The Demon Prince

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟗

The moon cast a silver glow over the Fairy King's Forest, where Zeldris and I stood holding hand, just gazing into each other's eyes. All of this time he had been by my side - just as he had once said in one of my dreams. I didn't know what to think of it still, but it brought me comfort that he had kept an eye on me all of this time. But why? As I stood there looking at him, I felt that same pull as I did so many years ago. My soul, even the darkest parts that I kept hidden, called out for him. As if they had finally found their equal. With him, I was no longer afraid to be called a monster. Even if I was a monster, he would stay by my side. Just by his presence, his gentle touch, the storm inside of my had finally calmed down. I needed answers, I had to know why this raven-haired Demon had such an effect on me. I had been kept in the dark now for almost three millennia. Asking Merlin of Meliodas was out of the question. The two brothers had grown apart too much, if I had asked him . . . I had been so afraid to lose the only people who I still cared for. 

❛ Zeldris, what is there between us? Why do I feel such a deep connection with you, despite barely knowing you? ❜ He pulled me closer to himself, just like he had done in all of these dreams. ❛ Come with me, I'll tell you everything you want to know. ❜

He leaded me away from the woods, my hand still in his. Before coming here, I had thought I would feel guilty. I had chosen to abandon them. In my heart I knew that Meliodas would have little to no fate in his younger brother, so much had happened between them. Maybe I was crazy to think that I would be able to reunite the two brothers, but I at least had to try. It wasn't until I saw Zeldris that I realized that I was here on my own selfish desires as well. My entire life had revolved around helping others; first the Holy War, now Elizabeth and Meliodas . . . I had the right to act on my own selfish impulses. With the youngest Demon prince, I could see my future unfolding. Side by side, he as the King of the Demon Realm, me as his Queen. My insides purred by the images in my head. 

I was caught by surprise when he lifted me up in his arms, soaring into the sky. Laughter escaped my lips, I turned to face him. ❛ I'm perfectly capable of flying myself, you know that right? ❜ A smug smile played on his lips, speeding up. ❛ Yes, but this way it's so much more fun. ❜ The Forest disappeared out of sight as we soared through the night sky. For the first time in my life, I felt completely free. We landed again by a lake where an abandoned cabin stood. ❛ I - I don't want to introduce you to the other, not yet. I found this place, and I thought that we could stay here for a while. ❜ I nodded my head, opening the door. Besides the musty scent, the cabin looked quite well. Still, a faint sense of disappointment came over me. Soon he would have to leave me. Zeldris was now the leader of the Ten Commandments, there was no way that he could stay away for such a long time. They relied on him. And after Meliodas' betrayal . . . I could imagine that they would quickly suspect the worse if Zeldris disappeared for days. I did understand why he wanted to keep me hidden from them, I had no desire to meet them myself. They would still recognize me as a member of the Goddess Race. Years may have passed for me, but they had been in captivity for such a long time . . . Had they even been aware of all the time that had passed? 

I placed my hand on his shoulder, offering him a soft smile. ❛ When will you be leaving? ❜ He lowered his eyes to the ground before taking a deep breath. ❛ By morning. ❜ I tried to hide the sadness that crept over me for his sake - I had known what I was getting myself into before coming here. Besides, it would be worth it for every moment that we could spend together. Even if it was only today, he would know that I chose him. ❛ So, we really shouldn't waste tonight then . . . Care to join me for a swim? ❜

Before he could answer I stripped out my dress, placing it on the bed, and ran to the lake. I didn't have to look back to know that he would follow me. A second splash sounded right after the water embraced my skin. When I reached the surface again, I placed my arms around his neck. He looked so beautiful under the moonlight. I didn't want to ask again, I didn't want to ruin this perfect moment. Especially if he would leave in only a few hours.