The Ruby Empire

Albion the Lich: Part Two

Male Monster x Female Reader

Ria has been here for almost six months. Every day she brings a little more light to the castle. Every day I feel a little less cold. We've learned to communicate now through our hands. One of my staff taught us sign language so that she could talk to me without the hassle of pen and paper. Although, most times, I feel as if I can understand her without words.

She tells me she loves me every moment she can. Her hands move and it makes my old heart feel young again. I have been too afraid to say it. I feel my words would be a cage around her and hold her here. I want her to feel free and to make any decision in the world. I will not keep her trapped.

She kisses me and it is like spring. Everything is new and fresh, the world is green. I do not know exactly what power she has, or if this even is one at all, but she holds me. No mortal has ever held me before. Many have tried and many still do. But with a kiss or a smile, this creature holds me captive.

"Have you ever loved someone before?" She asks me one day. He hands moving fluidly.

I sigh and raise my hand, signing along with her. "I can't answer because I do not know. Or perhaps, I can't remember."

"How could you ever forget?" She asks, worry in her eyes.

"Before I became what I am, I was once mortal like you."

Her eyes widen and she clambers to my side. She signs frantically and I have to grasp her wrists to calm her down. "Speak slowly. Say it again."

She sighs and rolls her eyes. She signs again. "I want to know this story. Tell me everything. How did you use to be mortal? What happened? How old are you really?"

I push her hands down. "I don't wish to tell you about my past. Not now at least."

The look in her eyes is powerful enough to melt the forever ice up north. I kiss her cheek and she nods to me. "I won't push for answers then," she tells me.

"I appreciate it," I murmur into her ear.

The day goes along as normal. Until the evening when there is a loud commotion at the gates. One of my knights comes to me but I already know what he has to say. Another knight has come in an attempt to prove his worth.

"Ria," I pull her to my side and grasp her shoulders. "Go to your room and hide. Lock all the doors and do not let anyone in until I come for you, understand."

She raises her hands. "What's wrong?"

"A pest problem. Nothing serious but I am being cautious." I kiss her forehead and she smiles brightly at me.

"Be safe then, my lord," she tells me. "Come back in one piece."

"I'll try," I whisper and send her off to her chambers.

Pesky knights like this have never been truly anything to worry about. Sometimes they do cause damage. Very few times have they hurt any of my staff or the villagers outside. It's only when I smell smoke I begin to worry. I rush towards the doors but my knights are trying to close them, pushing with all their might. They're blown back, the doors are ripped from their hinges. I swipe my hand out, guarding myself against the doors and flying debris from the explosion.

Another explosion follows it and I am not quick enough to block from this one. I'm hit and ember singe my robes and catch them on fire. I see a figure stomp into the hall was. His armor is not silver, but pure black. He stands in the doorway, staring me down.

"Sorry to drop in, hope I'm not interrupting." His voice is a low, gravelly rumble.

I snarl, tossing my robes away and taking my war form. Heavy, dark armor covers my body and I stand heads above him. "Get out," my voice roars quietly.