It was all just so surreal to Chris. The crowning to the ceremony, everything looked like something she read out of a fantasy book.
She sat down at a table with Gabriel as they enjoyed the dance of the couples on the dance floor.
"I'm glad it's all over" Chris groaned resting her cheek on her hand.
Gabriel chuckled at her antics"It wasn't that bad" he said.
"No it was worse. It looked like something out of a crazy fantasy. I felt so unsettled with everything" She said shaking her head.
" Well it's not yet over"he said.
Color drained off her face as she stared at him with a haunting expression.
"We haven't done the Tribute. Don't worry it's a small ceremony. It has to strike twelve before it begins. Not everyone is welcomed at it." He explained.
Chris sighed in relief " So what's the Tribute?" She asked curious.
"It's where the king has to go on his knees on the sacred stone and the priest bath him in blood."
It all sounded so gruesome and disgusting to Chris. She couldn't help but squeeze her face in disgust.
Gabriel chuckled at her expression "It's not so bad" he smiled cheekily.
Chris scoffed"Says the person that's used to seeing it all."
Her expression suddenly changed to one of mischief. She leaned forward making him lean towards her.
"So..tell me why aren't you dancing with any girl or aren't they your type?"She asked wiggling her brows.
Gabriel's cheeks reddened "I-i think you have me mistaken for Austin. I don't really go after ladies." He said.
Chris nodded " He's quite the womanizer isn't he" She said.
" He is. I remember one time I came to visit him in his home and caught him with a lady on his bed. He is so shameless you know, he didn't stop,made me wait and watch" Gabriel scoffed in annoyance as he remembered the event.
"Really? So you watched?"She asked with rounded eyes.
Gabriel's eyes widened. He shook his head in refusal "Of cause not. I left the room." He smiled in satisfaction.
Chris tsked shaking her head "Expected" she said nodding her head.
"For how long have you all been friends with Lust?"She asked curious. She spotted Lust among the crowd with Rage or 'King Rage' as they spoke with a few people.
Her insides felt hurt at the sight of him.
"A really long time...." Gabriel replied with a smile.
Chris nodded.
"Do you have any friends?" Gabriel asked as he watched her with a look of curiosity.
A bitter smile envolped her face as she thought of her friends.
"I did back home. But here, only Anna. I haven't seen Umaera and Elios in a while" she shrugged.
" Whose Anna?"Gabriel asked confused.
"Oh she is my maid"Chris said smiling at the thought of her maid.
"So....do you want to be my friend? I could show you alot of things" Gabriel said as he shyly scratched his neck. His ears were red as he waited for her reply.
Chris stared at him in disbelief. Her eyes watered. She wiped her eyes chuckling.
"Of cause. We could have so much fun. And you seem different" she said smiling warmly at him.
Gabriel raised a brow a cheeky grin on his face"Good different or bad different?" he asked.
"Warm and sweet kind of different. Definitely my type" She replied winking at him.
They spent the entire evening talking and getting to know each other more.
It was already twelve midnight and some guests have already returned back to their homes and kingdoms while a few of them are moving outside behind the castle.
Chris was in the company of Gabriel as they both walked towards the back of the castle.
His presence kept alot of lustful demons away from her.
Once they reached the back yard, they all gathered around the scared stone.
It was a huge bed of rocks. The priest was already waiting on it. Rage still undressed, climbed the rock and went on his knees. The priest picked up the bowl on the rock. His fingernail elongated. He used it to slit his finger letting his blood drop into the bowl. Lust followed his lead.
One by one everyone gathered stepped forward to drop a pinch of their blood into the bowl.
Chris raised a brow at this practice. She turned to Gabriel questions dancing in her eyes.
He sighed deciding to explain to her "This is an ancient rock. Every ruler must kneel on it and be bathed in the blood of his loyalists. It forms a connection between the king and the past rulers or guides and us.Its meant to make them stronger . It's just like going to pray or thanking your ancestors or something" Gabriel scratched his head hoping she'd understand.
"That's such a crappy belief but it will do I guess" Chris shrugged.
She watched as everyone dropped their blood into the bowl including Austin and Leonard. It now their turn.
She turned to Gabriel nervous. He held her hand as they walked forward together.
Chris nervously stretched her finger forward. The priest with his sharp nail slight her finger skin making her blood drop into the bowl. Her face contoured in pain. Immediately her blood mixed with the others. It started boiling.
The priest eyes widened as he stared at the blood in the bowl. Smoke was already erupting from the bowl before it all settled. His eyes raised to Chris as he stared at her with a new look on his face.
Chris pulled her finger away and avaited her gaze. Those who saw what happened looked terrified.
Once Gabriel gave his blood,they walked back to their spot.
"That was awkward" Gabriel mumbled.
"It was all because of me" Chris sighed in defeat.
"No it wasn't" Gabriel said giving her a warm smile.
The priest held the bowl above Rage head ready to pore it. His eyes connected with Chris once again. A new glint in his eyes as he poured the blood over Rage head.
Immediately the entire bowl was emptied on Rage head his eyes darkened.
The air suddenly became freezy. His body temperature increased as his body shook like he was having convulsion.
Everyone gasps in fright and shock. The priest looked taken aback and confused.
"Is something wrong?" Chris asked feeling worried.
"I think so. He's convulsing and the weather is freezing. As demons we aren't suppose to be affected by it but right now I am. Something feels wrong" he looked troubled as he stared at the priest.
Chris stared at him confused "But I can't feel it. I'm not cold" she said.
Many emotions passed Gabriel's eyes as he stared at her.
On top the rock Rage was shaking so much that it bothered Lust.
"Is he okay?" Lust asked the priest.
The priest looked confused"This wasn't supposed to happen,I don't know what's happening. Let's give him time." He said staring at Chris.
" I'm sure it's the girl" he mumbled under his breath.