Crimson {COMPLETED}

CHAPTER XIX

ADALIA'S POV

OCTOBER 31
7:58 p.m

CHRISTOS STARES off blankly as mother and father chew him out.

It was a family meeting of sorts that was called here in the study. My dear Lucifer is not here however, as he is fast asleep.

This is not the first time Christos or I have left without a guard but I don't think either of us have ever been gone that long without a guard.

Christos was practically missing the whole day.

"Absolutely no more of this. It sends everyone in the castle into complete and utter panic." Mother heaves. I know that she's hiding her fear that has since faded since Christos was brought home.

"I completely agree with you Mother, Christos and I should drop this reckless habit." I straighten up.

Christos is still in a daze however and does not respond.

"Christos are you even listening?" Father snaps him out of his trance.

"My apologies." He sits up.

"Oh for Christ's sake." Mother sighs.

"I'm truly very sorry, it's just I'm very distracted." He smiles wide.

"Clearly." Father takes a small stack of books left out on the coffee table and begins to sort them back on the shelf. "What has your mind so clouded anyhow?"

"Alice. She's my mate."

Everyone freezes and looks at Christos.

Oh god no. Just when I thought that me being the heir was guaranteed.

"I want to marry her. Immediately."

"Well why don't you?" Mother seems excited. They didn't get this excited when I told them about Lucifer.

"She's not comfortable with getting married right away." He scowls.

"But Adalia managed to make her mate her fiancé when they first met." Father pipes up, making my pride swell.

"Yes well Adalia's mate seems absolutely terrified of her." Christos remarks.

"He is not!" I gape. "Lucifer is grateful to be here."

"But he's supposed to be king one day?" Christos scoffs. "He'll get eaten alive."

"And dear Alice, a queen? She is a lovely girl but she is clearly very attached to the mortal realm."

"Her job would be to be my companion."

I click my tongue. "That's not how that works baby brother. You're supposed to rule together. Not one person ruling and the other person being an accessory."

"I don't think of Alice that way." Christos gawks at the implication.

"Liar." I mutter. "Poor Alice deserves much better."

"Lucifer doesn't even sleep in your bed with you." He snaps.

"I'm not going to force him to do something he's uncomfortable with." I cross my arms.

"Why should he feel uncomfortable sleeping next to his own fiancé?" He smirks.

"Alright, enough." Father intervenes. "You both sound like children."

"My apologies Father." I stand. "Anyways, I should get to bed. I'll see you all in the morning."

When I walk back into my room, its very quiet in here. Once I put out the fire it's even quieter, the only sound being the rise and fall of Lucifer's breaths.

Lucifer.

I turn and look at him all curled up on the loveseat, fast asleep.

He doesn't look like a Lucifer. His curly, fluffy dark hair, tan skin and chubby face. He's so adorable.

"But he's supposed to be king one day? He'll get eaten alive."

I sigh, knowing Christos is right. Lucifer is very sweet and naive, broken down. He won't last as a king.

Maybe a great husband, one day. Maybe a great king, one day.

But as of today? Not so much.

I love him to death but, he's killing me here.

The future of this realm is curled up on my loveseat, shaking and probably having nightmares about his dragon of a fiancé.

I sigh, lying down in bed. What more does he want from me?

I push myself out of bed and walk through the corridor, peeking into the library to make sure no one is there.

I walk in and wander down the aisles, looking for the books on health.

I skim a few, not finding what I'm looking for.

Finally I find one with brief advice.

"While there are no guaranteed cures for most mental health issues, many have found results in medication provided by a professional or by seeking therapy."

Maybe that's what Lucifer needs. I promised him a better life here, and that's what I'm going to do even if it kills me.
                             _________

NOVEMBER 1
10:34 a.m

I walk with Lucifer, hand in hand down the corridor.

He glances around each corner we pass and gapes at every corridor in sight.

"Alright." I stop walking and knock on the door.

Our royal advisor opens the door and her expression brightens at the sight of me. We're good friends. Mainly because she is a very hardworking woman, and nothing makes me happier than putting in a good word for the hard workers around here.

"Your highness, what can I do for you?" She smiles.

"I was wondering if you could have a small session with Lucifer here-" I glance to my side expecting him to be there but realize he's scooted behind me.

I keep forgetting I'm the only one around here that he has even a tiny bit of trust in.

I don't blame him.

She claps her hands together. "Of course. Come in dear, make yourself comfortable." She motions for Lucifer to step inside.

He doesn't budge an inch and glances at me.

"Come along Love." I grab him by the arm and pull him inside, helping him onto the couch.

"Adalia what the hell is this all about?" He whispers.

"I know you were going through a rough time before I found you so I thought you could have a nice little talk with our royal advisor, yeah?"

"Like therapy? I don't need this-"

I lean in close to his ear. "Love, we both know that's bullshit."

I kiss his cheek, ruffling his hair.

"Just talk to her, okay?"

"About what?"

"About anything. Everything." I whisper. "Even if it's about me."

I walk out, closing the door slowly and quietly.

Maybe this is what Lucifer needs to move on and adjust.