Lucian's sharp eyes locked onto Kael's as the Elven warrior lunged, his blade glinting in the moonlight.
"You're the mistake," Kael growled, spinning to aim another strike. "You're a demon. A predator. And I won't let her fall into your clutches!"
Lucian sighed, dodging another swing, his movements effortless. Swift and agile, as the shadows were too slow to catch up to him. "You are no match for me, elf."
But Lucian moved like liquid shadow, his boots skimming the balcony floor as he dodged and parried with his bare hands. The sound of Kael's blade clashing with empty air echoed through the space.
Finally, with a swift, calculated motion, Lucian caught Kael's sword hand, twisting it just enough to disarm him.
"This was never a fair fight," he said, his voice low and commanding. "You knew that when you drew your sword."
"Stop it!" Aeliana screamed in panic.
"What in the heaven's name is going on here?"
All heads turned as Queen Celithe stepped onto the balcony, her elegant gown trailing behind her. Her emerald gaze darted between Kael, Lucian, and Aeliana, the weight of her authority filling the air.
Kael, visibly shaken, stammered as he bowed deeply. "Y-Your Highness… I was… protecting the princess. He is… a demon. A natural enemy, and I thought—"
"Enough!" the queen snapped, her voice cutting through his excuses like a blade. "You thought nothing, Kael. You acted recklessly and brought shame upon yourself—and upon this evening. Guards!"
Two armored Elven soldiers appeared instantly at her side.
"Escort Kael to the barracks. I will decide his punishment later," Celithe commanded, her tone brooking no argument.
"Y-Your Highness," Kael tried to protest, his voice trembling with desperation, "I was only—"
"Enough," she said coldly, her piercing gaze silencing him.
As Kael was led away, Aeliana let out a shaky breath, her hand brushing against her temple. "I… I'm sorry, Your Majesty," she said, turning to Lucian. "I didn't expect this."
The queen's expression softened slightly as she turned to Aeliana. "You have nothing to apologize for, my dear. This was supposed to be your day, and I regret that it was disrupted so shamefully."
Lucian brushed the dust off his sleeve, his expression neutral. "Your Majesty, no harm was done," he said smoothly, though his tone carried a slight edge. "But I agree with your step-daughter. It might be best if we excuse ourselves early."
Aeliana nodded, her voice quiet but resolute. "In regards to you, Mother,"
Queen Celithe inclined her head. "Very well. My guards will escort you on your journey back to ensure your safety."
Aeliana glanced at Lucian, her expression conflicted.
Aeliana looked up, her platinum blonde hair catching the silver light. She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I've just been thinking about… everything." She gestured vaguely, her voice low. "About us. About tonight. About what Kael did and how others might feel the same way."
She nodded. "Yes. Kael was one of the people I trusted most. If even he couldn't accept this union, what if others—others who are stronger, more dangerous—decide to oppose us? I don't want anyone hurt because of this… or because of me."
Lucian reached out, taking her hand gently in his. His touch was warm, steadying, as his voice softened. "Aeliana, listen to me. I won't let anyone hurt you. Not Kael, not anyone else who can't see what we're trying to build together. If they come for us, they'll regret it."
She frowned slightly, concern flickering in her emerald eyes. "But I don't want this to turn into more bloodshed, Lucian."
"It won't come to that, Aeliana. I promise."
"You really believe that?" she asked, searching his gaze.
"I do," he said firmly. "And I believe in you. Your speech tonight—that wasn't just words, Aeliana. You made them feel something. You reminded them that there's more to life than war."
Aeliana smiled faintly, her fingers brushing over his as she relaxed slightly. "You make it sound so simple."
Lucian chuckled, a low, warm sound that made her heart flutter. "Simple? No. Worth it? Absolutely."
"You sound so certain. How can you be so sure everything will work out?"
His smirk returned, though his eyes softened as they locked onto hers. "Because I've already defied every expectation to get to this point. A demon lord and an elf princess planning a future together? If we can make it this far, what's a few more hurdles?"
"But in all honesty, Aeliana, I'm not doing this just for my kingdom or yours. I'm doing this for you—for us. Because I believe in what we can accomplish together."
Lucian grinned, leaning back against the carriage seat.
Then Aeliana spoke again, her voice thoughtful.
"What about us personally?" she asked. "When all this settles, when we've proven to the world that peace is possible… what kind of life do you want for us?"
Lucian's expression softened, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "I want a life where you can smile every day without worry. A life where we're not defined by the roles we were born into, but by the choices we make together. I want a family someday—maybe a little mischievous demon-elf hybrid running around."
Aeliana's eyes widened slightly, her cheeks turning red. "A family? You're already thinking that far ahead?"
"Why not?" he asked, his grin teasing but genuine. "Isn't that the point of this? To build something lasting? Besides…" He reached out slyly, brushing with his fingers a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I think you'd make a great mother."
"Let's survive the ball and the political drama first, shall we?"
Lucian chuckled again, his hand lingering near hers. "Fair enough. But just know that whatever comes next, I'll be by your side—whether it's winning over kingdoms or dodging tantrums."
Aeliana smiled, her worries easing for the first time that evening. "Thank you, Lucian. For everything."
Their carriage rocked gently along the rocky, bumpy pathway. Nearing Aeliana's hometown—The Elven Kingdom.