"Y-Your Highness... where are your clothes?"
A guard was speechless as he observed King George XIX seated on the throne, legs spread, with not a single thread of clothing in sight.
The bald royal belted out a laugh as a camera crew recorded him live, broadcasting his nude figure to the entire world for a state address to the people.
Millions of people were watching the televised broadcast. Televisions across the country tuned in to see what the King had to say about the cost of living crisis and the state of the economy. Instead of seeing their King dressed for the occasion, they were greeted with images of what his body had to offer.
King George felt a layer of perspiration forming on his face as the cameras pointed in his direction. The royal staff all gasped and stared.
Elizabeth, his dear wife, walked up to the King. She roared with laughter while clutching a machete. She rushed toward the king, decapitating the naked King over the live broadcast.
The nude King's head rolled to the floor, as his people viewed his now naked, headless body, over the broadcast.
"..."
"..."
"Gaaaah!"
Azazel gasped, opening his eyes. His breaths were heavy, panting, as he saw Emma's concerned face staring at him. Her hands were on his shoulders as she sat in the bed next to him.
"Azazel! You are awake, finally! Are you okay?"
His breathing started to slow as he aroused from his trance. The demon looked around the unfamiliar room. He noticed a small window with sunshine peaking in from a sheer, blue curtain. Under it a small shelf with a vase of yellow flowers.
Azazel was resting in a king-sized bed with a pure-while comforter. He reached up and adjusted the pillow under his head. Chicken feathers. Felix must have used the feathers from that chicken Natasha had as a snack.
"I think so...I had a nightmare," Azazel spoke.
"Thank goodness. You were out cold for an entire month!" Emma smiled and sat up straight in the bed. She rested her index finger against her chin. "A lot has happened."
Azazel sighed. The last thing he remembered was Lucifer being summoned from Hell, revealing himself as his father.
"Did I dream it or did Lucifer really say he created me?" Azazel inquired as he furrowed his brows.
"He really did say that," Emma responded as she gazed into Azazel's eyes. "That doesn't change how I feel about you! I promise!"
Oh, really?
Azazel smirked, moving his hand to Emma's knee.
"And just how do you feel about me, my kitten?"
Emma blushed and looked away. She stood up and backed away from the bed. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
"You're teasing me!" She pouted.
"Indeed, but tell me, how do you feel?"
Emma, her face still flushed, opened her eyes and placed her hands on her waist.
"I, Duchess Emma, like Azazel a lot!"
Azazel laughed at her proclamation.
"Okay," Azazel snickered as he sat up in bed.
He cleared his throat, address her in a stern, royal tone, the one he would often use in his previous life as King.
"I, Azazel, the apparent son of the Lord of Hell, am madly in love with the Duchess Emma!"
Azazel also flushed red at his words. Shit. Did I really say I love her? Maybe it was a bit much.
Emma's eyes widened at Azazel's words. She walked up to him and leaned forward, quickly kissing him on the lips. She backed up, heading for the door of the room.
"You l-l-love me?" She gasped and quickly ran out.
Azazel sighed. I frightened her. No booty for me right now. I even have this large bed under me. I could have used my charms, too, if I hadn't messed up. The damn half-demon in her is resisting hard right now. Ah, I remain untouched.
Azazel pulled the sheets down and stood up. He made the bed so it was left in pristine condition, then he left the room. Outside the room was a large area with both a living quarters and a small kitchen.
"Amazing, everyone has been working so hard to build Britannica," he smiled as he observed the wonderful home they had built. He figured there were more like it by now.
Azazel walked outside. He saw so many new buildings - both living quarters and shops. He gasped and clapped to an invisible audience. Somehow the teamwork of the village had made the once empty field look like it was bustling with activity. They had a long way to go, but he was proud of what they had created for Granny's kingdom.
Azazel figured he would check in Granny. He went to the familiar cottage and knocked. He heard Granny tell him to come in, so he opened the door and ducked so his horns wouldn't damage the ceiling again. He sat down at in the chair at the table, and waved briefly.
