The serpent's bite is quick, but its poison lingers.
Preparations
The message from the Sorcerer Lord arrived in the morning.
Sorcerer Lord Not-So-Mighty: [Hey Shay, got some news for you.]
Although I was already awake, I had no desire to get out of bed. I tossed and turned for a while, hugging my pillow.
[What's up?] I typed.
Sorcerer Lord Not-So-Mighty: [I heard you've finally made a decision about the throne. Congrats, I always knew you'd pull it off.]
I did not write any reply to that.
Sorcerer Lord Not-So-Mighty: [By the way, you should've received Crimson's invitation by now.]
[Yeah, I got it. That senile vampire didn't even bother to tell me about the coronation.]
Sorcerer Lord Not-So-Mighty: [Typical. Just be prepared for the meeting with that in mind.]
[Okay.] That was all I wrote.
Sorcerer Lord Not-So-Mighty: [Good luck with the preparations!]
Why does he want me so badly to thank him?
[...]
[Thanks.]
Sorcerer Lord Not-So-Mighty: [Anytime.]
He typed and even added a disgustingly friendly smiley in the next message. Ew. We are not that close, Shorty.
Rolo chose this moment to enter my room. He looked at me rather strangely, both because I was awake and because I had a rather strange expression on my face as I looked at my phone.
I sighed and took the cocoa from him, sensing that the days ahead were going to be difficult. Only three days remained until the ceremony.
"I have a request," I began, sipping my cocoa. I waited for him to raise his eyebrows questioningly. "I would like you to draw my coat of arms."
Rolo was startled at first, then smiled slightly, mockingly.
"It's an honor," he said, his soft voice contrasting with his smile.
I knew he was genuinely pleased. Rolo disappeared for a few hours after that, likely gathering information on what a king's coat of arms should look like. Meanwhile, I went to visit Luna in her caravan.
"Shay," she immediately flew into my arms.
"Hi," I smiled. "I need your help."
She looked at me with interest and led me further into her realm. She sat me down, and I had some of her fragrant tea.
"The thing is, I'm having my coronation in three days," I said, "and I need some clothes."
She didn't seem surprised; in fact, she smiled and hummed as she led me to a huge chest filled with the noblest fabrics.
"It's time to start designing," she said excitedly, her face glowing.
It took perhaps twice as long as it did with Mazen to work out every detail of the dress. With fairies, each fabric and each color had a meaning that changed when combined. I counted my blessings that Luna was at home with it.
"The coat of arms is still in the planning stages," I confessed.
Luna smiled encouragingly.
"I have one more request: I was thinking of giving each member of my court an amulet."
"Sounds interesting," she smiled. "Go on!"
"I thought it could be a bracelet. Although the coat of arms isn't ready yet, you could add that and some sort of protection. I'm a little worried because it's not safe to be in a king's court."
"All right, I'll see what I can do," she said. "Send me a copy of the coat of arms design later."
"And one more thing," I grinned, "I'd like a baseball bat for Ábel."
"A baseball bat?" she was surprised.
I nodded. "I've been wanting to give him one for a while. When I first saw him, I thought the only thing he needed was the perfect bandit look. It would be fun, wouldn't it?"
She giggled. "Of course it would!"
With that, I sipped the rest of my tea and said goodbye.
By the time I got home, Rolo had nestled himself in my room with a pile of pencils and an eraser.
"What should your coat of arms be?" he asked excitedly.
"A snake."
"A snake?" he was surprised. "Are you sure? It's quite an unusual and negative symbol."
"Indeed," I grinned. "But what about a winged snake?"
"Okay," he said finally.
"I thought we could use our family crest," I suggested. "For example, the winged serpent encircling the crescent moon."
He nodded and started drawing. His concentration was intense, his hand moving deftly across the paper as the design of the winged serpent took shape.
"What about the colours?" I asked.
"I was considering gold and black," he replied without looking up. "Gold for royalty, and black for the strength and mystery we represent. Do you have anything on your mind?"
"Gold and black are strong choices," I began, "but what about silver? I will be known as the Hueless King, after all. A silver serpent would be fitting."
Rolo paused, looking up at me with a puzzled expression. "Hueless King? What's that about?"
I shrugged, a faint smile playing on my lips. "It's a nickname I've acquired. It symbolizes my ability to adapt and my neutrality, free from the biases of color."
He considered this for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Silver it is, then. And for the crescent moon?"
"I was thinking a deep blue," I suggested. "It symbolizes unity and balance, something I want to bring to my reign."
Rolo smiled approvingly. "Silver and deep blue. I like it. It's unique and meaningful."
I watched as he deftly incorporated the colors into the design. The silver serpent encircling the deep blue crescent moon looked striking and powerful. I left him to his work and moved to my desk to start drafting the invitations. Each word had to be perfect, not too formal but still commanding respect. As I worked, I could hear the soft scratch of Rolo's pencil in the background, a soothing reminder of him being in the room with me.
