Standing over the hanger bay, surrounded by several Knights of Luna, all watching my every action, my fist tightened over the metal rails. That bastard had not even sent powerful Knights, merely those at the bottom of the food chain, Star-Lord, and Realm Lords, to watch my every move. He was trying to humiliate me, and it was working.
I cannot even remember when I was to be watched by those I deem weaker. All it would take was a single snap—a flicker of my palm through subspace to atomize these insects leaving only the remains of dust as evidence if they were so lucky.
"Incoming," one of the hanger operators shouted, "Chancellor's Karr, personal cruiser, CR-11-C1, has arrived. Preparing magnetic clamps for docking. Protocols engage, requesting—"
"Just let them land," I coldly snapped, in no mood to follow these rigorous regulations. I could feel Karr on the ship, alongside another carrying the scent of brimstone.
So it was true, Arsene is actually related to the devils; it seems that boy did not lie to me. A shame how naive he truly is to be related to that demon Arsene Snow. Squealing to a duchess is never a wise move, especially for one who needs to prove her loyalty.
Leaping over the railings of the third floor, I soared downwards, landing near the platform Karr's ship would land. Waiting for a brief moment followed by seconds trailing by, the heat of the turbines carrying a dense heat rippled over my cheeks like a haze of fire; wishing to sear me alive, I remained still, knowing this little bit of heat could not even begin to harm me, much less a Realm Lord.
Awaiting their arrival, the vessel holding Arsene's new pet landed, and out from its side came a mechanical lift that revealed two. Chancellor Karr, and the one called Zanris, a similar kind of elf, like me. Although I could not feel the power of night within her, only the screaming inferno of suffering and pain emanating from her soul, the longer I stared.
"How pretty," Zanris said, charging down the lift towards me. She smiled, circling me as though I was prey, apparently ignorant of the difference in power and stature. Ignoring her existence, I turned to face Karr, slowly making his way toward me.
"Duchess," He greeted formally.
"Chancellor, " I reciprocated and turned my back, "Arsene is currently making him—"
"His Majesty," Karr coldly said in a soul whisper, freezing my soul, as the devil child's lips curled up, her scarlet eyes brimming amusement that I dared not think one so young would possess. I could feel it in her soul, she was less than a cycle old, but the malice she held was terrifying.
"Forgive me, His Majesty," I swiftly corrected, " is awaiting all of us. He is currently in the war room alongside the various generals."
"What general?" Said Karr, turning to Zanris, who shrugged.
"I wasn't invited," I informed, turning my head, knowing the king was simply humiliating me. He wanted me to grovel for power. Strive for the influence my family once held. "We will make for the palace. I have already prepared an office for you to address the current situations with the banks, the merger of the seven kingdoms, taxes, etc."
Leading the way out of the hanger bay towards the palace walls, Karr and I engaged more with amongst each other. It was a bit reminiscent of old times. Karr had always been a good teacher and advisor. For all his faults and lack of ambition, the chancellor always seemed to be in a position of power. A trait I would forever envy.
Unsure how the conversation trailed to Arsene, the new king, we had long since reached the palace grounds, which were a labyrinth. Even when this building was under my rule, I had always felt out of place in its walls.
"You know why I am here, Layla?" Karr said, not bothering to wait for my answer. He continued, "You will be the new lord of Umbra. I don't want you on Nocturne."
"You!" I raised my voice, ready to bellow when Karr placed his hands over my shoulder and turned to Zanris, smiling. She was always smiling. "
"Leave us. I—"
"Fine, but only because the master is close." She readily said, letting her gaze linger with thoughts of something that made my skin crawl. She skipped ahead without a care in the world, waving her hand. "See you soon."
"If you stay, I'm afraid you will cross the king. Of all the foolish dukes to betray the king, you are the one I worry about the most. His Majesty is not an ordinary man. I am sure you have seen, if not felt it too. We are all on thin ice. It's not just you who has to prove herself. I, too, am under hot water. He doesn't want any of us to be comfortable." Karr whispered, pulling me a bit closer; he sighed as my shoulders trembled with a bit of anger.
"Am I supposed to take all of this humiliation without a fight?" I spat softly, vigilant of what lay in the shadows.
"I didn't say that; his Majesty's values are still a mystery. We cannot fight him openly but rather in politics. The battle is never over. Devils are appearing, and I fear what is going to happen. While my loyalty is to the Ashen Prince, I care not for these pests linger over our home." He mentioned coldly, bearing an aloof demeanor I had not seen in a while.
"Then you have my support, at least what little I have," I muttered, "Let's go; I am sure no king likes to be kept waiting."
Approaching the war room, blocked by two masked guards in loose robes of black and grey, carrying the sigil of Tenebrae, an upside-down triangle with the crest of a moon at its center, their spears parted.
"Duke Karr, Duchess Ozul," They responded at attention and made way.
Pushing past the threshold without another word, an air of brimstone came like a violent wave as my heart faltered. Quivering at the horrid demonic essence staining the darkness, I stared at the oval table that held a particular beast with long horns, ashen hair, scarlet eyes, and red skin tattered with black and red scales. He was handsome for whatever he was, but there was something in me screaming to flee; To run.
"Ah," Said Arsene sending me a long stare over his weary eyes, seated at the head of the war room, filled with brimming killing intent, unfolding as if were a natural occurrence. "You are right on time. But I don't remember allowing the Dutchess in."
A blatant lie. The guards allow me in.
"But it's fine. Don't you think Father in Law?"
The horned devil smile slipped away, "Just call me Asmodeus."