Granny set a tray of sugar cookies on the table and took a seat herself. "Hello, demon. Have a nice nap?"
Azazel shook his head and took a cookie. He nibbled on it. Granny should open a bakery.
"I would have liked it better if I didn't pass out for a month," he chucked.
"There's a problem," Granny frowned. "Some guy from Serdona came here with a paper. He said we are violating decrees by developing land here. He said you tried to register us, but didn't meet the requirements. He was a government official."
Azazel swallowed hard. "Oh, that...." The whole marriage thing...
"Marry Emma. Now," Granny's voice was harsh and demanding.
Azazel narrowed his eyes at Granny. "What if she says no?"
Granny shook her head. "Here." She dug in the pocket of her apron and pulled out a small case, handing it to the demon.
Azazel opened the box, seeing a ring with a large moonstone looking crystal attached. He took it out and put his finger over the smooth stone.
"Don't tap it."
Azazel tapped it.
A huge ray if light emitted from the ring, shooting upwards, leaving a huge hole in the roof. Azazel immediately placed the ring back in the box.
"I told you not to tap it," Granny frowned. "Fix my ceiling."
"Yes, I will ask Natasha to fix the ceiling immediately," Azazel sighed. "What is this rather dangerous ring?" How the hell did Granny end up with God's weapon? Well, it looks like some kind of holy spell, anyway.
"My husband proposed with this ring. He said it could protect me," Granny punched her little arm forward. "Smite demons."
Azazel laughed. "Thank you, Granny."
He stood up, crouching, and gave Granny a kiss in the cheek. She smiled faintly and pat the demon in the head.
"Be a good boy," she mused, handing Azazel another cookie.
Azazel nodded and waved, leaving the cottage. He nibbled in the second cookie. Simple, but delicious with the perfect use of cream of tarter and vanilla extract.
He stood up straight and placed the box in his pocket. Proposing with a dangerous ring seems fitting. A nice accessory for a half-demon.
Azazel pondered on the proposal method. He then remembered the Bokeball and the wolf creature contained. He thought about it and how much Emma seemed to be amused by the undead animals. He then remembered the tailor, Felix, who could make a proposal banner. Maybe attaching a sign to the wolf would be a good method.
Azazel wandered around their little village and found the cabin Felix had set up shop in. He went inside to see Felix at a loom, working hard to create items. He paused and looked around. Several racks of clothing and textiles already lined the shop.
Everyone has been hard at work while I was dead on my ass, I see.
"Felix," Azazel addressed the cat boy.
Felix haulted his work. His fluffy tail swished as he stood up, ears pointed as he smiled at Azazel.
"Lord Azazel!" He smiled. "I am glad you're awake!"
Lord Azazel?
"I was wondering if you could make me a fabric sign? One I could tie around the neck of a wolf?
Felix placed his hand to his chin and nodded. "I could."
"Great. Please inscibe the words Will you marry me?" Azazel felt awkward explaining such a request.
Felix's ears stood straight up when he heard the request. A sly smile spread across his face. He clasped his hands together I'm excitement.
"Yes, yes!" He purred, his body rumbling. "This is exciting! I will start immediately!"
"Thank you Felix. I appreciate your hard work."
Azazel smiled and left the building. He looked up at the sky. His heart beat rapidly as he thought about his method of proposal. His nerves were on edge. He was worried she would say no and the implications it would have on everyone he had already gathered to the land. He didn't want to let anyone down.
Though a demon, he still held the heart of a kind, caring king. Since meeting so many amazing people, he was more king than demon. He often found himself suppressing his demonic urges for the greater good.
The son of Lucifer. A tall handsome demon, with fangs and horns. With his dark garbs and intimidating gaze, would be a true heroic leader for the people of the kingdom Granny wished to see thrive.
Though, he still desired to have a snack of animal blood and murder innocents. He held back a laugh. The blood of an animal would be an alright indulgence, but he would suppress the urge to slaughter the innocents, as the king deep in his heart overpowered that desire.
Tonight he would find a beast to feed on. Tomorrow? Azazel would propose to the half-demon woman of his dreams.