcy. Actually, this had given her the unique sharp senses of hearing, smell and touch that aided her to cope with her daily living. Thus in the current distance that she had towards the Greeting room, she could already identify through the vibrations and sounds that her siblings and future partners in life were inside.

She concluded that an apology would be needed. Tardiness is unbecoming of her despite the cause of this action. The reason for her late arrival was a brief conversation with her father to discuss about the proceedings and to ensure that she would aid the whole event without any unneeded altercations. It was not hidden from their Father that most of her younger siblings were against with the idea of being bonded in Holy Matrimony with a demon. She understood the sentiments of her brothers and sisters although; they had certain duties to uphold to their people. This is the price of being granted as a Royal Noble.

All of these confused and precised feelings fluttered within her mind as she had finally arrived at the door where she had been told that the Demon Guests had been placed. There was no doubt in her heart that this was the most convenient method to avoid any further bloodshed between the two races. A life of ten people in exchange for millions, it was indeed a bargain to end the war that lasted for so many years. Although, the fact remains that she would never be at peace with the knowledge of the death of her twin brothers. However, it is a matter that does not concern the current agenda for the day. Gently touching the pendant that was upon her neck, she gathered enough courage and confidence. After doing so, her handmaidens approached the door as it was opened for her. It was gesture that she had found a bit too much since she could do it on her own. Albeit, her loyal servants would not hear her otherwise. The princess merely let them do as they pleased as she was now presented before the occupants of the room.

“Good day to all, I apologize for my tardiness. I had an early appointment I could not miss.”

Entering the room with such grace and elegance befitting of an ephemeral beauty, she wore a white dress which had the hue of blue that served as its design. The said attire was simple however, the way she carried it made it unearthly wonderful. Her clothes complimented her pure white wings that had been said to be the brightest of all of the Angels and her features that made her ethereal to no fault. An epitome in her race although, her closed eyelids interpreted her lost of eyesight. Still, it did not affect her beauty that was mesmerizing in every sense.

” My name is Iofiel, the Eldest daughter and Princess of King Samuel. It is nice to make your acquaintance.”

Speaking with a calm and soothing voice that was natural to her, she could hear the steady and erratic heartbeats of her siblings and guests. It seemed that there was an event that she had not witnessed. She only hoped that it would not escalate into an unnecessary discomfort. After all, they were all going to be married tomorrow. Later in the evening, there will be a ball to celebrate the occasion of unity between the Angel and Demons. It would be much appreciated if all would worked smoothly until the end.

Deep, teal eyes glared to the greater outdoors. Lush greenery passed by within every second, blissful, gentle critters hopping about casually. With a sky was painted a lovely shade of blue and the sun shooting Earth harmonious rays, the entire surrounding could make even the most depressing being resuscitate with life. It was unfortunate the effect only disgusted the young demon princess. She had every desire to escape from this territory, the one owned by angel. Yeah. Her very enemies. Many would wonder why the princess has not been attacked yet, and why the carriages captivating her siblings ahead have not been captured yet. Many would not dare to let their mind venture off to the most ballistic possibility of all – marriage. Since when did angels and demons cooperate in the first place? As if being wed to each other would solve the problems going on between the races, but that was exactly what her father and the damn angel’s leader believed. Reasons were unknown to her, but what she did know was the trust issue that would be established between the five future couples. If one died, then his or her spouse would be immediately accused of the murder, thus resulting in another bloody war. A light scowl menaced Carmina’s pale, pink lips. She primly positioned her pale chin on top of her slender fingers, falling into her own thoughtful world. It was definitely bound to happen. By the amount of royal demons and angels already murdered in the hands of rogues, the chances of framing the opposite race was likely. If only her opinions mattered amongst her family as much as the battlefield, drama might actually be prevented.

A shame it wasn’t.

Tearing her dark aquamarines away from the giddy, unrealistic angelic nature, her attention was diverted to the present. The carriage she shared with one of her elder brothers had halted to a stop. Taking a glimpse at the window furthest from her, she caught a peak at a brilliant, magnificent castle, far more rounded and even than her more Gothic home. It was time to meet her fiancé, her husband. Almost immediately, the doors were swung open. Greeting her was a butler of the angel’s, introducing himself, their whereabouts and whatnot. He was an idiot in her opinion. No doubt she knew where she was and why she was here. However, she followed her sister’s orders and behaved like the little princess she was, and simply let the servant’s rudeness slide. She took a ginger step onto the ground as if it were to crumble any minute before setting her full weight down. Led into the castle, the amount of white décor almost blinded her precious, beautiful eyes. She overheard that their eldest daughter was disabled to sight. Oh, I wonder why, Carmina mused.

Later, she had arrived at the destination. Pausing before taking the final, elegant strides, she had half the mind to turn and sprint all the way back home. She had the stamina to do so, but the butler had already scurried away to his previous post and she had lost her way in the whiteness. Skewered to one choice and no other, she decided to take action and bravely move forward. No longer did she want to appear like an immobile blemish in the bleached hallway. Inhaling a comforting breath, her hatred towards the situation soothed (barely) and entered. In the room, many were already present. She believed she was one of the last to arrive. In all due courtesy, she dipped her head in a slight bow and instantly introduced herself in a light, airy voice. “Hello. I’m sorry for the delay. Anyhow, my name is Carmina, the youngest of the Demonic household, daughter to Lord Lucian. It’s a pleasure.”

Half wasn’t even true, but hey, she did exactly was Rose had instructed. Taking a step closer to her only sister, her talented ability to mask and deceit was finally put to use. Although she understood that tensions were high and nobody liked each other as of yet, hopefully not one would think bad of her.

Or she just might end up skewering them instead.