A Crown of Lilies and Regrets (MxM)

Prologue

Thousands of years ago, the goddess Zei made two species. The innovators, humans. And the nurturers, demons. They were made to live in harmony.

One year, they faced a terrible drought, the land was hardened and dry, crops failed, and people grew desperate. With the need for resources, the two species waged war. They were full of hatred and fear. Those emotions drove them to violence and bloodshed.

Distraught with all of the death of her children, Zei split the land in half. Zei wept for the dead and the anger that tainted people's hearts. Her tears filled that crack she made. The land all around this river of tears flourished with life.

"My children, cease this foolish war and rejoice in happiness. Live in peace and prosperity with one another." Zei's voice boomed throughout the land. Humans and demons cheered.

Zei's youngest son, Rei, was sent down to the land. Tasked to build a kingdom where humans and demons could coexist peacefully. King Rei built the land into a prosperous kingdom now known as Thicia (Thee•see•uh).

Humans and demons lived in relative peace and the Holy War was known as a bad dream.

*Present day*

The crowd cheered as the Senian (see•nee•in) knights strutted into Sinait (Sih•nate). After being at war against the kingdom Vithoris, Nikolson was very thankful to be home. Sinait is the fiefdom that Nikolson's uncle, King Alfred Webb, gifted Nikolson four years ago on his Twentieth birthday.

Nikolson is well known by another name, the "King's Dog". Nikolson is a cold, merciless murderer who comes at the King's beck and call.

It's been four years since Nikolson has taken over Sinait. While everyone fears him, the people of Sinait also have a deep respect for the man. He built their poor village into a prosperous one.

The horses strode past the crowd, everyone was ecstatic. The war was over and they were victorious.

People were everywhere and everyone had a smile on their face.

But then some cheers of joy turned into cries of distress. Someone was shoving through the crowd.

Nikolson watched as a young demon broke through the crowd and onto the path cleared for the knights. The boy locked eyes with Nikolson and he could see the pure terror in the boy's eyes. The demon stumbled before Nikolson and let out a cry. Nikolson pulled the reins of his horse and came to a stop. The knights came to a stop behind him.

The crowd was silent. The boy swiftly stood up and dusted himself off. He kept his head to the ground with his fists clenched, as if he were awaiting punishment. His shoulders were tense and his hair was an unruly mess of light brown curls.

There was a long moment of silence.

"Why are you in front of my horse?" Nikolson's voice boomed throughout the square. Nikolson saw the boy's tail quiver.

'I-i'm sorry, my-"

"Look at me when you address me." Nikolson cut the young demon off. The boy's head lifted to look at him in the eyes. Nikolson observed the ruby red eyes that were shone with tears. The boy was trembling and Nikolson watched as he bit his quivering lip before releasing it.

"I-i apologize, m-my liege." The boy stammered out.

"You did not answer my question. Why are you in front of my horse?" He repeated himself.

"I-i..." The boy was shaking in fear and he was gripping his tail. Just when Nikolson was getting impatient, the young demon collapsed. Nikolson quickly dismounted his horse and caught the boy before he could fall. No one even saw him move, the crowd was stunned. Nikolson hoisted the boy on top of his horse before mounting it. He started towards his castle again and signaled for the knights to follow him.