Hours passed, and I finally stretched, feeling the tension in my muscles from sitting too long. Rolo looked up, a proud smile on his face, and handed me the completed coat of arms. It was magnificent—a silver winged serpent encircling a deep blue crescent moon, its scales intricately detailed and the wings spread wide as if ready to take flight.
"This is perfect," I said, genuinely impressed.
He beamed. "Of course, it is."
(...)
The next day, my first stop was back at Luna's caravan. She had already placed the things I needed in a box. We had breakfast together, and since I had become something of a regular, she even had a packet of cocoa set aside just for me.
I was then presented with a smaller box than the ones her caravan was full of, but the inside was also charmed, allowing it to hold a surprisingly large amount of items. Inside, clothes were neatly folded, and under Luna's encouraging gaze, I tried them on.
There's something about clothes that can transform a person, and Luna was visibly delighted with how I looked. I hadn't even finished buttoning my shirt when she was already at my side, pressing soft kisses along my neck. I let out a pleased moan, and she giggled, her fingers working to free my chest from the confines of the shirt.
"You look really nice," she whispered into my ear. "But I prefer you without your clothes on."
Before long, we found ourselves in her bed. Sometimes we had sex. Our encounters were never about more than physical connection; there was no pretense of deeper feelings. We enjoyed each other's company, and that was enough.
This time, our lovemaking was slow and intense, with every touch designed to push her closer to the edge of sanity. I kissed and caressed her as she sighed softly, her reactions a mix of pleasure and desire.
I smiled — waiting to see if she would beg me to give her more of myself. But no, Luna was not that kind of girl. I was keenly aware of Luna's dual nature. Though she seemed delicate and let me take the lead, she had a fierce side that she would occasionally let slip.
As we continued, she quickly shifted positions, guiding our movements with her own rhythm. Her eyes sparkled with wild intensity, there was an animalistic rawness to her that only fueled my desire.
This time, I allowed Luna to bite me. Her fangs pierced my neck, and while there was an initial sting, it was soon replaced by an overwhelming sense of ecstasy. Vampires, when they bite someone, are able to take control of the other's senses and give something in return for blood: the most intense satisfaction in the world. The experience was unparalleled, a blend of intense pleasure and the primal thrill of her vampiric nature. It was a parting gift from her to me, an unforgettable experience.
I didn't have to state the obvious. Maybe she wanted a little payback for not having me anymore.
After our time together, we lay side by side, neither of us ready to let go of the intimacy of the moment. Luna rested her head on my chest, and I placed a hand gently on her hip. There was something deeply comforting about this closeness, a small space she carved out in my heart, even if it was not enough to fill it entirely. Luna's soft giggle broke the silence, likely sensing my reluctance to part from our stolen moments. That must have been how she felt. Love is a hard thing. Sometimes two people like each other, they fit together, yet they can't fall in love.
Eventually, she slipped out of bed, her naked form moving with a natural grace. She must have known how tempting she looked, as she smiled coyly while walking to her desk. Returning with a small bag in hand, she climbed back into bed beside me.
"I have prepared the amulets," she said, answering my unspoken question.
I eagerly untied the bag and found several bracelets inside, each adorned with the engraved coat of arms on a circular metal plate. Each bracelet was unique, but the crest was a common element.
"You are a goddess, Luna!" I said with a grin, planting a kiss on her cheek.
"And you haven't seen my surprise yet," she replied, her smile widening as she opened her palm to reveal a silver signet ring.
"This is my gift for your ceremony, my King," she said, presenting the ring with a touch of ceremony.
I accepted the ring, admiring its intricate design. It was a fitting tribute to the occasion and to our unique relationship. As I slipped it onto my finger, I knew it would be a cherished symbol of this moment.
"Thank you."
She smiled, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and affection. "I'm glad you like it."
I leaned in to kiss her gently, the warmth of her lips a comforting reminder of our shared connection. "This means a lot to me."
We lay there for a few more moments, enjoying the quiet companionship. There was a comfort in our closeness, a rare serenity in the midst of all the impending changes. Despite the brevity of our time together, it was a cherished part of my memories.
Eventually, I pulled away slightly and looked at her with a hint of determination. "The coronation is just around the corner. I need to get going."
Luna's expression grew serious for a moment, her playful demeanor giving way to genuine concern. "I'm sure you'll do great. You're ready for this, Shay."
I nodded, "I hope so."
Luna gave me a reassuring smile, then stood up and began gathering the last of her things. I climbed out of bed and began dressing, the anticipation of the coming days weighing on me. I glanced back at Luna, who was now fully dressed and watching me with a mixture of affection and sadness.
"I'll miss our moments together," I said, feeling the sincerity of the words.
"Me too," she replied softly. "But we both have our paths to follow."
(...)
The next day, Felis was taken aback to find that Mazen's mood had dramatically improved. In the two days following the battle, he had subjected his men to even harsher punishments for the smallest offenses—often merely for speaking or even breathing. He had been patient only with Felis, administering a potion to him — he was touched by this, an honor he never imagined he'd receive.
So it was particularly surprising when, on the third night, Mazen arrived at the mansion in unusually high spirits. He ordered his supper to be served and ate it in silence, not even a single curse leaving his lips.
Felis followed him with silent footsteps through the mansion's corridors until they reached the library.
"I will be leaving on the twenty-seventh," Mazen declared, "and while I am away, you will be in charge of the mansion and my followers. Prepare yourself."
Felis was taken aback. "Where are you going, my lord?"
"To the coronation ceremony," Mazen replied matter-of-factly.
Felis was momentarily speechless. The words cut deep, serving as a stark reminder of Mazen's defeat—something he was unwilling to accept.
"But, my lord," Felis said, struggling to mask his shock, "are you really going to his coronation?"
"Are you questioning my decision, Felicián?" Mazen's tone was sharp as he rummaged through a bookshelf.
Felis' dissatisfaction was evident, though he tried to hide it. Mazen found what he was looking for and handed Felis a leather-bound book. The boy looked at him, puzzled.
"If you're invited to the ceremony, it's customary to offer a gift," Mazen added.
With that, he dismissed Felis and went to have his lunch. I watched the interaction with a mixture of amusement and curiosity.
"Seriously, you should try it," I said, unable to keep a grin off my face.
Mazen merely sighed and returned to his meal, while I enjoyed my fries with cranberry jam. Of course, Mazen couldn't get his mind around how I could desecrate the food like that and refused to believe that it was delicious. Felis, ever watchful, scrutinized my every move, likely wary of any ulterior motives. Maybe I was thinking that I would I was trying to kill his master in the middle of lunch. I left him blissfully unaware and did not tell him the obvious: even if that happened, he would do little to stop me. Besides, for a while, I was amused by his focused attention.
After lunch, I patted my belly contentedly.
"I suppose you didn't just come here for the food," Mazen remarked, his gaze still fixed on his plate.
I grinned, reaching into my pocket. "I almost forgot."
I pulled out an envelope and handed it to him. The envelope bore a simple emblem— a winged serpent encircling a crescent moon, sealed with white wax. Mazen's eyes narrowed as he examined it.
"A winged serpent and the crescent moon."
"Good, right?" I said proudly, displaying the signet ring Luna had given me.
Mazen acknowledged the design with a nod, but his lack of enthusiasm was clear.
"Aren't you going to open it?" I prompted, and Mazen realized it was indeed appropriate.
He broke the seal.
[To His Most Esteemed Lord Mazen,
In the spirit of reverence and utmost respect, I extend to you, along with your distinguished entourage (only Felis!) a formal invitation to partake in the grand spectacle of my coronation ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on the 27th day of July.
It is my fervent hope that you shall honor us with your esteemed presence. (Your presence is mandatory!!)
Yours in profound respect and anticipation,
Shaytan
(P.S.: The gift is also mandatory! Your compliance is anticipated with great eagerness!)]
The corners of Mazen's lips twitched as if he couldn't help the smile that was about to appear on his face. Then, when I asked him to help get the rest to the right people, he wasn't so cheerful. Of course, he did it anyway.
"I have one more request," I began, watching as Felis stared at me with increasing anger.
He must have been thinking, it's not enough that I'm arbitrarily inviting myself to lunch and sending my mail with the Lord, I've got the nerve to keep fattening the list.
Mazen raised an eyebrow, half-irritated, half-curious. "What is it?"
"Do you know which of your followers was responsible for killing the police chief's daughter?" I asked with a sly grin.
"Three of my men were involved in the assassinations," Mazen replied. "One was killed by you after the torture, another died in battle, and the third escaped. I hunted him down for treason."
"Hm," I mused. "And is that mage still here—the one Pitou sent?"
"Yes," Mazen confirmed.
"Then I'd like to claim him," I said, noting the shift in Mazen's demeanor from interest to disinterest.
Mazen simply nodded and instructed Felis to escort me to the cells. Felis, although he looked rather grumpy, obeyed the order. He was curious, and I knew that sooner or later he would ask me the question. He led me through the winding passages of the mansion.
"What are you planning to do with him?" Felis asked, his tone brimming with frustration.
He lasted longer than I thought he would.
"Sacrifice him," I said with a chilling smile.
Felis' expression turned from irritation to shock. He likely imagined some grim blood sacrifice, though his imagination might have also conjured more extreme scenarios. He didn't ask further questions as we reached the cell where the mage was confined.
"Hey!" I called, but the mage seemed lost in his own world.
Deciding to be more forceful, I took a deep breath and spoke firmly. "Stand up and come here!"
Felis shuddered beside me, his eyes wide with curiosity. The mage slowly rose and approached the bars, his gaze unfocused.
"All right," I said, "you're the one who killed the police chief's daughter. Do you understand?"
The mage nodded slowly, his expression blank.
"Open the door," I instructed Felis. "He won't try to escape."
Felis complied, and I led the dazed mage out of his cell. Throughout, Felis' confusion grew evident.
"How did you do that?" Felis finally asked, unable to contain his curiosity.
"It's not magic," I explained. "It's called the the King's Command. It's a rare skill."
With that, Felis fell silent, and I departed with my new acquisition.